Tributes have flooded in for the R&B and soul singer D’Angelo, who has died aged 51 after a pancreatic cancer diagnosis.
In a statement, his family wrote that the star, whose real name was Michael Eugene Archer, left behind a 'legacy of extraordinarily moving music' and asked fans to celebrate 'the gift of song that he has left for the world'.
The influential singer was known for pioneering neo-soul, a genre blending R&B with other styles, including hip-hop and jazz. His three albums won four Grammy Awards, and the music video for his hit song 'Untitled (How Does It Feel)' became infamous for its striking, single-shot performance featuring D’Angelo.
The shining star of our family has dimmed his light for us in this life, his family said. Fellow musicians such as Beyoncé, Nile Rogers, and Lauryn Hill shared their heartfelt tributes, honoring D'Angelo's unparalleled impact on music.
You were the pioneer of neo-soul, and that changed and transformed rhythm and blues forever, expressed Beyoncé. DJ Premier, a revered figure in the hip-hop community, also reflected on D'Angelo's tremendous talent, while others like Doja Cat and Jill Scott echoed sentiments expressing love and admiration for the late artist.
D’Angelo's journey in music began early, influenced by his upbringing as the son of a Pentecostal minister. He taught himself piano and later rose to fame with his Grammy-winning debut album 'Brown Sugar' in 1995. Despite personal struggles, including battles with alcoholism, D'Angelo made a significant comeback with his critically acclaimed album 'Black Messiah' in 2014.
As the music world mourns, D'Angelo’s legacy as a transformative artist continues to inspire musicians across generations, ensuring that his voice and influence will resonate for years to come.
