R&B award-winning singer Michael Eugene Archer, known to his fans as D’Angelo, has died at the age of 51 after a courageous battle with cancer, as confirmed by his family on Tuesday.
In their statement, the family expressed their grief, highlighting the 'legacy of extraordinarily moving music' he leaves behind and requested fans to celebrate 'the gift of song that he has left for the world.'
D’Angelo was a groundbreaking figure in the music industry, credited with pioneering the neo-soul genre by blending R&B with elements of hip-hop and jazz. Throughout his career, he released three albums that collectively earned him four Grammy awards, showcasing his profound influence on contemporary music.
One of his most notable works, the music video for 'Untitled (How Does it Feel),' made waves in the industry, gaining extensive attention for its provocative visuals featuring him performing naked.
'The shining star of our family has dimmed his light for us in this life,' his family stated. D’Angelo's early career was marked by collaborations with established artists like Lauryn Hill and The Roots. He achieved significant fame with his debut album 'Brown Sugar,' which included the hit single 'Lady' that climbed to No. 10 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart in 1996, earning multiple Grammy nominations.
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