R&B Legend Angie Stone Dies at 63 in Tragic Car Crash

The music world is mourning the devastating loss of Angie Stone, a trailblazing Grammy-nominated R&B and neo-soul icon, who passed away at the age of 63. Stone’s untimely death occurred following a tragic car accident in Montgomery, Alabama, while traveling with her band after a performance, en route to Atlanta.

Born Angela Laverne Brown on December 18, 1961, in Columbia, South Carolina, Stone’s musical legacy began in the late 1970s when she made history as a founding member of The Sequence, one of hip-hop’s first female rap groups. Their hit "Funk You Up" became a cultural cornerstone, later sampled by Dr. Dre ("Keep Their Heads Ringin'") and Bruno Mars ("Uptown Funk"), cementing its influence across generations.

After her success in hip-hop, Stone transitioned to R&B, performing with Vertical Hold and Devox before launching her solo career. Her debut album, "Black Diamond" (1999), featuring the soulful anthem "No More Rain (In This Cloud)," went gold and solidified her status in the neo-soul movement.

Her sophomore release, "Mahogany Soul" (2001), delivered the smash hit "Wish I Didn’t Miss You," a song that became a defining track of the early 2000s. The combination of soulful lyricism, deep emotional resonance, and vintage instrumentation made Stone one of the most celebrated artists in R&B.

Stone’s unparalleled artistry led her to collaborate with some of the biggest names in music, including:
✔ D’Angelo – Played a pivotal role in shaping his "Voodoo" album.
✔ Alicia Keys – Inspired a new generation of female R&B powerhouses.
✔ Missy Elliott & Snoop Dogg – Expanded her reach across multiple genres.

With three Grammy nominations, countless awards, and a career spanning five decades, Stone’s influence stretched far beyond the airwaves.

Stone’s talents weren’t confined to music. She left her mark on Hollywood with roles in films like "The Hot Chick" and "The Fighting Temptations" while also appearing on TV shows like "Girlfriends"—where she performed the theme song.

Her signature blend of soulful vulnerability and unshakable confidence made her a role model for artists and fans alike.

In the weeks leading up to her passing, Stone reflected on her journey in music, expressing her unwavering passion for the craft and hinting at future projects.

She is survived by her daughter, Diamond, and son, Michael Archer, whom she shared with neo-soul legend D’Angelo.

Her legacy is etched in the fabric of soul, hip-hop, and R&B, influencing countless artists and touching millions of fans worldwide.

Angie Stone’s sultry voice, poetic lyricism, and genre-defining artistry will continue to reverberate through music history, keeping her spirit alive in the melodies she left behind.

As we bid farewell to a true legend, her songs remain immortal, a testament to the power of soul music and the timeless impact of her voice.