Reclusive R&B visionary D'Angelo dies aged 51

D'Angelo, the legendary R&B and neo-soul pioneer behind hits including “Lady,” “Brown Sugar” and “Untitled (How Does It Feel),” has died from pancreatic cancer aged 51.

- ROISIN O'CONNOR TOM MURRAY

The American musician’s family confirmed his death in a statement that said: “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, departing this life today, 14 October 2025."

His family added: “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. We ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time but invite you all join us in mourning his passing while also celebrating the gift of song that he has left for the world.”

While he released just three studio albums in his lifetime, including his critically adored and commercially successful 1995 debut Brown Sugar, D'Angelo was regarded as one of the most influential R&B artists of his generation. He was just 21 when he released Brown Sugar, a hit thanks to his signature falsetto (which helped draw comparisons with Prince), languid, sultry instrumentation and seductive lyrics that explored both sexuality and spirituality.

He proved himself a gifted musician from a young age, learning to play the piano aged three and performing in church in South Richmond, Virginia, alongside his father, a Pentecostal minister. He went on to perform in local groups under names such as Three of a Kind, Michael Archer and Precise, and Intelligent, Deadly but Unique (IDU). The record label EMI signed him in 1993, the year he wrote the hit “U Will Know” for the group Black Men United (BMU), before establishing himself as a fully fledged solo artist.

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