Award-winning R&B and soul singer D’Angelo, born Michael Eugene Archer, has died at the age of 51 following a cancer diagnosis, according to a statement from his family.
They described him as having left behind a "legacy of extraordinarily moving music" and encouraged fans to celebrate the gift of song he shared with the world.
D’Angelo was a pioneering figure in neo-soul, a genre that blends R&B with hip-hop, jazz, and other musical styles.
Over his career, he released three albums that earned him four Grammy Awards, and his music video for "Untitled (How Does It Feel)" became iconic for its intimate, single-shot performance.
D’Angelo’s family expressed their grief, saying, "The shining star of our family has dimmed his light for us in this life." Tributes poured in from prominent artists including rappers Doja Cat and Missy Elliott, as well as singers Jill Scott and Jennifer Hudson.
Doja Cat called him "a true voice of soul and inspiration to many brilliant artists of our generation and generations to come," while Jennifer Hudson described him as "a true original." Tyler the Creator credited D’Angelo with shaping his musical DNA and expressed gratitude for having experienced his art.
Beginning his career as a songwriter, D’Angelo collaborated with notable musicians such as Lauryn Hill and The Roots.
He rose to fame in the 1990s with his debut album "Brown Sugar," which featured the hit single "Lady" that reached number 10 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart in 1996.
Born in Richmond, Virginia, the son of a Pentecostal minister, he taught himself piano at the age of three and performed in local groups during his youth.
At 18, he won an amateur talent competition at Harlem’s Apollo Theater for three consecutive weeks and soon signed a publishing deal with EMI.
D’Angelo solidified his commercial success with "Brown Sugar" and won two Grammys for his 2000 album "Voodoo," which topped US charts and was ranked 28th on Rolling Stone’s list of the greatest albums of all time, just above The Beatles’ "White Album." Despite his success, he faced personal struggles including alcoholism and a near-fatal car crash in 2005.
He made a notable return to music in 2014 with the album "Black Messiah," which he completed amid national unrest following protests over police violence.
This album won the Grammy for Best R&B Album in 2016.
Among those mourning his loss was hip-hop legend DJ Premier, who produced D’Angelo’s song "Devil’s Pie," expressing sorrow and fond memories on social media.
At the time of his passing, D’Angelo had been working on his fourth album with Raphael Saadiq.
His influence on music and the artists he inspired remains profound, and his voice and artistry continue to resonate with fans and musicians worldwide.