R&B Legend D'Angelo Dies At 51 After Private Battle With Pancreatic Cancer

D’Angelo, the Grammy-winning R&B singer known for redefining neo-soul, has passed away at the age of 51. According to a statement from his family provided to CNN by RCA, his death came “after a prolonged

and courageous battle with cancer.”

“The shining star of our family has dimmed his light for us in this life,” his family said. They expressed gratitude for the musical legacy he leaves behind while requesting privacy during this difficult time. RCA also released a statement, calling D’Angelo a “peerless visionary” whose “songwriting, musicianship and unmistakable vocal styling has endured and will continue to inspire generations of artists to come.”

Rest Peacefully D’Angelo🙏🏾🕊️
No parent want to see their children go but it’s painful for children to see their parents go to so send prayers up for his son who also lost his mom this year for strength 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/XDIRSskF08

— Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) October 14, 2025

My friend Gary Harris brought this musician named D'Angelo over to my NYC apt. He was trying to figure out what to do with the music he'd brought with him. I listened to every cut…not just out of respect but because it was smoking. At the end of the encounter he asked me, "What… pic.twitter.com/4KjOKLswP9

— Nile Rodgers (@nilerodgers) October 14, 2025

Early Life and Rise to Stardom
Born Michael Eugene Archer in Richmond, Virginia, D’Angelo grew up in a Pentecostal household, discovering his musical talent in church choirs. By 16, he had won “Showtime at the Apollo” for his performance of Johnny Gill’s “Rub You the Right Way,” and by 18, he moved to New York City to pursue a professional music career.

In 1994, he co-wrote “U Will Know” for the film Jason’s Lyric, which reached the top 10 on R&B charts. His debut album, Brown Sugar (1995), became a platinum-selling success and established him as a rising neo-soul star.

Iconic Albums and Lasting Legacy
D’Angelo’s follow-up album, Voodoo (2000), cemented his superstar status, largely thanks to the hit single “Untitled (How Does It Feel?)” and its provocative music video. Both the album and the song won Grammy Awards, though the singer later admitted discomfort with being labeled a sex symbol. After a long hiatus, he returned in 2014 with Black Messiah, recorded with his band The Vanguard, proving his enduring talent and influence.