Grammy-nominated soul singer Angie Stone tragically passed away at the age of 63 in a car accident in Montgomery, Alabama. The incident occurred after she had performed in Mobile, Alabama, and was traveling with nine others to Atlanta, Georgia, in a Sprinter van. Stone was the sole fatality among the passengers.
Born Angela Brown in Columbia, South Carolina, Stone’s illustrious career spanned over four decades. She began her musical journey in the late 1970s as a member of The Sequence, one of the pioneering female hip-hop groups, known for their hit “Funk You Up.” Transitioning to a solo career, Stone released her debut album “Black Diamond” in 1999, featuring notable tracks like “No More Rain (In This Cloud)” and “Life Story.” Her subsequent album, “Mahogany Soul,” included the widely acclaimed song “Wish I Didn’t Miss You.”
Beyond her musical achievements, Stone ventured into acting, appearing in films such as “The Hot Chick” and “Ride Along,” as well as television shows like “Girlfriends” and “Moesha.” Throughout her career, she earned three Grammy nominations, solidifying her status as a significant figure in the R&B and soul genres.
In the wake of her sudden death, Stone’s daughter, Diamond Stone, expressed profound grief on social media, stating, “My mommy is gone.”
This tragic event has not only left fans mourning but has also resurfaced discussions about past familial conflicts between Angie and Diamond.In 2015, Angie and Diamond were involved in a physical altercation at their home in Lithonia, Georgia. The dispute reportedly began over household responsibilities and escalated, resulting in Angie allegedly striking Diamond with a metal stand, leading to the loss of Diamond’s front teeth. Angie was arrested and charged with domestic aggravated assault, though she claimed self-defense, stating that Diamond had initiated the physical confrontation.
Following the incident, Diamond shared her perspective on social media, expressing her pain and intention to distance herself from the situation. She wrote, “I love all my family but I cannot take anymore abuse so I’m separating myself from it all.”
Despite the public nature of their dispute, the mother-daughter duo later appeared together on the “Steve Harvey Show” in 2016, indicating efforts towards reconciliation. During the interview, Angie addressed the altercation, denying that she knocked out Diamond’s teeth and expressing regret over the incident. She emphasized the importance of respect within their relationship, stating, “You [are] not gonna fight me in my house. You [are] not gonna fight me, period. I am your mother, and that’s how that goes.” rollingout.com
At the time of her death, Stone appeared to be in good health and was actively planning future projects. Just weeks prior, she had announced an upcoming UK tour and other endeavors, sharing her excitement with fans on social media. In her last Instagram post on February 18, she wrote, “I’ve been in the game for 50 years… Even at this point I am asking my creator what is next because I have so much more to give.”
The suddenness of her passing has led to various speculations and concerns, particularly from those close to her. However, official reports confirm that her death was the result of a vehicular accident, with no indications of foul play. Authorities have stated that Stone was the only fatality among the ten passengers in the van, and investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the accident.
Angie Stone’s legacy as a trailblazer in the music industry is undeniable. From her early days with The Sequence to her successful solo career, she consistently broke barriers and influenced countless artists. Her contributions to neo-soul and R&B have left an indelible mark, with songs that continue to resonate with audiences worldwide. As fans and fellow artists mourn her loss, they also celebrate the rich musical heritage she leaves behind.
In reflecting on her journey, Stone once said, “I was self-taught. I was hungry, I was thirsty, I was ambitious.” These words encapsulate the drive and passion that propelled her illustrious career. As the music world bids farewell to Angie Stone, her voice and spirit will undoubtedly live on through the timeless music she created.
