Angie Stone, R&B singer, dies in tragic accident at 63

Angie Stone, 63, the celebrated 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 Saturday morning in a vehicle accident.

Stone was returning to Atlanta, Georgia, after a performance in Mobile, Alabama, when the accident occurred while she was traveling in a Sprinter van with nine others. Details regarding the condition of the other passengers involved in the collision have not been disclosed at this time.

“Angie Stone’s voice and spirit will live on forever in the hearts of those she touched,” her spokeswoman stated. “Details regarding memorial services will be announced by the family in due course.”

Born in Columbia, South Carolina, Stone launched her four-decade career in the entertainment industry in the late 1970s as a member of The Sequence, one of the pioneering female rap groups known for their hit “Funk You Up.” She later transitioned into neo-soul and R&B, releasing acclaimed albums such as “Black Diamond” in 1999 and “Mahogany Soul” in 2001.

In a 2020 interview with “The Breakfast Club,” Stone reflected on her diverse career and her ability to thrive across various musical genres before it became commonplace for artists to achieve crossover success. “I was self-taught. I was hungry, I was thirsty, I was ambitious,” she expressed. “It’s having that bug that says, ‘I’m a rubber band. You can stretch me, but I won’t pop. I’m going to always do me.’”

Stone received her first Grammy nomination for the track “More Than a Woman” from her album “Mahogany Soul,” recognized in the best R&B performance by a duo or group with vocal category. Her song “U-Haul” from her 2004 album “Stone Love” earned her a nomination for best female R&B vocal performance. In 2007, she received her final Grammy nod for the song “Baby” from her album “The Art of Love & War.”

In addition to her music career, Stone was also an accomplished actress, boasting over 40 screen credits. She appeared in notable television shows such as “Girlfriends,” for which she sang the theme song, and “Moesha,” as well as films like “The Hot Chick,” “Scary Movie V,” and “Ride Along.” She had one project in post-production, titled “Abused.”

Just weeks prior to her passing, Stone shared her thoughts on her career and future projects in a heartfelt social media post. “I’ve been in the game for 50 years. My first solo album is 25 years old. I’ve put in a lot of work over the years,” she wrote on Instagram. “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.”

Angie Stone is survived by two children, Michael D’Angelo Archer II and Diamond Stone.