R&B legend D'Angelo dies at 51
Grammy-winning R&B artist D'Angelo has died, his family said Tuesday. He was 51.
The singer-songwriter and musician was known for his songs "Brown Sugar," "Lady," "Untitled (How Does It Feel)" and more.
"The shining star of our family has dimmed his light for us in this life… After a prolonged and courageous battle with cancer, we are heartbroken to announce that Michael D'Angelo Archer, known to his fans around the world as D'Angelo, has been called home, departing this life today, October 14th, 2025," his family said in a statement shared with ABC News.
They continued, "We are saddened that he can only leave dear memories with his family, but we are eternally grateful for the legacy of extraordinarily moving music he leaves behind."
"We ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time but invite you all join us in mourning his passing while also celebrating the gift of song that he has left for the world," the family added.
D'Angelo was born Michael Eugene Archer on Feb. 11, 1974, in Richmond, Virginia.
In a 2000 interview with Rolling Stone, D'Angelo said he got his start in music as a child, playing music in church where his father was a preacher.
"I played everywhere I could," he told the outlet at the time. "That's the real stomp-down, Pentecostal, holiness church... Shoutin', speakin' in tongues and just fire. That's where I really grew."
D'Angelo's debut album, "Brown Sugar," was released in 1995. He told Interview Magazine in 2013 that he wrote almost all the songs while he was in Virginia, between the ages of 18 and 19.
The critically acclaimed album helped define the neo-soul movement of the 1990s with live instrumentation, '70s soul influences and more. The album's title track also became an R&B anthem.
Following "Brown Sugar," the singer released his second studio album, "Voodoo," in 2000, which he worked on with musician and record producer Questlove. The album won best R&B album at the 43rd Grammy Awards, and the single "Untitled (How Does It Feel)" won best male R&B performance.
D'Angelo's studio album "Black Messiah" followed in 2014. It won best R&B album at the 58th Grammy Awards and best R&B song for "Really Love."
D'Angelo was nominated for a total 14 Grammys throughout his career, including a nod for record of the year for "Really Love."
D'Angelo's death comes less than a year after the death of Grammy-nominated R&B singer Angie Stone, with whom he shared a son, Michael D'Angelo Archer II.
He also leaves behind two additional children, a son and a daughter.
Upon the news of his death, tributes began pouring in for D'Angelo.
RCA Records shared a statement on Instagram, calling the artist "a peerless visionary who effortlessly blended the classic sounds of soul, funk, gospel, R&B, and jazz with a hip hop sensibility."
Actor, comedian and singer Jamie Foxx also shared a lengthy tribute to D'Angelo on Instagram, recounting the first time he heard his music.
"I said to myself damn whoever this is they are anointed..." Foxx wrote.
He added that he was in "pure awe" of D'Angelo's talents.
"Today real tears run down my face," he wrote. "To hear the news that God has taken one of his special creations home… I know God doesn’t make mistakes… But this one hurts like hell… rest up my friend… you will be missed forever…."
