Tributes pour in as R&B singer Angie Stone dies in car crash at 63: 'A soulful storyteller'

MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA: Grammy-nominated singer Angie Stone, renowned for both her solo hits and as a co-founder of the hip-hop trio The Sequence, died in a car crash on Saturday, March 1, at the age of 63. 

Stone, best known for her R&B classic 'Wish I Didn't Miss You', was confirmed dead by her representative to PEOPLE, who shared that the crash involved an 18-wheeler. 

The heartbreaking news was also shared by Stone's daughter, Ladi Diamond, in a Facebook post, writing, "My mommy is gone," accompanied by several crying emojis. 

Stone’s untimely death has sent shockwaves through the music world, with celebrities, musicians, and public figures expressing their sorrow online. The singer's death comes just days after the tragic discovery of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betky Arakawa, who were found dead at their home.

What happened to Angie Stone?

Angie Stone’s longtime manager, Walter Mishap III, said the singer was on her way back to Atlanta from Alabama when the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter she was in flipped over and was hit by a Freightliner Cascadia truck.

Unfortunately, she was pronounced dead at the scene. The van’s driver and seven passengers were hospitalized. According to the Express Tribune, the Alabama Highway Patrol is investigating the incident, which occurred around 4.25 am on Interstate 65 south of Montgomery.

Stone, a pioneering member of The Sequence, one of the first all-female rap groups, 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 the R&B charts.

In addition to her music career, Stone was also an actress, appearing in films like 'The Hot Chick' and 'The Fighting Temptations'. She was scheduled to perform at the CIAA Championship halftime show before her untimely death.

Stone, who was born on December 18, 1961, in Columbia, began her music career with high school friends Cheryl Cook, aka Cheryl the Pearl, and Gwendolyn Chisolm aka Blondy, co-founding The Sequence.

In the 1990s, she transitioned to R&B, first performing with the group Vertical Hold before launching her solo career. A three-time Grammy nominee, Stone was inducted into the Women Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2024. 

Musicians extend their tributes to late singer Angie Stone

As news of Angie Stone’s death spread across multiple social media platforms, celebrities and musicians quickly took to social media to share their tributes.

CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams-Parker expressed in a statement, “We are heartbroken by the tragic and sudden passing of Angie Stone, an award-winning singer, a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., a community activist, role model, and mother whose soulful artistry and spirit made an indelible mark on her community, our nation, and the world. She used her incredible talent, passion, and presence to inspire and touch us with strength and hope.”

Community leader Bernice King shared her sorrow on Facebook, writing, “So heartbreaking. Rest well, soul sister. #AngieStone.”

Rapper Tyler, The Creator simply wrote, “Safe travels, Angie Stone.”

Former South Carolina representative and CNN analyst Bakari Sellers shared, “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, writing, “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 paid tribute to 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 also honored 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.”

Angie Stone's fans are 'heartbroken' as singer dies in car crash

Within hours of Angie Stone's daughter confirming her mother's death online, several internet users quickly shared their condolences.

One user wrote, "Wow, I’m devastated 😢! One of my favorite singers! I am sending my condolences to you and your family! 🙏🏿❤️" 

A shocked fan said, "Baby girl we are SHOCKED and so so sorry." A Facebook user wrote, "May the Holy Spirit comfort you during this time. I am in shock. I loved your Mothers music. She is and forever will be a LEGEND." 

One person shared, "Your mom seemed soo humble and loving. You were so blessed to have such mom 🥹🥹🥹. I’m soo sorry."

A commenter wrote, "Sending love, hugs and prayers to you girlie and your family!!! I know how you felt about your mother!!! May God strengthen you and your family during this difficult time."

A disappointed fan said, "My heart is broken. So sorry for your loss. Prayers to you and the family."

This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.