The music world is mourning the devastating loss of Angie Stone, the celebrated neo-soul singer, songwriter, and pioneering member of the groundbreaking Hip-Hop trio The Sequence. Stone, whose full name was Angela Laverne Brown, tragically passed away at the age of 63 in a car accident while traveling home from Alabama, where she had performed on Friday night, February 28, 2025. The accident also involved nine other band members, though their conditions remain unclear.

Stone’s death has sent shockwaves through the music community, with fans, friends, and fellow artists expressing their grief and disbelief on social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter. Born on December 18, 1961, in Columbia, South Carolina, Stone was a trailblazer in the music industry, first gaining recognition as a member of The Sequence in the late 1970s before transitioning to a successful solo career in R&B and neo-soul. Her timeless music, deeply personal lyrics, and collaborations with iconic artists like D’Angelo solidified her legacy as one of the most influential voices in modern music.

Early Life and Rise to Fame

Angie Stone’s journey to becoming a music icon began in Columbia, South Carolina, where she was born Angela Laverne Brown on December 18, 1961. From a young age, Stone exhibited a natural talent for music, singing in her church choir and drawing inspiration from the rich musical traditions of the South. Her early exposure to gospel, soul, and R&B laid the foundation for her future career, shaping her distinctive voice and emotive style.

In the late 1970s, Stone’s career took a groundbreaking turn when she joined forces with Cheryl “The Pearl” Cook and Gwendolyn “Blondie” Chisolm to form The Sequence, one of the first all-female Hip-Hop groups. The trio quickly gained recognition for their innovative sound and empowering lyrics, becoming trailblazers for women in Hip-Hop. Their debut single, “Funk You Up,” released in 1979, became an instant hit, reaching the top 15 on the Billboard R&B chart and paving the way for future female artists in the genre.

The Sequence’s success continued with hits like “Funky Sound (Tear the Roof Off)” and “I Don’t Need Your Love,” which showcased Stone’s versatility as a vocalist and songwriter. The group’s groundbreaking work helped redefine the role of women in Hip-Hop, challenging stereotypes and inspiring a new generation of artists.

Transition to R&B and Solo Career

In the early 1990s, Stone transitioned from Hip-Hop to R&B, joining the trio Vertical Hold. The group released two albums, A Matter of Time (1993) and Head First (1995), which showcased Stone’s evolving artistry and vocal prowess. Although Vertical Hold disbanded in the mid-1990s, Stone’s time with the group marked a pivotal moment in her career, setting the stage for her successful solo endeavors.

Stone’s solo career took off in 1999 with the release of her debut album, Black Diamond. The album was a critical and commercial success, earning widespread acclaim for its soulful melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and Stone’s powerful vocals. Tracks like “No More Rain (In This Cloud)” and “Life Story” resonated with audiences, establishing Stone as a force to be reckoned with in the neo-soul genre.

Stone followed Black Diamond with Mahogany Soul in 2001 and Stone Love in 2004, both of which solidified her reputation as a powerhouse vocalist and songwriter. Her music, often deeply personal, blended soul, R&B, and Hip-Hop influences, creating a sound that was uniquely her own. Stone’s ability to infuse her songs with raw emotion and authenticity made her a beloved figure in the industry, earning her three Grammy Awards and two Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards over the course of her career.

Collaborations and Legacy

One of the hallmarks of Angie Stone’s career was her ability to collaborate with other artists, creating music that transcended genres and generations. Her most notable collaboration was with fellow neo-soul artist D’Angelo, with whom she shared a deeply personal and creative partnership. Stone contributed to D’Angelo’s iconic albums Brown Sugar (1995) and Voodoo (2000), lending her vocals and songwriting talents to tracks that have since become classics.

Stone and D’Angelo also shared a son, Michael D’Angelo Archer, born in 1998. Their personal and professional relationship added a unique dimension to their collaborations, infusing their music with a sense of intimacy and authenticity. Stone’s influence on D’Angelo’s work, and vice versa, is a testament to her enduring impact on the neo-soul genre.

In addition to her work with D’Angelo, Stone collaborated with a wide range of artists, including Alicia Keys, Erykah Badu, and Mary J. Blige. Her ability to connect with other musicians and create timeless music further cemented her legacy as one of the most influential voices in modern music.

The Tragic Accident

The details of the accident that claimed Angie Stone’s life remain unclear, but the impact of her loss has been felt deeply across the music community. Stone and nine members of her band were traveling home from Alabama, where they had performed on Friday night, February 28, 2025, when the accident occurred. The crash has left fans and fellow artists in shock, as they grapple with the sudden and tragic loss of a beloved icon.

News of Stone’s death began to spread online, with fans, friends, and fellow artists expressing their grief and disbelief on social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter. Tributes poured in from across the music world, with many highlighting Stone’s role as a trailblazer for women in Hip-Hop and R&B.

“Angie Stone was a true pioneer,” wrote one fan on Twitter. “Her music touched so many lives, and her legacy will live on forever. Rest in power, queen.”

Tributes from the Music Community

The outpouring of grief and tributes from the music community has been overwhelming, as artists and fans alike remember Angie Stone’s incredible talent and impact. Fellow neo-soul artist Erykah Badu shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, writing, “Angie Stone was a queen, a trailblazer, and a true artist. Her voice and her spirit will never be forgotten.”

Alicia Keys also paid tribute to Stone, posting a photo of the two together with the caption, “Angie Stone was a legend and an inspiration. Her music changed my life, and I’m so grateful for her artistry and her friendship. Rest in peace, beautiful soul.”

Stone’s influence extended beyond her music, as she was also known for her activism and advocacy. She used her platform to speak out on issues like racial justice, women’s rights, and mental health, earning the respect and admiration of fans and peers alike.

A Legacy That Lives On

Angie Stone’s death is a devastating loss for the music world, but her legacy will undoubtedly live on through her timeless music and the indelible mark she left on the industry. Her voice, her artistry, and her unwavering authenticity touched countless lives, inspiring future generations of artists to push boundaries and embrace their truth.

As the world mourns her passing, Stone’s family, friends, and band members are left to grapple with the profound void she leaves behind. Our thoughts are with them during this incredibly difficult time, as they honor the life and legacy of a true icon.