R&B Icon Angie Stone Dies at 63; Tributes Flow

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Fans around the world are mourning the iconic Angie Stone following her untimely death at 63 due to a tragic vehicle accident on an Alabama highway. Always a trailblazer, she was returning from a performance when the accident occurred.

Angie Stone, a Grammy-nominated R&B singer renowned for her soulful voice, first gained recognition as a part of the all-female hip-hop trio, The Sequence. Her hit song “Wish I Didn’t Miss You” solidified her position in the music world. She thrived particularly well during the early 2000s, a time when neo-soul began to redefine R&B landscapes.

In a recent Instagram post, Stone expressed her enthusiasm about upcoming events and projects. “A lot of stuff is going on that I don’t want to just let out of the bag just yet,” she shared, adding, “But you can see that there’s a big grin on my face.” Her excitement was palpable, making the news of her passing all the more shocking.

Social media has since become a platform for tributes. MC Hammer shared a poignant video of Stone’s song “Brotha,” commenting on its profound impact on him. “I can’t tell you how many days this song blessed my Soul. R.I.P. Angie Stone,” he wrote.

Actress and singer Jennifer Hudson was among those moved by the news. “What a loss!!! Angie Stone was a true pioneer,” she posted. “Another one of our great soul singers gone too soon. Prayers up for her family and loved ones!”

According to the Alabama Highway Patrol, the van Stone was in overturned on Interstate 65 and was then hit by a 2021 Freightliner Cascadia truck. Sadly, Stone was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident took place approximately 5 miles south of Montgomery. The van’s driver and seven other individuals were hospitalized as the investigation into the crash continues.

Stone’s musical legacy is significant, with enduring hits like “No More Rain (In This Cloud),” which topped Billboard’s Adult R&B airplay chart for ten weeks. Her collaborations, such as “Baby” with the legendary Betty Wright and albums like 2001’s “Mahagony Soul” and 2007’s “The Art Of Love & War,” further cemented her influence in R&B.

The NAACP Image Awards paid homage to Stone by commemorating her as “a true pioneer, a soulful storyteller, and a voice that helped shape the sound of R&B.”

Born in Columbia, South Carolina, Stone’s career began in the church choir before she co-founded The Sequence, affiliated with Sugar Hill Records, the first all-female group to release a rap song. Her recording of “Funk You Up” has been widely sampled by significant artists like Dr. Dre. She later joined Vertical Hold before embarking on a successful solo career.

Comedian and actor Jamie Foxx expressed his sorrow online, lamenting, “I know they say that God doesn’t make any mistakes… but man, this one hurts…,” he continued, “Angie Stone was an incredible songwriter, an incredible artist, and an incredible person … never thought in 1 million years that this would happen…”

Reverend Bernice King, daughter of Martin Luther King Jr. and CEO of The King Center, shared her condolences too. “So heartbreaking,” King posted, concluding, “Rest well, soul sister. #AngieStone.”

Stone’s final performance occurred at the Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association’s Grand Marshal’s Ball, where her talent left a lasting impression. Isadore B. Sims, the organization’s president, spoke warmly of her performance, saying it was “nothing short of phenomenal.”

The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association observed a moment of silence during their men’s championship basketball game in Baltimore, where Stone was due to perform at halftime.

Additionally, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority mourned their sister. Reflecting on her career and philanthropic efforts, the sorority praised her significant contributions to R&B and neo-soul. They also highlighted her work in diabetes awareness and elder care initiatives, underscoring her legacy of service and music.