by Grammy-nominated soul singer Angie Stone, 63, tragically passed away in a car accident in Montgomery, Alabama. The incident occurred early Saturday morning after Stone had performed at the Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association Grand Marshal’s Ball. She was en route to another performance at the CIAA basketball tournament in Baltimore when the van she was traveling in collided with a commercial vehicle on Interstate 65. Among the nine passengers, which included her crew and backup singers, Stone was the sole fatality.  
Just days before her untimely passing, Stone shared her excitement about upcoming projects on Instagram, hinting at new music, tours, and television ventures. Her enthusiasm was palpable as she told fans, “I’m never just sitting still. I’m always on the move. I’m always doing something.” 
Stone’s daughter, Diamond Stone, expressed her grief on Facebook, writing, “My mommy is gone.” Fans and fellow artists have flooded social media with tributes, remembering Stone as a trailblazer who seamlessly blended genres and broke barriers for women in hip-hop and R&B. 
Official Statements:
“Never in a million years did we ever expect to get this horrible news. Our mom is and will always be our everything. We are still trying to process and are completely heartbroken,” Diamond Stone and Michael Archer. (Angie Stone’s children).
“We are truly devastated at this unexpected and unfortunate tragedy, and there are simply no words to express how we feel,” shares Walter Millsapp III (Angie’s longtime Manager). “No no no, I could not believe it when I received the call that the most beautiful soul, is now gone. I am completely heartbroken, we loved so many of the same things and people. I put her on the phone with Chaka Khan a bunch of times for them to laugh about the old days, and Chaka who is a big fan, loved her very much. The Angie I knew was always a beam of light and super positive, her contribution to Hip-hop and R&B is cemented in our collective consciousness,” Claude Villani – CEO of SRG-ILS Group.
Born Angela Laverne Brown on December 18, 1961, in Columbia, South Carolina, Stone’s musical journey began in the church, singing gospel at First Nazareth Baptist Church. Her father, a member of a local gospel quartet, introduced her to the rich traditions of gospel music, laying the foundation for her soulful sound.
In the late 1970s, Stone co-founded The Sequence, one of the first female hip-hop trios, alongside Cheryl “The Pearl” Cook and Gwendolyn “Blondie” Chisolm. Their 1979 hit “Funk You Up” became a pioneering track in hip-hop history, later sampled by artists like Dr. Dre in “Keep Their Heads Ringin’” and Bruno Mars in “Uptown Funk.”  
Transitioning from hip-hop to R&B in the 1990s, Stone became the lead vocalist for Vertical Hold, known for the smooth urban dance track “Seems You’re Much Too Busy,” a Top 40 R&B hit during the summer of 1993. Her solo career soared with the release of her debut album, “Black Diamond,” in 1999. The album, certified gold, featured the soulful single “No More Rain (In This Cloud),” which showcased her rich, husky vocals and heartfelt delivery.   
Stone’s sophomore album, “Mahogany Soul” (2001), solidified her status in the neo-soul movement. The album’s standout track, “Wish I Didn’t Miss You,” sampled the classic O’Jays song “Back Stabbers,” blending nostalgic melodies with contemporary rhythms. This heartfelt anthem resonated with many, becoming one of her most memorable hits.  
Throughout her celebrated career, Stone collaborated with a plethora of artists, including D’Angelo, Alicia Keys, and Lenny Kravitz. Her songwriting prowess contributed to D’Angelo’s acclaimed albums “Brown Sugar” and “Voodoo,” helping to define the neo-soul era. 
Beyond the recording studio, Stone showcased her versatility by venturing into acting. She appeared in films such as “The Hot Chick” (2002) and “Ride Along” (2014), and took on roles in stage productions, including portraying Big Mama Morton in the Broadway musical “Chicago.” 
Stone’s contributions to music earned her three Grammy nominations and two Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards. In 2021, she was honored with the Soul Music Icon Award at the Black Music Honors, a testament to her enduring impact on the industry. 
As we mourn her loss, we also celebrate the rich tapestry of music she gifted to the world, a legacy that will continue to inspire and resonate for generations.
