Grammy-Nominated R&B Singer Dies in Car Crash at 63

The soulful singer-songwriter and music legend Angie Stone, 63, died in a car crash Saturday morning. The Grammy-nominated icon was best known for her classic bops and beautiful vocals in “Wish I Didn’t Miss You” and “No More Rain (In This Cloud).”

Stone was leaving a performance in Alabama early March 1 en route to Atlanta, Ga., with nine people in the party’s Sprinter. At around 4 a.m., the vehicle flipped over and hit a rig. Stone was the only passenger who died.

Tragically, Stone posted on Instagram weeks before her death to tell fans how excited she was for the years ahead. She wrote: “I’ve put in a lot of work over the years. God gave me this gift and I have shared it with the world. Even at this point I am asking my creator what is next because I have so much more to give.”

Stone is survived by her son, daughter, and two grandchildren.

Stone rose to prominence as a member of the renowned hip-hop group The Sequence, an all-female trio that made history in 1979 with the catchy tune “Funk You Up.” It was one of the first rap songs to be recorded by a female group and has been sampled in tracks like “Uptown Funk” by Bruno Mars and “Keep Their Heads Ringin’” by Dr. Dre.

Stone was a pioneer in the world of neo-soul and R&B, and embarked on a solo career in the late 1990s. Her debut album Black Diamond went gold, and inspired millions of listeners across the U.S.

Stone’s sonorous, rich voice and melodious pitch left fans praising her albums as masterpieces. Her personal songwriting portrayed moments of pain and her strength to overcome hardship, like in the beloved anthem “No More Rain (In This Cloud).” She dove deep into her heart to produce intimate and one-of-a-kind tracks.

Her 2001 album, Mahogany Soul, contained one of her most popular songs, “Wish I Didn’t Miss You,” which has become a hit in bars, clubs, and homes across the nation.

Stone collaborated with Lenny Kravitz, Alicia Keys, D’Angelo, among others, carving out a remarkable path in the world of neo-soul. She’s been celebrated alongside idols like Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, and Jill Scott.

Stone was also a loving mother and activist, especially for female performers and Black musicians. She was a talented actress and starred in films like the Kevin Hart Comedy Ride Along and alongside Beyoncé in 2003’s Fighting Temptations. She also demonstrated her love for mentorship for rising artists in reality TV shows like R&B Divas: Atlanta.

Stone was born Angela Laverne Brown on Dec. 18, 1961, in Columbia, S.C. She knew she loved music at a young age and fostered the connection through the church.

Her spokeswoman said in a statement that details regarding memorial services will be announced in due course. It read: “Angie Stone’s voice and spirit will live on forever in the hearts of those she touched.”