D’Angelo has sadly passed away at the age of 51 after a private battle with pancreatic cancer. The Richmond-born singer, songwriter, and producer was a highly respected figure in music. His family shared the news, saying, “The shining star of our family has dimmed his light for us in this life. We are heartbroken to announce that Michael D’Angelo Archer, known to fans as D’Angelo, has been called home on October 14th, 2025. We cherish the memories he leaves behind and are grateful for his incredible music. We ask for privacy during this tough time but invite everyone to join us in celebrating his legacy.”
D’Angelo rose to fame in the mid-1990s as a key player in the neo-soul movement. He brought a fresh, organic sound to R&B, which was shifting towards a pop style. His debut album, *Brown Sugar*, released in 1995, was a landmark success, featuring hits like “Lady” and “Brown Sugar.”
In 2000, he released his second album, *Voodoo*, which included the iconic track “Untitled (How Does It Feel).” This album solidified his status in the music world and won him Grammy Awards for Best R&B Album and Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.
After a long break, D’Angelo returned in 2014 with *Black Messiah*, an album that addressed social issues and included standout tracks like “Really Love.” This record earned him two more Grammys, further cementing his legacy as one of the greats in music.
