Angie Stone, Grammy-nominated R&B artist, dead at 63 after car crash

Renowned soul and R&B singer Angie Stone passed away yesterday in a car accident at the age of 63. Her signature songs include "No More Rain (In This Cloud)" and "Wish I Didn't Miss You." Her longtime publicist, Yvonne Forbes, confirmed the news to CNN.

According to her representative, Stone was traveling in a Sprinter van with nine other people to Atlanta, Georgia, after a performance in Mobile, Alabama, on Friday when the accident occurred. Detailed information about the other injured individuals has not yet been released.

Her spokesperson issued a statement saying, "Angie Stone's voice and spirit will forever live on in the hearts of all those she touched." The statement further indicated that "details regarding a memorial service will be announced by her family in due course."

Born in Columbia, South Carolina, Angie Stone began her career in the late 1970s as a member of the pioneering all-female rap group The Sequence, known for their hit "Funk You Up." She later transitioned to neo-soul and R&B as a solo artist, releasing albums including 1999's "Black Diamond" and 2001's "Mahogany Soul."

In a 2020 interview with "The Breakfast Club," Stone discussed her early career aspirations and her ability to find success across multiple musical genres at a time when it was less common for artists to build crossover appeal. Stone said, "I'm self-taught. I craved, I thirsted, I was ambitious. It was like there was a bug that said, 'I'm a rubber band. You can stretch me, but I won't break. I'm always going to be me.'"

She received her first Grammy Award nomination for the song "More Than a Woman" from her album "Mahogany Soul," which was nominated for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. In 2004, her song "U-Haul" (from her third solo album, "Stone Love") was nominated for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. Her last Grammy nomination was in 2007 for her song "Baby" (from her fourth solo album, "The Art of Love & War").

Stone was also an actress with over 40 screen credits. She appeared in notable television series, including "Girlfriends" (where she sang the theme song), "Moesha" starring Brandy Norwood, and films such as "The Hot Chick," "Scary Movie 5," and "Ride Along." She also has a film in post-production titled "Abused."

Just weeks ago, Stone reflected on her career and her plans for future work on social media. She wrote on Instagram, "I've been in the game for 50 years. It's been 25 years since my first solo album came out. I've put in a lot of work over the years. God gave me this gift, and I shared it with the world. Even now, I'm still asking my creator what's next because I still have so much to give."

Angie Stone is survived by her son, Michael D'Angelo Archer II, her son with singer D'Angelo. Michael, also known by his stage name Swayvo Twain, is also a recording artist.