Tributes pour in as Grammy-nominated R&B singer Angie Stone passes away at 63

Grammy-nominated R&B singer Angie Stone, known for hits like Wish I Didn’t Miss You and No More Rain (In This Cloud), died early Saturday in a car crash. She was 63.

According to Walter Millsap III, her longtime manager, Stone was returning to Atlanta from Alabama when the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter she was in flipped over and was hit by a Freightliner Cascadia truck. Stone was pronounced dead at the scene. The van’s driver and seven passengers were hospitalized.

The Alabama Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of the accident, which occurred around 4:25 a.m. on Interstate 65, south of Montgomery.

Stone was a pioneering member of The Sequence, one of the first female rap groups, and later became a leading voice in neo-soul, influencing artists like Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, and D’Angelo. Her albums Mahogany Soul and The Art of Love & War topped R&B charts.

“She used her incredible talent, passion, and presence to inspire us,” said CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams-Parker.

Her children, Diamond and Michael Archer, expressed their grief: “We are completely heartbroken.”

Tributes from celebrities, musicians, and public figures flooded social media following Stone’s passing. Community leader Bernice King shared on X, “So heartbreaking. Rest well, soul sister. #AngieStone.”

Rapper Tyler, The Creator wrote, “safe travels angie stone.” Former South Carolina representative and

CNN analyst Bakari Sellers posted, “My heart breaks for Angie Stone and her family. May she rest in power. She meant so much to this community and is a true icon.”

Comedian and TV host Loni Love reflected on their time together, stating, “In 2021, I had the honor of hosting #BlackMusicHonors, celebrating the incredible Angie Stone. She was an amazing talent and an even cooler person. I’ll cherish our conversations, Angie. Rest in peace. Condolences to her family.”

The NAACP Image Awards honored her legacy, stating, “Rest in Power, Angie Stone. A true pioneer, a soulful storyteller, and a voice that helped shape the sound of R&B.”

Music industry pioneer DJ Short paid tribute to her impact, writing, “RIP Angie Stone. Founding member of early Sugarhill Records Hip-Hop group The Sequence, later a pioneer in the Neo-Soul movement in the late 90s and early 00s. An essential part of Hip-Hop and R&B history.”

Stone, also an actress, had roles in The Hot Chick and The Fighting Temptations. She was set to perform at a CIAA Championship halftime show before her tragic passing.