D’Angelo, Grammy-winning R&B singer, dies of cancer at 51

R&B legend D’Angelo has died, his household confirmed to CBS News on Tuesday. The singer, whose actual title was Michael D’Angelo Archer, was 51.

D’Angelo’s household mentioned the Grammy-winning artist died Tuesday after a “extended and brave battle with most cancers.” 

“We’re saddened that he can solely go away pricey reminiscences together with his household, however we’re eternally grateful for the legacy of terribly transferring music he leaves behind,” the household mentioned. 

His household requested for privateness and that his followers “be part of us in mourning his passing whereas additionally celebrating the present of tune that he has left for the world.” 

D’Angelo was born in Virginia and dropped out of faculty as an adolescent to attempt to break into the music trade. He first got here to fame after co-producing Black Males United’s 1994 single “U Will Know.” He launched his debut album “Brown Sugar” in 1995. The document was licensed platinum. 

D’Angelo’s subsequent album, “Voodoo,” was launched in 2000. It received the Grammy Award for Finest R&B Album, whereas a single on the album was awarded the Grammy for Finest Male R&B Vocal Efficiency. In 2014, he launched  “Black Messiah,” his third album. It received the Grammy Award for Finest R&B Album, and a tune on the album received the award for Finest R&B Tune. It was additionally nominated for Report of the Yr. 

Throughout his profession, D’Angelo collaborated with main artists together with Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu and Jay-Z. 

RCA Data known as D’Angelo a “peerless visionary who effortlessly blended the basic sounds of soul, funk, gospel, R&B, and jazz with a hip hop sensibility” and a “recognized perfectionist” whose albums “have been broadly celebrated as masterpieces by each the music group and his beloved followers world wide.” 

“D’Angelo’s songwriting, musicianship, and unmistakable vocal styling has endured and can proceed to encourage generations of artists to return,” the corporate mentioned. “Our hearts are together with his household and pals throughout this troublesome time.”

In Might 2025, D’Angelo was set to headline Roots Picnic, a Philadelphia music pageant, however introduced every week earlier than the scheduled efficiency that he would not give you the chance to take action due to an “unexpected” delay associated to an earlier surgical procedure. In a statement shared by the festival, D’Angelo mentioned that his medical doctors had suggested he not carry out. D’Angelo didn’t specify what sort of surgical procedure he had had or what problems he was experiencing. 

In his assertion, D’Angelo indicated that he was engaged on new music. 

D’Angelo is survived by three kids: Imani, Michael and Morocco Archer. He was by no means married.