“I’ve been in the game for 50 years. My first solo album is 25 years old. I’ve put in a lot of work over the years… Even at this point I am asking my creator what is next because I have so much more to give.”
—Angie Stone, from an Instagram post a week before her death.
Actress, singer, and producer Angie Stone died this past Saturday, March 1, in a fatal vehicle collision at 63-years-old. After her performance at the Grand Marshal’s Ball in Montgomery, Ala., the Mercedes Sprinter van in which she was riding overturned at 4:25 a.m. on Saturday, before being hit by a semi-trailer truck on Interstate 65. The nine other occupants of the vehicle reportedly survived.
She had been scheduled to perform at a Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) basketball game that afternoon.
Born Angela Laverne Stone on Dec., 18, 1961 in Columbia, S.C. she cultivated her four octave vocal range in the Baptist Church before embracing the emerging rap genre by forming the pioneering all-female hip-hop trio The Sequence in 1979.
Transitioning into a solo artist, she formed musical associations with the likes of Lenny Kravitz and Mary J. Blige. By 2001 she achieved a breakthrough with 2002’s “Wish I Didn’t Miss You,” a smoldering saga of yearning built upon a looped sample from the O’Jays’ 1972 single “Back Stabbers.” Released on the album “Mahogany Soul” it became perhaps her signature song, and evolved into an anthem on the club and gay circuit.
Another notable track from that album that became a one hit was entitled “Brotha.” A response to the negative portrayal of Black men in society, it struck a chord with no less a personality then MC Hammer, who mentioned its impact in a social media entry after her demise.
“I can’t tell you how many days this song blessed my soul. R.I.P. Angie Stone.”
In tandem with her solo career Angie Stone was a prolific actress with some 40 credits on iMDB. Her final studio album “Love Language” was released on May 19, 2023. An honorary member of the Zeta Phi Beta sorority, Angie Stone is survived by a daughter, Diamond from her marriage to Rodney Stone, and a son, Michael D’Angelo Archer II from a relationship with neo-soul singer D’Angelo.
Collectively, the family released a statement expressing their appreciation for the condolences from celebrities and fans.
“It is with heavy hearts that the children of the R&B Singer Angie Stone along with her extended family want to thank you all for your love and well wishes at what is an extremely difficult time,” it read in part. For a full appreciation of this pioneering performer, go to her website at https://www.theangiestone.com.