The Funkisphere is saddened to hear about the untimely passing of Singer,Songwriter,and Musician, D’Angelo.
Born in the US in the city of Richmond Va, as Michael Eugene Archer he played various instruments in the local Richmond band scene. He broke through and gained recognition in the then Neo-Soul music genre and was credited as a pioneer of the movement.
His name as a talented musician, songwriter and producer. quickly spread throughout the industry
He gained further attention as a Co-writer and Producer of the Single, “You Will Know” by the super group, Black Man United.This attention eventually got him singed to EMI records in 1994.
With this momentum, behind him, his debut solo release,” Brown Sugar” went platinum and hits such as his cover of the Smokey Robinson classic, “Crusin and his co-written song “Lady” and two other “hit singles pushed the album to Platinum status which means he sold one million units and is cited as a major creator in the Neo-Soul movement.
His collaborations continued with arts Angie Stone, Erykah Badu, and Lauryn Hill among others. His performance of the Lauryn Hill track, “Nothing Even Matters” is still regarded as a memorable track.
He soon became a critics darling as Rolling Stone named him one the greatest singers in the top 200 of all time. of all time and was inducted in to the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame.
His next release,”Voodo” produced more hits and more critical acclaim.
Over time his music took on a harder, gritter even funkier edge.
With all of his success along with the trappings of it Dee’Angelo became beset with issues.
He didn’t like being marketed as a “sex symbol” This became an issue with him which led to personal struggles which led to drug and alchol abuse.
This affected his output of releasing new material.
His last release, “Black Messiah” in 2014 was met with critical acclaim and commercial success garnering several industry awards.
He made a few more artistic contributions to a few more projects and then retreated from the industry.
As he was recording his final release in 2025, he passed away from pancreatic cancer.
Rest in Peace and Power brother D’Angelo. Thanks for the music and memories.
