Grammy-winning R&B artist D’Angelo has died, his family said Tuesday. He was 51.
The singer-songwriter and musician was known for his songs “Brown Sugar,” “Lady,” “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” and more.
“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,” his family said in a statement shared with ABC News.
Singer/Songwriter D’Angelo performs with his band The Vanguard at Club Nokia on June 8, 2015 in Los Angeles, California.
Earl Gibson Iii/WireImage/Getty Images
They 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,” the family added.
D’Angelo was born Michael Eugene Archer on Feb. 11, 1974, in Richmond, Virginia.
In a 2000 interview with Rolling Stone, D’Angelo said he got his start in music as a child, playing music in the Baptist church where his father was a preacher.
“I played everywhere I could,” D’Angelo told the outlet at the time. “That’s the real stomp-down, Pentecostal, holiness church… Shoutin’, speakin’ in tongues and just fire. That’s where I really grew.”
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
