Grammy-winning R&B singer Michael Eugene Archer, widely known as D’Angelo, has passed away at the age of 51 after battling cancer, his family announced on Tuesday.
The family described him as leaving behind “a legacy of extraordinarily moving music” and urged fans to celebrate “the gift of song that he has left for the world.”
D’Angelo was a pioneer of neo-soul, blending R&B with hip-hop, jazz, and other genres. He released three acclaimed albums, earning four Grammy Awards. His 1996 hit Lady reached No. 10 on Billboard’s Hot 100, and his 2000 album Voodoo won two Grammys. His 2014 comeback album Black Messiah also earned a Grammy for Best R&B Album in 2016.
Born in Richmond, Virginia, D’Angelo began performing locally as a child and won a talent competition at Harlem’s Apollo Theater at 18, which led to a publishing deal with EMI. Over his career, he collaborated with Lauryn Hill, The Roots, and other prominent artists.
Fans and fellow musicians, including DJ Premier, mourned his passing, praising his artistry and impact on music.
Source: BBC