Anicia Dixon
Variety Editor
Angie Stone, a Grammy-nominated singer, song-writer, and actress, passed away on March 1 after a deadly vehicle crash. According to ABC News, the singer was leaving Alabama and heading to another tour stop with seven other band members.
Fans of the “No More Rain” chart-topping artist were in shock from the news of her death and shared their grief for the groundbreaking artist. Tiktokers shared their favorite songs from the legend. One Tiktoker, Nia Ashleigh, shared, “Thank you to my mom for raising me on this”- highlighting one of Stone’s most popular songs: “Wish I Didn’t Miss You.”
Celebrities Tatyana Ali, Jill Scott, and many others paid their respects via X and across other social media platforms. Scott shared, “I just can’t believe Angie Stone is gone…”
According to hot97.com, Tyler Perry delivered a powerful eulogy at the memorial for the beloved artist. According to the article, Perry blended a heartfelt tribute with sharp critique of the music industry’s exploitation of artists.
In January of this year, Stone was very vocal about her fight for royalties from Universal Music Group. She also revealed her financial struggles even though should she should be receiving a substantial amount of royalties for music spanning decades.
Stone said in the video: “At 40-something years in the business, I’m like, where are my royalties going?” Stone continued. “Because I’m not getting this. Come to find out, Universal Music has been receiving all my royalties, all my mechanicals. They’ve taken pretty much everything.”
She added: “I’m just here to let you know one way or the other, Universal Music, you’re going to have to give up my coins and. And So what I’m doing now is whatever is necessary to make sure they pay me for the legacy of my life, for my children and my grandchildren. They’re going to have to give me my money,” she said.
Born on Dec. 18, 1961, Stone was best known for stamping her name as one of the pioneers of Neo-Soul and ushering in a new generation of artists inspired by her talent.
Growing up in Columbia, S.C., Stone began singing at her church. As an artist, she would soon branch into writing rhythmic raps and taking on other musical genres such as Neo-Soul, Funk, and R&B.
The Grammy-nominated artist had a career spanning over five decades and was a part of various groups before beginning her solo career, including trios The Sequence and Vertical Hold. Her latest and 9th studio album, “Love Language”, was released May 19, 2023.
Stone took her career to the next level by writing songs and acting. She starred in “The Fighting Temptations”, “Ride Along”, and “The Hot Chick”. She is also known for song-writing collaborations with artists such as Alicia Keys, Lenny Kravitz, Mary J. Blige, and many more.
Stone also used her platform advocacy. She founded Angel Stripes, an organization that promotes the rights of senior citizens and advocates for keeping the arts in the community.
Stone is survived by her son Michael D’Angelo Archer II and daughter Diamond Stone and two grandchildren.
