Angie Stone, the acclaimed soul and R&B singer known for hits such as “No More Rain (In This Cloud)” and “Wish I Didn’t Miss You,” tragically passed away in a vehicle accident yesterday, as confirmed by her long-time publicist, Yvonne Forbes. The incident occurred while Stone was travelling in a Sprinter van with nine others from Mobile, Alabama, to Atlanta, Georgia, following a performance.
While further details about the other individuals involved in the crash remain scarce, a heartfelt statement from her spokesperson highlighted Stone’s enduring impact: “Angie Stone’s voice and spirit will live on forever in the hearts of those she touched.” The family will share details about memorial services in due course.
Born in Columbia, South Carolina, Stone began her illustrious career in the late 1970s as part of The Sequence, a pioneering female rap group famed for their track “Funk You Up.” She later transitioned to a successful solo career in neo-soul and R&B, releasing notable albums such as “Black Diamond” (1999) and “Mahogany Soul” (2001). Stone received her first Grammy nomination for “More Than a Woman” from “Mahogany Soul,” followed by additional nominations for her songs “U-Haul” and “Baby” from her later works.
In an interview with The Breakfast Club in 2020, she discussed her ambition and versatility across multiple music genres, which paved the way for her success in an era when cross-genre appeal was uncommon. Stone was not only a talented musician but also an accomplished actress, boasting over 40 screen credits in notable TV shows and films, including “Girlfriends,” “Moesha,” and “Scary Movie V.”
Just weeks prior to her passing, Stone reflected on her five-decade-long journey in the music industry, expressing a deep desire to continue sharing her artistry. She mentioned, “God gave me this gift and I have shared it with the world. Even at this point, I am asking my creator what is next because I have so much more to give.”
Stone is survived by her son, Michael D’Angelo Archer II, who is also an emerging recording artist under the name Swayvo Twain. The legacy of Angie Stone endures, as her contributions to music and culture will continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.