Grammy-Nominated R&B Singer Angie Stone Dies in Vehicle Collision

Legendary Neo-Soul Artist Passes Away at 63

Angie Stone, a Grammy-nominated R&B singer and songwriter, died in a traffic accident in Alabama on Saturday. She was 63. The news was confirmed by music producer Walter Millsap III, who stated that Stone was traveling in a van to Atlanta after a concert when it flipped over and was hit by a big rig. The other passengers in the van survived the crash.

A Pioneering Career in Music

Stone’s musical journey began in the late 1970s, when she formed the hip-hop trio the Sequence with Gwendolyn Chisholm and Cheryl Cook. The group, one of the first female rap groups, had a hit with 1979’s "Funk You Up," which was later sampled by Dr. Dre for his song "Keep Their Heads Ringin’."

Early Collaborations and Breakthrough Success

After the Sequence disbanded in 1985, Stone worked with Mantronix and toured as Lenny Kravitz’s sax player. She later joined Vertical Hold, releasing two albums on A&M Records in the mid-1990s. Her collaboration with D’Angelo, with whom she was romantically involved, led to her breakthrough success. She co-wrote the hit single "Everyday" for his 1995 debut album "Brown Sugar" and appeared on the soundtrack of the 1997 movie "Money Talks."

Solo Career and Accolades

Stone’s solo album "Black Diamond," released in 1999, earned rave reviews and went gold, spawning the hit single "No More Rain (In This Cloud)," which topped Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart for 10 weeks. In 2002, she scored another big hit with "Wish I Didn’t Miss You," which has more than 136 million streams on Spotify.

Awards and Legacy

Stone’s music embodied the earthy ideals and throwback spirit that made stars of fellow neo-soul artists such as Erykah Badu, Maxwell, and D’Angelo. Her songwriting skills and distinctive voice left a lasting impact on the music industry.

Personal Life and Legacy

Stone is survived by her son, Michael, and daughter, Diamond, from her marriage to rapper Rodney Cee of the Funky 4 + 1. Her music will continue to be celebrated and remembered for generations to come.

Conclusion

Angie Stone’s passing is a loss to the music world, but her legacy will live on through her music and the many artists she influenced. Her pioneering work in the 1970s and 1980s paved the way for future generations of female rappers and singers.

FAQs

• What was Angie Stone’s age at the time of her death?
  • 63
• What was the cause of Angie Stone’s death?
  • She died in a traffic accident in Alabama
• What was Angie Stone’s claim to fame?
  • Her debut solo album "Black Diamond" and hit single "No More Rain (In This Cloud)" in 1999
• Who were some of the artists Angie Stone collaborated with?
  • D’Angelo, Lenny Kravitz, and Mary J. Blige