D’Angelo, Grammy-winning R'n'B artist, dies at 51 after battle with cancer

D’Angelo, born Michael Eugene Archer, has died at the age of 51 following a battle with pancreatic cancer. His death was confirmed on Tuesday, October 14. 

A statement shared with “Billboard" from his family expressed their grief, noting, “The shining star of our family has dimmed his light for us in this life. After a prolonged and courageous battle with cancer, we are heartbroken to announce that Michael D’Angelo Archer, known to his fans around the world as D’Angelo, has been called home.”

The family added, “We are saddened that he can only leave dear memories with his family, but we are eternally grateful for the legacy of moving music he leaves behind. We ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time, but invite you all to join us in mourning his passing while also celebrating the gift of song he left for the world.”

Tributes poured in across social media from fellow artists and fans who credited him with reshaping the course of modern R&B.

Singer Jill Scott wrote, “I never met D’Angelo, but I love him, respect him and admire his gift. This loss hurts. Love to my family, that is family to him. I’m so sorry. RIP. Genius.”

Another user wrote, “R&B wouldn’t be the same without you.”

Many reflected on his influence.

One tribute read, “D’Angelo’s passing is devastating. All of his work is widely regarded as the north star for so many artists. His influence and passion cannot be measured in words. I’m thinking of his son, who lost both of his parents this year. Rest in peace.”

Another fan wrote, “Three timeless albums, each one an expansion of his sound - a flawless discography. It wouldn’t be crazy to say he released the best album of the '90s, the 2000s, and the 2010s. One of our greatest artists.”

D’Angelo rose to prominence during the 1990s as a leading figure in the neo-soul movement, blending elements of soul, gospel, funk and hip hop.

His debut album, “Brown Sugar”, was released in 1995 and became a defining project of the era. The album, featuring tracks like “Lady” and the title track, went platinum and earned multiple Grammy nominations.

It introduced him as an artist with a distinct voice, rooted in church traditions yet unafraid to explore raw emotion.

His follow-up album, “Voodoo”, released in 2000, solidified his influence. The song “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” became one of his most recognised works, driven by his vocal delivery and the now-famous music video that brought him mainstream attention.

The album earned him the Grammy Award for Best R&B Album in 2001.

After a long break from the spotlight, he returned with “Black Messiah" in 2014, a politically charged and musically layered album that received critical acclaim. The project won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Album in 2016, along with Best R&B Song for “Really Love”.

Over his career, D’Angelo won four Grammy Awards and was cited as an inspiration by generations of artists.

Known for his textured vocals - raspy yet fluid - he crafted a sound that was both intimate and powerful.

His music drew deeply from black musical traditions while pushing R&B forward. Earlier this year, he marked the 30th anniversary of “Brown Sugar”, celebrating a career that forever changed the genre.

D’Angelo leaves behind a body of work that continues to influence singers, songwriters and musicians across the world. His legacy endures through his recordings, performances and the many artists who followed the path he helped carve.