Angela Stone Death and Obituary – Renowned neo-soul singer and pioneering artist Angie Stone tragically passed away on March 2, 2025, at the age of 63 following a fatal car accident in Montgomery, Alabama. Her untimely death has shocked the music world, marking the end of an era for a versatile artist whose career spanned over four decades. Stone’s contributions to the evolution of hip-hop, soul, and neo-soul music have left an indelible mark on the industry, influencing countless artists across multiple genres.
Born Angela Laverne Brown on December 18, 1961, in Columbia, South Carolina, Angie Stone’s musical journey began early in life, with gospel music serving as the foundation for her future endeavors. Her father, a member of a local gospel quartet, introduced her to the traditions of gospel music, setting the stage for her later success. At the age of 16, Stone co-founded The Sequence, one of the first all-female hip-hop groups, alongside Cheryl “The Pearl” Cook and Gwendolyn “Blondie” Chisolm. The Sequence, signed to Sugar Hill Records, achieved success with their 1980 hit single “Funk You Up,” which reached number 15 on the US Top Black Singles chart. The group’s innovative fusion of rap and funk paved the way for future generations of female artists in hip-hop.
After The Sequence disbanded in 1985, Stone continued to evolve artistically, establishing herself as a versatile performer. She became the lead vocalist of the R&B trio Vertical Hold, known for their 1993 single “Seems You’re Much Too Busy.” Stone’s songwriting skills also flourished during this period, as she contributed to the success of D’Angelo’s groundbreaking albums “Brown Sugar” (1995) and “Voodoo” (2000). These collaborations cemented her influence in the neo-soul movement and showcased her ability to blend contemporary rhythms with soulful melodies.
Stone’s solo career took off in 1999 with the release of Black Diamond, an album that earned critical acclaim and achieved gold certification. The album’s hit single, “No More Rain (In This Cloud),” topped the Adult R&B Songs chart and garnered Stone two Soul Train Music Award nominations. She followed this success with Mahogany Soul (2001), which included the international hit “Wish I Didn’t Miss You.” The song, which became a chart-topping success on the US Dance Club Songs chart, solidified her status as a neo-soul icon.
In 2004, Stone released Stone Love, which debuted at number 14 on the US Billboard 200. The album was a commercial success, selling 53,000 copies in its first week and reflecting her adaptability as an artist. Her next project, The Art of Love & War (2007), debuted at number 11 on the Billboard 200, topping the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and reinforcing her prominence in the music world.
Beyond her music career, Stone expanded her talents into acting. She made her film debut in the 2002 comedy The Hot Chick and appeared in the 2003 musical comedy-drama The Fighting Temptations alongside Cuba Gooding Jr. and Beyoncé. She also performed on Broadway in Chicago and appeared on television shows such as Girlfriends and VH1’s Celebrity Fit Club.
Throughout her life, Stone was a devoted mother to two children: a daughter, Diamond Ti’ara, from her marriage to Rodney Stone, and a son, Michael D’Angelo Archer II, with neo-soul singer D’Angelo. Her experiences as a mother deeply influenced her music, adding a personal and emotional layer to her work.
In recognition of her contributions to music, Stone received numerous accolades, including two Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards. In 2021, she was honored with the Soul Music Icon Award at the Black Music Honors, and in 2024, she was inducted into the Women Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Angie Stone’s passing is a profound loss to the music community. Her trailblazing role in the evolution of hip-hop and neo-soul, along with her rich catalog of music, will ensure her legacy endures. As fans and fellow artists mourn her loss, Stone’s influence will continue to inspire generations to come.