Angie Stone, the indomitable voice that seamlessly bridged the realms of hip-hop, R&B, and neo-soul, has tragically passed away at the age of 63. The GRAMMY-nominated singer and actress died in a car accident on March 1, 2025, in Montgomery, Alabama following a music performance.
Born Angela Laverne Brown on December 18, 1961, in Columbia, South Carolina, Stone’s musical journey commenced in the late 1970s as a founding member of The Sequence. This pioneering all-female hip-hop trio made waves with their 1979 hit “Funk You Up,” a track that etched their names into the annals of rap history. Transitioning into the 1990s, Stone showcased her versatility as the lead vocalist for the R&B trio Vertical Hold, delivering the smooth urban dance track “Seems You’re Much Too Busy,” which became a Top 40 R&B hit in the summer of 1993.
Embarking on a solo career, Stone released her debut album, Black Diamond, in 1999. The album featured the soulful single “No More Rain (In This Cloud),” which sampled Gladys Knight & the Pips’ “Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye),” showcasing Stone’s ability to blend classic influences with contemporary sounds. Her 2001 follow-up album, Mahogany Soul, solidified her place in the neo-soul movement, with tracks that resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike.
The standout track from Mahogany Soul, “Wish I Didn’t Miss You,” became Stone’s signature song. Built around a sample from The O’Jays’ “Back Stabbers,” the song’s direct lyrics and Stone’s emotional delivery captured the essence of heartache and longing. The track not only showcased her vocal skill but also cemented her status within the early 2000s neo-soul landscape, a genre that sought to revive and redefine classic soul music for a new generation.
Beyond music, Stone expanded her artistry into acting, appearing in films like The Fighting Temptations and TV series including Girlfriends and Lincoln Heights. She also made a mark on Broadway, starring in productions such as Chicago and Dreamgirls, where her rich vocals and commanding stage presence brought new life to classic roles. Reality TV fans knew her from her time on R&B Divas: Atlanta, where she offered candid insights into the triumphs and struggles of sustaining a career in music.
In a career that bridged generations, Stone’s voice was both a vessel of nostalgia and a beacon for those discovering the depth of soul music. Whether through her honeyed melodies, heartfelt storytelling, or indelible mark on R&B, her legacy remains undeniable.
Stone is survived by her two children, including her daughter Diamond Stone, whom she shared with fellow neo-soul artist D’Angelo.
