D’Angelo, Pioneering Soul Singer, Dies Aged 51
Michael Eugene Archer, known as D’Angelo, the acclaimed singer and songwriter whose music redefined modern R&B, has died at the age of 51. his death was announced today, 14 October 2025.
Born on 11 February 1974, D’Angelo rose to prominence wiht his debut album Brown Sugar (1995), establishing a signature sound rooted in classic soul, funk, and jazz. He achieved critical and commercial breakthrough with his second album,Voodoo (2000),lauded as a masterpiece and ranked at 28 in Rolling Stone magazine’s 500 greatest albums. Voodoo topped the US charts and reached No 21 in the UK.
Five singles were released from Voodoo, with “untitled (How Does It Feel)” being the only one to reach the Top 30 of the US charts, boosted by a provocative music video that D’Angelo later expressed regret over, feeling it reduced him to a sex symbol despite the song winning a Grammy.
Following a year-long world tour supporting Voodoo, D’Angelo battled alcohol and drug abuse, leading to a lengthy hiatus before the release of his final album, Black Messiah (2014). The album debuted at No 5 in the US and entered the Top 50 in the UK, earning a Grammy and being described by Rolling Stone as “a warm, expansive masterpiece.” The Guardian’s Paul lester called it “a restatement of faith in the principles and sounds of the pre-digital era of black music.” The lead single, “Really Love,” secured D’angelo his fourth Grammy.
His final released work was the single “Unshaken” in 2019. In later years, D’Angelo became increasingly reclusive, with public appearances limited to occasional live performances and collaborations, including a recent contribution to Jay-Z’s song ”I Want You Forever” from the soundtrack to the 2023 film The Book of Clarence.
Journalist Sheldon Pearce observed a “clear disconnect between D’Angelo’s compulsion to be heard and his reluctance to be seen,” explaining the delays and unreleased material throughout his career.D’Angelo himself resisted categorization, stating in 2014, “I never claimed I do neo-soul… I do black music.I make black music.”
He is survived by three children: Michael, Imani, and Morocco. His son Michael is the child of a relationship with the singer Angie Stone, who died earlier this year, and with whom he also collaborated musically.
