The music industry is reeling from the heartbreaking loss of Grammy-nominated R&B icon Angie Stone, who tragically passed away in a car accident early Saturday morning. The 63-year-old singer, celebrated for her timeless hits like “Wish I Didn’t Miss You” and her groundbreaking role in the all-female hip-hop trio The Sequence, was returning to Atlanta from Alabama when the fatal crash occurred.
According to reports, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van she was traveling in overturned on Interstate 65 around 4:25 a.m. before being struck by a Freightliner Cascadia truck. Stone was pronounced dead at the scene, while the driver and seven other passengers survived and were rushed to Baptist Medical Center for treatment. The Alabama Highway Patrol is still investigating the cause of the accident.
Walter Millsap III, Stone’s longtime manager and music producer, shared the devastating news, revealing that he was informed by her daughter, Diamond, and fellow The Sequence member Blondy. “We are truly shattered by this unimaginable tragedy,” Millsap said. “There are no words to express the depth of our grief.”
Stone’s children, Diamond and Michael Archer, released a heartfelt statement through the SRG Group, expressing their shock and sorrow. “We never imagined we’d receive such heartbreaking news. Our hearts are broken, and we’re still trying to process this immense loss,” they wrote.
Angie Stone was more than just a singer; she was a trailblazer who left an indelible mark on the music world. Born in Columbia, South Carolina, she grew up surrounded by music, with her father’s gospel and blues performances deeply influencing her artistic journey. She rose to fame as part of The Sequence, the first all-female hip-hop group signed to the legendary Sugar Hill Records, and later found solo success with hits like “No More Rain (In This Cloud)” and “Brotha.”
Her 2001 album Mahogany Soul and 2007’s The Art of Love & War solidified her status as a neo-soul pioneer, earning her a place among legends like Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, and D’Angelo. Beyond music, Stone showcased her versatility as an actress, appearing in films like The Fighting Temptations and Ride Along, and even graced Broadway as Big Mama Morton in Chicago.
Stone’s journey was not without its challenges. After battling health issues, including congestive heart failure, she transformed her life, shedding over 40 pounds and embracing a healthier lifestyle. In a 2007 interview, she reflected on her resilience, saying, “I feel complete. I have a new love, a new album, a new outlook, and a newfound joy. I’ve been in the business since 1979, and now I can finally say I’ve arrived.”
Her untimely death comes just as she was set to perform at the halftime show of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association men’s Championship basketball game. CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams-Parker paid tribute to Stone, saying, “She used her incredible talent, passion, and presence to inspire and touch us with strength and hope.”
Angie Stone’s legacy will live on through her music, her groundbreaking contributions to R&B and hip-hop, and the countless lives she touched with her artistry and resilience. As the world mourns her passing, her voice and spirit will continue to resonate, reminding us of the power of music to heal, inspire, and unite.
Rest easy, Queen. The music never dies.
