Grammy-nominated R&B singer Angie Stone dies in car crash - The Associated Press

In an unfortunate turn of events, Grammy-nominated R&B singer Angie Stone, renowned for her contributions to the music industry, tragically lost her life in a car crash early Saturday. Stone, who was a pivotal member of the all-female hip-hop trio The Sequence, is most recognized for her hit song “Wish I Didn’t Miss You” that resonated with music lovers worldwide. The incident occurred when Stone was on her way in a Sprint, as confirmed by music producer Walter Millsap III. The unexpected demise of the 63-year-old singer has left the music fraternity and her fans in a state of shock and mourning.

Born Angela Laverne Brown in 1961, Stone began her career in music as Angie B in the late 1970s. She was part of the first all-female rap group, The Sequence, which had a significant impact on the hip-hop scene in the early 1980s. Their hit 'Funk You Up' made them a household name, and their success opened the door for other female rap groups like Salt-N-Pepa.

Stone then transitioned to R&B and soul music, where she found even more success. Her rich, deep voice and her ability to convey raw emotion in her songs quickly made her a favorite among fans of the genre. She released her first solo album, Black Diamond, in 1999, which was well-received and included the hit single 'No More Rain (In This Cloud)'.

Over the next two decades, Stone continued to release music and perform to sold-out crowds. Her album The Art of Love & War, released in 2007, debuted at number one on the R&B charts and earned her three Grammy nominations. Known for her soulful performances and her powerful voice, Stone left an indelible mark on the music industry.

Stone's life was tragically cut short in a car accident on Saturday. Details about the crash are still emerging, but her music producer, Walter Millsap III, confirmed her death. Stone was 63 years old. Her loss has sent shockwaves through the music industry, and tributes have been pouring in from fans and fellow musicians alike.

Stone's music career began with The Sequence, an all-female hip-hop trio that also included Cheryl "The Pearl" Cook and Gwendolyn "Blondie" Chisolm. The group was a pioneering force in the late '70s and early '80s, challenging gender norms and stereotypes within the male-dominated hip-hop industry. Their 1979 hit "Funk You Up" was the first rap record by a female group, and it paved the way for future female artists in the genre.

Stone's powerful vocals, combined with her knack for storytelling and ability to connect with listeners, made her an integral part of The Sequence's success. Her work with the group demonstrated that women could not only participate in hip-hop, but they could also excel and lay the groundwork for others to follow.

After The Sequence disbanded, Stone continued to impact the music industry as a solo artist, releasing several successful albums in the R&B genre. However, her roots in hip-hop were always evident in her music. She often incorporated elements of rap into her songs, further blurring the lines between R&B and hip-hop. This stylistic fusion was ahead of its time and has since become a common trend in modern music.

Stone's influence on music extends beyond her own discography. She has been credited as an inspiration by numerous artists across different genres, ranging from hip-hop to R&B and pop. Her death is not just a loss for her family and friends, but also a significant loss for the music industry as a whole.

The loss of Angie Stone is not just a devastating personal tragedy but also a significant loss for the world of R&B music. Stone was a distinct voice in the genre, known for her soulful interpretations and emotional depth.

According to Dr. Annette Jackson, a musicologist at the University of California, Los Angeles, "Angie Stone was a remarkable talent. Her impact on R&B will be felt for generations to come. She was not just a singer, she was a storyteller, and her songs have been the soundtrack to many people's lives."

Stone's influence extended beyond her own work. She is credited with helping to pave the way for many of today's most popular R&B artists. As a member of The Sequence, one of the first all-female hip-hop groups, Stone pushed boundaries and challenged expectations, leaving an indelible mark on the music world.

Dr. Jackson added, "She was a trailblazer. Her efforts with The Sequence helped to create space for women in a genre that was, at the time, dominated by men. Her legacy in this respect cannot be overstated."

The loss of Angie Stone, a Grammy-nominated singer and a notable figure in the world of R&B, reverberates across the music industry. Her contributions, from her early days with The Sequence to her acclaimed solo career, marked her as a unique and influential voice.

Her hit song, "Wish I Didn't Miss You," will continue to remind us of her talent and the depth of emotion she was able to convey through her music. Stone's legacy, carried forward by her fans and fellow musicians, will endure despite her untimely passing.

As we mourn her loss, we also celebrate the music and the passion that Angie Stone shared with the world. Her life and career serve as a powerful testament to the enduring impact of music and art on our lives.

Source: https://apnews.com/article/angie-stone-car-crash-singer-41a7094f6d3aaa224902497f17e0204d