A pioneer of the neo-soul movement

The innovative and virtuosic singer had long seemed to struggle with fame.

- AUGUST BROWN

"This is a very powerful medium that we are involved in," D'Angelo told GQ.

"The stage is our pulpit.... But you know, you've got to be careful."

POWER OF THE MUSIC RICK KERN Getty Images

D'Angelo, the soul and R&B singer who kicked off music's neo-soul movement with virtuosic, sensual and spiritually searching albums like "Brown Sugar" and "Voodoo," died Tuesday at 51.

In a statement to Variety, the singer's family said that "the shining star of our family has dimmed his light for us in this life."

"After a prolonged and courageous battle with cancer, we are heartbroken to announce that Michael D'Angelo Archer, known to his fans around the world as D'Angelo, has been called home. We are saddened that he can only leave dear memories with his family, but we are eternally grateful for the legacy of extraordinarily moving music he leaves behind." D'Angelo won four Grammys and was nominated for a total of 14, taking home an R&B album trophy in 2016 for "Black Messiah," plus R&B song honors for "Really Love." He won the 2001 R&B album Grammy for "Voodoo" with his song "Untitled (How Does It Feel)" and that same year took home the award for male R&B vocal performance.

D'Angelo was immeasurably influential on generations of R&B yet had a complex and fraught relationship with fame that led to stints of years out of the spotlight.

Born in South Richmond, Va., D'Angelo was a gifted musician even in childhood, performing alongside his Pentecostal minister father in church and in local acts. His music would always be informed by the spiritual potential of gospel, even when it was in service of more earthly pleasures or political urgency.