Angie Stone, a celebrated Grammy-nominated R&B singer, tragically passed away early Saturday morning in a car accident in Montgomery, Alabama. The incident occurred shortly after she performed in the city on Friday night, where she captivated audiences with her soulful voice and dynamic presence. Stone was en route to Baltimore for a scheduled halftime performance at the CIAA basketball conference when the accident took place.
Born Angela Laverne Brown on December 18, 1961, Stone was 63 years old at the time of her death. She first gained recognition in the music industry as a member of The Sequence, an early female rap group known for their 1979 hit "Funk You Up." Over the years, she evolved into a prominent R&B artist, helping to pioneer the neo-soul movement in the late 1990s alongside contemporaries such as Erykah Badu and Jill Scott.
Throughout her career, Stone garnered three Grammy nominations, including one for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for her song "U-Haul" from the 2004 album "Stone Love." Her contributions to music have left an indelible mark on the genre, and she is remembered for her powerful voice and emotive performances.
Stone’s death was confirmed by her representative, Deborah R. Champagne, who identified her body at a Montgomery hospital. The news has shocked fans and colleagues alike, as tributes pour in from across the music industry. She leaves behind a daughter, Diamond Stone, and a son, Michael D'Angelo Archer II.
As fans mourn her loss, they reflect on her significant influence in music. The sentiments of loss can be echoed in the poignant lyrics of Gladys Knight and the Pips:
"Neither One Of Us (Wants To Be The First To Say Good Bye)"
Angie Stone's legacy will undoubtedly continue to resonate through her music and the impact she made on countless artists who followed in her footsteps.
