She is already sorely missed!
The world is mourning the heartbreaking loss of legendary soul singer and hip-hop trailblazer Angie Stone. The beloved artist passed away suddenly on Saturday morning in a tragic car accident in Montgomery, Alabama, at the age of 63, NPR reports.
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Stone’s voice was more than just a sound. With a career spanning over four decades, she left a lasting mark on the music industry, influencing generations of artists and fans alike. From her groundbreaking contributions to hip-hop as part of “The Sequence” in the late 1970s to her reign as one of the defining voices of the neo-soul era, Stone’s artistry knew no bounds.
Born in Columbia, South Carolina, Angie Stone was introduced to music early, singing gospel in church and honing her craft through poetry. She used the money she saved to record demos at a local studio. Her first big break came with “The Sequence,” the first woman hip-hop trio signed to the Sugar Hill Records label. Their 1979 hit “Funk You Up” paved the way for women in hip-hop, breaking barriers at a time when the genre was still in its infancy. Stone later transitioned to R&B as a member of the group “Vertical Hold” in the early 1990s, further cementing her versatility as an artist.
As the neo-soul wave took hold in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Angie Stone emerged as one of its brightest stars. Her debut solo album, Black Diamond (1999), was a soulful masterpiece that introduced hits like “No More Rain.” She followed up with Mahogany Soul (2001), featuring the timeless anthem “Wish I Didn’t Miss You.” With a signature sound that blended soul, jazz, R&B, and hip-hop, Stone stood alongside artists like Erykah Badu and Musiq Soulchild as a defining voice of the era.
Still, her impact didn’t stop at music. Stone’s talent extended to film and television, with roles in The Fighting Temptations film and Girlfriends, where she also lent her voice to the show’s theme song. Whether on screen or on stage, her presence was undeniable.
Her devastating sudden loss due to a car accident while traveling from a performance in Alabama sent shockwaves through the music industry. In a joint statement, her children, Diamond Stone and Michael Archer, whom she shared with singer D’Angelo, expressed their profound grief.
“Never in a million years did we ever expect to get this horrible news. Our mom is and will always be our everything. We are still trying to process and are completely heartbroken.”
“We are truly devastated at this unexpected and unfortunate tragedy, and there are simply no words to express how we feel,” added Stone’s longtime manager, Walter Millsap III.
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Beyond her music, Stone was an advocate, a role model, and a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. She dedicated herself to uplifting her community and inspiring future generations. She was set to perform at the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association(CIAA) this past weekend, CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams-Parker paying tribute to Stone via statement.
“She used her incredible talent, passion, and presence to inspire and touch us with strength and hope,” said McWilliams Parker.
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Tributes from her peers took in entertainment poured in across social media, with many sending their deepest condolences and fond memories about Stone.
“Queen! Angie. I’m devastated. Sending prayers and love to your family, children, and the millions who loved you. You will forever be in our hearts. Fly high my Soul Sista,” wrote Anthony Hamilton.
“I don’t know what’s going on with so many people leaving this planet, but what I do know is that death is a door that we all will face one day. And I pray that my life has touched folks the way she touched so many,” added Tyler Perry.
Angie Stone leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and soul. She is survived by her two children, two grandchildren, and an entire community of fans who will forever cherish her contributions to music and culture.
Cover photo: Remembering Legendary Soul Singer & Hip Hop Pioneer Angie Stone/Photo credit: Frans Schellekens/Redferns