The vocalist behind popular songs like “Lady” and “Brown Sugar” was considered a pioneer of neo-soul. His influence on modern R&B remains unmatched, with timeless collaborations and groundbreaking albums defining a generation.
How did D’Angelo die?
The singer passed away following a battle with pancreatic cancer, according to Baller Alert. Regarding the star’s fight with pancreatic cancer, the source tells People, “He was in hospice for two weeks but had been in the hospital for months.” Despite his health struggles, D’Angelo reportedly kept his illness private while continuing to write and collaborate behind the scenes.
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How did D’Angelo rise to fame?
D’Angelo, born Michael Eugene Archer in Richmond, Virginia, was a musical prodigy from an early age. The son of a Pentecostal minister, he began playing piano at just three years old. By five, he was performing alongside his father at church and later played at his grandfather’s Pentecostal congregation, as per a report by People.
As a teen, D’Angelo formed the group Three of a Kind with his cousins and performed in local talent shows. By 16, he started another band, Michael Archer and Precise, with his brother Luther. His breakout moment came at New York’s famed Apollo Theater, where he performed Peabo Bryson’s “Feel the Fire.” Although he didn’t win the first time, he returned the following year with Johnny Gill’s “Rub You the Right Way” and took home first place, as per a report by People.That victory became his springboard. Using his prize money, D’Angelo returned home to Richmond, bought a four-track recorder, and began writing songs that would later shape his debut album Brown Sugar, as per a report by People.ALSO READ: Did Katy Perry cheat? Her romance with Justin Trudeau allegedly began while she was with Orlando Bloom
How did he continue his legacy?
Throughout his career, D’Angelo collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, including Questlove, Common, Q-Tip, J Dilla, Lauryn Hill, Raphael Saadiq, and Angie Stone. Despite taking extended breaks between albums, his impact only grew.
In 2024, D’Angelo collaborated with Jay-Z on the track “I Want You Forever” for The Book of Clarence soundtrack, marking his final known recording. Raphael Saadiq confirmed in a Rolling Stone Music Now interview that D’Angelo had been working on new music before his passing.
Tributes have poured in from fans and collaborators. DJ Premier, who worked with D’Angelo on the 1998 track “Devil’s Pie,” expressed his grief on X, writing: “Such a sad loss to the passing of D’Angelo. We have so many great times. Gonna miss you so much. Sleep Peacefully D’ Love You KING,” as per a report by People.
His passing marks the end of an era for soul music but his influence, from Brown Sugar to Black Messiah, will continue to shape R&B for generations to come.
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FAQs
How did D’Angelo die?
D’Angelo died after a private battle with pancreatic cancer, spending his final two weeks in hospice care.
What were D’Angelo’s biggest hits?
His most iconic songs include “Brown Sugar,” “Lady,” and “Devil’s Pie,” all of which helped define the neo-soul era.
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