R&B and soul singer D’Angelo died on Tuesday, leaving behind a “legacy of extraordinarily moving music” following a “prolonged and courageous battle with cancer,” his family said.
The influential music star, born Michael D’Angelo Archer, was 51.
“The shining star of our family has dimmed his light for us in this life,” according to a family statement. “After a prolonged and courageous battle with cancer, we are heartbroken to announce that Michael D’Angelo Archer, known to his fans around the world as D’Angelo, has been called home, departing this life today.”
Loved ones said the artist’s music will endure.
“We are saddened that he can only leave dear memories with his family, but we are eternally grateful for the legacy of extraordinarily moving music he leaves behind,” the family statement added.
“We ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time but invite you all join us in mourning his passing while also celebrating the gift of song that he has left for the world.”
The singer came of age in the 1990s with his debut album “Brown Sugar.” “Lady,” from that debut album, topped out at No. 10 in March of 1996 and spent 20 weeks on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart.
But D’Angelo reached an even wider audience with the 2000 release of his second album, “Voodoo,” which debuted at Number 1 on the Billboard 200 and would go on to win Best R&B Album at the Grammys.
That album’s lead single, “Untitled (How Does It Feel),” won the Grammy for Best R&B Male Vocal Performance. The video for the track, which featured a topless D’Angelo filmed in a single take as he sang the song, received heavy rotation on MTV and BET.
