R&B and neo-soul icon D’Angelo, whose music remade an age and inspired generations of artists, has died aged 51.<\/p>\n
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His death was announced by his family in a statement issued on behalf of his longtime label RCA Records.<\/p>\n
“Shining star of our family has put out his light for us in this life,” the announcement read. D’Angelo died on Tuesday following a “long and valiant struggle with cancer.” The family thanked the people for their affection while calling for privacy, noting that fans should honor the ” profoundly moving music he leaves behind.”<\/p>\n
RCA, in its own tribute, lamented the death of the visionary artist: “He was a peerless visionary who seamlessly integrated the classic sounds of soul, funk, gospel, R&B, and jazz with a hip-hop sensibility. His songwriting, musicianship, and unmistakable vocal styling will continue to inspire generations to come.”<\/p>\n
Raised Michael Eugene Archer in Richmond, Virginia, D’Angelo was the son of a Pentecostal preacher. His musical background was embedded deep in the church, where he started singing at a very tender age. At only 16 years old, he won the “Showtime at the Apollo” amateur night with his performance of Johnny Gill’s “Rub You the Right Way.” Two years after that, he relocated to New York City to become a professional musician, a move that he did against his family’s strong religious backgrounds.<\/p>\n
In a 2014 GQ interview, D’Angelo spoke about the intersection of the sacred and secular aspects of music. “I learned early on that what we were doing in the choir was as significant as the preacher,” he said. “The stage is our pulpit, and you can employ that energy – but you have to watch yourself.”<\/p>\n
His break was in 1994 when he wrote the hit single “U Will Know,” included on the Jason’s Lyric soundtrack. The track climbed to the Top 10 on the R&B charts, paving the way for his debut album.<\/p>\n
A year later, D’Angelo released “Brown Sugar” (1995) – a trailblazing album that spearheaded the neo-soul movement by blending R&B, jazz, hip-hop, and funk. It went platinum, making him one of the most influential voices of the genre.<\/p>\n