Grammy Award-winning R&B singer. D'Angelo died after a “long and courageous battle with cancer,” his family said in a statement. He was 51.
“The shining star of our family has dimmed its light for us in this life,” said one family statement. “After a long and courageous battle with cancer, we are heartbroken to announce that Michael D'Angelo Archer, known to his fans around the world as D'Angelo, has been called home and departs this life today.”
“We are sad that he can leave only cherished memories for his family, but we are eternally grateful for the legacy of extraordinarily moving music he leaves behind,” the family said in a statement. “We ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time, but invite you all to join us in mourning his passing and also in celebrating the gift of song he left to the world.”
Untitled (What It Feels Like) The singer, whose real name is Michael Eugene Archer, celebrated the 30th anniversary of his debut studio album Brown sugar earlier this year. The platinum album featured signature hits such as Lady and the title track. The 1995 album earned him several Grammy nominations and established him as one of R&B's most original new voices.
Many celebrities and fans took to social media to pay tribute to D'Angelo after news of his death spread.
D'Angelo's sultry vocals became inseparable from the vibrant visuals of his 2000 single. Untitled (What It Feels Like). The minimalistic, shirtless music video became a cultural touchstone, sparking conversations about black male artistry, sexuality and vulnerability.
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The song earned him a Grammy for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance and helped promote his second album. Voodoo. topped the Billboard 200 chart and won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Album.
Beyond his own catalogue, D'Angelo's artistry has come through in collaborations. He memorably duetted with Lauryn Hill on a soulful ballad. Nothing even mattersa highlight of her landmark 1998 album. The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. He also appeared on The Roots' 1996 album. Illadelph Half-life and was part of the supergroup Black Men United, which released one song: you'll find outwhich D'Angelo wrote and co-produced for the film. Jason's lyrics in 1994.
D'Angelo was the partner of Grammy-nominated R&B singer Angie Stone in the '90s. The couple met when he was finishing Brown sugar and they share similar backgrounds: both are from the South and both grew up in the church. Stone worked on the album with D'Angelo and they co-wrote the song. Every day for her 1999 debut album, Black Diamond.
He is survived by his daughter Imani Archer and two sons, Morocco Archer and Michael Archer Jr., also known as Swavo Twain.
— With files from The Associated Press
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