The music world is in mourning today as news breaks of the untimely death of R&B and neo-soul icon, Angie Stone. The 63-year-old singer, known for her soulful voice and timeless hits, was tragically killed in a car accident early this morning while traveling from Alabama.
Angie Stone, born Angela Laverne Brown on December 18, 1961, in Columbia, South Carolina, first rose to fame as a member of the pioneering hip-hop trio The Sequence. The group, which also included Cheryl “The Pearl” Cook and Gwendolyn “Blondie” Chisolm, made history as the first all-female rap group to sign with Sugar Hill Records. They are best known for their hit singles “Funk You Up” and “Funky Sound”.
In the early 1990s, Stone transitioned to R&B, joining the trio Vertical Hold before embarking on a successful solo career. Her debut solo album, “Black Diamond,” released in 1999, was a commercial success and featured the hit single “No More Rain (In This Cloud).” Stone continued to release critically acclaimed albums, including “Mahogany Soul” in 2001 and “Stone Love” in 2004.
Stone’s contributions to music extended beyond her own recordings. She collaborated with numerous artists, including D’Angelo, with whom she co-wrote songs for his albums “Brown Sugar” and “Voodoo.” Her influence on the neo-soul genre is undeniable, and her music often reflected her personal experiences and relationships.
The accident that claimed Stone’s life also involved nine other band members, who were traveling with her in a Sprinter van. Reports suggest that the van was hit by an 18-wheeler truck, resulting in the fatal crash. The news has sent shockwaves through the music community, with fans and fellow artists taking to social media to express their grief and pay tribute to the beloved singer.
Angie Stone’s legacy will live on through her music, which continues to inspire and resonate with fans around the world. She leaves behind a son, Michael, a daughter, Diamond, and two grandchildren. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family, friends, and fans during this difficult time.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for more updates as we learn more about this tragic loss.