D'Angelo has left a legacy of music for his followers
The multitalented artist passed away at 51 from pancreatic cancer.
D'Angelo leaves a lasting legacy
R&B artist D'Angelo passed away at age 51 on October 14, 2025 after a private battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born Michael Eugene Archer on February 11, 1974, in Richmond, Virginia, and grew up in a deeply religious household where his father was a Pentecostal minister.
He began playing piano at a very young age and was heavily influenced by gospel music in church. He dropped out of high school to pursue his musical career and quickly gained attention for his talent and distinctive sound, described as Neo-soul, bridging classic 1970s soul with modern R&B and hip-hop, jazz, and funk.
He played over a dozen instruments, including keyboard, drums, bass, and guitar. .D'Angelo was a singer, songwriter, producer, and could play multiple instruments. He stated that his earliest musical influences were Prince. Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield, Stevie Wonder, and James Brown.
He first garnered attention after co-writing and co-producing the 1994 single "U Will Know" by the R&B supergroup Black Men United. D’Angelo’s debut album, was Brown Sugar in 1995, was a breakthrough.
It’s widely credited with helping launch the neo-soul movement of the mid-1990s alongside Erykah Badu, Maxwell, and Lauryn Hill. His biggest hits were:
- “Brown Sugar”
- “Lady”
- “Cruisin’” (Smokey Robinson cover)
- “Me and Those Dreamin’ Eyes of Mine”
The album was a blend of hip-hop rhythms with live instruments and classic soul influences. It earned critical acclaim and went multi-platinum in sales.
After a five-year break, D’Angelo released Voodoo, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 and won two Grammy Awards, including Best R&B Album. Many critics consider this one of the greatest R&B albums ever made. Songs included which were highly acclaimed, are:
- “Untitled (How Does It Feel)”
- “Devil’s Pie”
- “Send It On”
- “Left & Right” (feat. Method Man & Redman)
The video for “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” became controversial for its intimate portrayal of the artist without clothing. D]Angelo skyrocketed to sex-symbol status, but later said it made him uncomfortable and was a factor in why he withdrew from the public eye
After the success of Voodoo, D’Angelo lived a private life for over a decade, wondering if he would ever return to the entertainment industry. He struggled with personal issues, including: legal issues, substance abuse, and pressure from industry expectations, and fame.
Like Prince and other artists D'Angelo desired artistic authenticity over his commercial success. He made his comeback in 2014 with Black Messiah which was inspired by the Black Lives Matters Movement. Songs on the album included:
- “Really Love”
- “The Charade”
- “Sugah Daddy”
- “Ain’t That Easy”
Critics said this was a masterpiece — dense, funky, and socially aware. It earned Grammy Awards for Best R&B Album and Best R&B Song (“Really Love”).
His use of live instruments, deep grooves, and funk rhythms with layered harmonies was unique. He’s influenced a generation of artists, including: Anderson Praak, Frank Ocean, Daniel Caesar, and H.E.R
D’Angelo's fan base continued to grow despite his being notoriously private and rarely giving interviews. Despite his reclusiveness, his devoted fan base continues to grow. He occasionally performs live — his “Second Coming Tour” (2015) and appearances on shows like Saturday Night Live were met with massive praise.
His music has been described as a blending of spirituality, sensuality, and social commentary. He won three Grammy Awards and the BET Award for Best Male R&B Artist (2001). Rolling Stone named him one of the “100 Greatest Singers.”
Condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Michael Eugene Archer AKA D'Angelo. He has left a lasting legacy of music for his followers. Archer is survivied by three children.
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Cheryl E Preston
Cheryl enjoys writing about current events, soap spoilers and baby boomer nostalgia. Tips are greatly appreciated.
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