D’Angelo Dies at 51 After Battle with Pancreatic Cancer
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R&B and neo-soul pioneer D’Angelo has died at the age of 51 after quietly battling pancreatic cancer. The influential artist, born Michael Eugene Archer, passed away in New York City after spending months in the hospital and two weeks in hospice care. Known for his deep musicianship and soulful sound, D’Angelo helped define a generation of R&B with timeless tracks like “Brown Sugar,” “Lady,” and “Untitled (How Does It Feel).”
D’Angelo’s career began in the 1990s with the release of his debut album Brown Sugar, which went platinum and earned him multiple Grammy nominations. His 2000 follow-up Voodoo cemented his status as a musical visionary, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard charts and winning two Grammys. Despite his success, the singer faced personal struggles with fame and addiction, which led to years away from the spotlight before his triumphant return with the 2014 masterpiece Black Messiah.
Throughout his career, D’Angelo collaborated with major artists including Questlove, Lauryn Hill, Raphael Saadiq, and Common, leaving an indelible mark on modern music. His passing marks the loss of one of soul’s most enigmatic and gifted performers — an artist whose influence on R&B, hip-hop, and funk will continue to resonate for generations.