D’Angelo, the soul and R&B legend whose influence helped usher in the neo-soul movement of the 1990s, has died after a private battle with cancer. He was 51.
The singer’s family confirmed his death in a statement to Entertainment Weekly, writing, “The shining star of our family has dimmed his light for us in this life. After a prolonged 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, departing this life today, October 14th, 2025.”
The statement continued, “We are saddened that he can only leave dear memories with his family, but we are eternally grateful for the legacy of extraordinarily moving music he leaves behind. We ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time but invite you all join us in mourning his passing while also celebrating the gift of song that he has left for the world.”
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Born Michael Eugene Archer on Feb. 11, 1974 in Richmond, Va., D’Angelo embraced music from a very young age, learning to play the piano at the age of three and bringing that skill to church every Sunday, where he joined his father, a Pentecostal minister. He would later bring those gospel roots to the music he produced, blending the genre with funk, jazz, and hip-hop influences to change the sound of modern soul music.
D’Angelo’s debut album, 1995’s Brown Sugar, arrived to critical acclaim and is considered one of the major works in redefining soul music of the ’90s. The record sold over two million copies, earned a platinum certification, and topped charts with such singles as “Lady,” “Cruisin'” and the title track, “Brown Sugar.”
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D’Angelo achieved new heights with his sophomore album, Voodoo (2000). The record became a cultural touchstone with its hit lead single, “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” and earned two Grammy Awards at the 2001 ceremony, for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B Album.
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