Legendary R&B and soul musician D’Angelo has died at the age of 51 after a private battle with pancreatic cancer, his family has confirmed.
Born Michael Eugene Archer in Richmond, Virginia, D’Angelo transformed the landscape of modern soul music with his distinctive blend of gospel, funk, jazz, and hip-hop.
His groundbreaking debut album, Brown Sugar (1995), is widely credited with helping to launch the neo-soul movement of the 1990s, alongside contemporaries like Erykah Badu, Maxwell, and Lauryn Hill. The album sold over two million copies, featuring timeless hits such as “Lady,” “Cruisin’,” and the title track “Brown Sugar.”
D’Angelo’s 2000 follow-up, Voodoo, cemented his place in music history. The album earned him multiple Grammy Awards, including Best R&B Album, while the sultry single “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” won Best Male R&B Vocal Performance and became a cultural phenomenon—both for its sound and its unforgettable visual presence.
Over the years, D’Angelo was revered as a true innovator, fusing old-school soul with contemporary rhythms to create a sound that was uniquely his own. His influence continues to resonate across generations of artists, from Anderson .Paak and Frank Ocean to H.E.R. and Bruno Mars.
Since the news of his passing broke, fans and fellow musicians have flooded social media with tributes, celebrating his legacy and the emotional depth of his music.
D’Angelo is survived by his children and close family members, who have requested privacy as they mourn the loss of one of the most gifted and soulful voices of his generation.
He leaves behind a timeless catalogue and an enduring influence that will continue to shape R&B and soul music for decades to come.