D’Angelo obituary: Grammy-winning R&B star

D’Angelo, the Grammy-winning architect of neo-soul who revolutionized R&B with his seminal album Brown Sugar, has died aged 51. The singer-songwriter’s passing marks the end of an era for a genre he single-handedly reshaped.

Born Michael Eugene Archer, Virginia native D’Angelo burst onto the scene in 1995 with Brown Sugar, a masterpiece that blended raw soul with hip-hop swagger and jazz sophistication. The album’s gritty authenticity launched the neo-soul movement, influencing countless artists from Lauryn Hill to Kendrick Lamar.

His 2000 follow-up Voodoo cemented his legacy as a visionary, with tracks like "Untitled (How Does It Feel)" becoming cultural touchstones. Yet the album’s unprecedented success sparked a decade-long battle with alcoholism and isolation, revealing the dark side of fame that haunted him throughout his career.

Despite his struggles, D’Angelo’s musical genius endured. His reclusive nature became part of his mystique, with fans and critics alike awaiting each rare release. His 2014 comeback album Black Messiah won the Grammy for Best R&B Album decades after his debut, proving his enduring impact.

Music journalist Questlove once described D’Angelo as "the Jimi Hendrix of soul" for his innovative guitar work and vocal prowess. Tributes have poured in from across the industry, with artists like John Legend and Erykah Badu honoring his influence on modern music.

The artist’s death leaves a profound void in the music world, but his pioneering spirit lives on in every neo-soul album released since 1995. As fans revisit Brown Sugar’s haunting refrains today, they remember not just a musician, but a cultural seer who saw deeper into the soul of music than anyone of his generation.

Read the full obituary at The Times: Original Article