Legendary R&B singer dies of pancreatic cancer

Throughout his career, D'Angelo has been a low-key but influential artist, creating a signature style that blends classic R&B with modern hip hop beats.

D'Angelo performs at the Apollo Theater in New York in 2021 - Photo: Rolling Stone

According to People , D'Angelo - real name Michael Eugene Archer - breathed his last in New York on October 14.

The family shared: "After a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, we are heartbroken to announce the passing of Michael D'Angelo Archer.

We regret that we can only cherish his fond memories, but are forever grateful for the wonderful musical legacy he left behind. Please respect the family's privacy during this difficult time, and join us in remembering and honoring his musical gift to the world."

D'Angelo's song Lady was once a hit

Has been arrested for drug possession and drunk driving

Born in Richmond, Virginia, the son of a pastor, D'Angelo began playing piano at age 3 and accompanied his father at church when he was 5. He later continued playing music in his grandfather's church.

As a teenager, D'Angelo and two cousins ​​formed a group called Three of a Kind, performing in local talent shows. At the age of 16, he and his brother Luther formed the band Michael Archer and Precise.

Also that year, D'Angelo made his debut at Amateur Night at the Apollo, performing Peabo Bryson's Feel the Fire . Although he did not win, he returned the following year with Johnny Gill's Rub You the Right Way (1991) and won first place.

D'Angelo's passing leaves deep sorrow in the hearts of fans, colleagues and artists - those who once considered him the soul of contemporary neo-soul music - Photo: Fox News

With the prize money, D'Angelo returned to Richmond and began writing songs that would later become his legendary debut album, Brown Sugar (1995). The album quickly reached No. 4 on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart and was certified platinum after just one year, earning him four Grammy nominations.

In 2000, D'Angelo released his second album Voodoo , which topped both the Billboard Top R&B Albums and the Billboard 200. The album won him a Grammy for Best R&B Album, while the song Untitled (How Does It Feel) earned him a nomination for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B Song.

However, at the height of his fame, D'Angelo began to struggle with alcohol and drugs. In 2005, he was arrested for cocaine, marijuana, and driving under the influence. Just a week after his sentencing, he was involved in a car accident and suffered serious injuries.

D'Angelo is a quiet but influential artist - Photo: BBC

Although he continued to perform and collaborate with many artists over the years, it was not until 2014 that D'Angelo released his third studio album, Black Messiah, which was critically acclaimed as a masterpiece.

The album quickly reached No. 1 on the Billboard US Indie Store Album Sales and Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts, and earned him a Grammy Award for Best R&B Album.

Throughout his career, D'Angelo has collaborated with many big names in the music industry such as Questlove, Common, Q-Tip, J Dilla, Lauryn Hill, Raphael Saadiq and Angie Stone.

In 2024, he continued to leave his mark when he collaborated with Jay-Z on the song I Want You Forever, included in the soundtrack of The Book of Clarence .

In an interview with Rolling Stone 's Music Now podcast that same year, Raphael Saadiq also revealed that D'Angelo was nurturing new musical projects, showing that his passion and desire to create has never cooled.

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/mot-ca-si-huyen-thoai-rb-qua-doi-vi-ung-thu-tuyen-tuy-20251015092007335.htm