Angie Stone: A Life in Music
Angela Laverne Brown, known professionally as Angie Stone, was an American singer, songwriter, actress, and record producer whose career spanned over four decades. Born on December 18, 1961, in Columbia, South Carolina, Stone’s journey from gospel roots to becoming a prominent figure in the neo-soul movement showcases her versatility and enduring influence in the music industry.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Angie Stone’s musical foundation was laid in her hometown, where she sang gospel music at the First Nazareth Baptist Church under the guidance of Reverend Blakely N. Scott. Her father, a member of a local gospel quartet, introduced her to performances by groups like the Singing Angels and the Gospel Keynotes, nurturing her early passion for music.
At the age of 16, Stone co-founded The Sequence, one of the first female hip-hop trios, alongside Cheryl “The Pearl” Cook and Gwendolyn “Blondie” Chisolm. Signed to Sugar Hill Records, they achieved success with their 1980 single “Funk You Up,” which reached number 15 on the U.S. Top Black Singles chart. The Sequence enjoyed a series of rap hits during the early years of hip-hop, including collaborations with rapper Spoonie Gee. However, as hip-hop evolved, the trio disbanded in 1985.
Transition to R&B and Solo Success
Following The Sequence, Stone collaborated with hip-hop and electro-funk group Mantronix before becoming the lead vocalist for the R&B trio Vertical Hold. The group released popular singles like “Seems You’re Much Too Busy” and two albums: A Matter of Time (1993) and Head First (1995). In 1996, she formed Devox with Gerry DeVeaux and Charlie Mole, releasing an album in Japan. During this period, Stone also contributed as a backing vocalist and songwriter for artists such as D’Angelo and Lenny Kravitz.
Angie Stone‘s solo career commenced with her debut album Black Diamond in 1999, released under Arista Records. The album received positive reviews and achieved gold certification from both the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and the British Phonographic Industry (BPI). It featured the Adult R&B Songs number-one hit “No More Rain (In This Cloud).”
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Her sophomore album, Mahogany Soul (2001), solidified her place in the neo-soul genre. The album included the hit single “Wish I Didn’t Miss You,” which became her most famous track and showcased her deep understanding of love and loss. Stone’s work was recognized for its ability to blend classic 70s soul with contemporary elements, appealing to both older and newer audiences.
Continued Musical Evolution
In 2004, Angie Stone released Stone Love, an album that featured collaborations with artists like Snoop Dogg and showcased her versatility. The album debuted at number 14 on the U.S. Billboard 200 and entered the top twenty in several European countries.
Her fourth studio album, The Art of Love & War (2007), marked her first number-one entry on the U.S. Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. The lead single, “Baby,” a duet with Betty Wright, became her second number-one hit on the U.S. Adult R&B Songs chart and earned her a Grammy nomination.
Stone continued to release music that resonated with fans and critics alike. Her 2015 album Dream received positive reviews, with critics calling it “another solid and empowering effort.” In 2019, she released Full Circle, featuring the lead single “Dinosaur,” produced by Walter Millsap III and Hallway Productionz.
Acting Career and Other Ventures
Beyond music, Angie Stone ventured into acting. She made her film debut in the 2002 comedy The Hot Chick and appeared in The Fighting Temptations (2003) alongside Cuba Gooding Jr. and Beyoncé. She also took on the role of Big Mama Morton in the Broadway musical Chicago in 2003.
Stone participated in reality television as well, appearing on VH1’s Celebrity Fit Club in 2006 and TV One’s R&B Divas in 2013, where she served as a mentor and life coach.
Personal Life
Angie Stone had two children. Her daughter, Diamond, was born in 1984 from her marriage to Rodney Stone, also known as Lil’ Rodney C! of the hip-hop group Funky Four Plus One. Diamond contributed background vocals to Stone’s 2007 song “Baby.” During the 1990s, Stone was in a relationship with neo-soul singer D’Angelo, and they had a son named Michael D’Angelo Archer II in 1998.
In 1999, Stone was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. She became an advocate for health awareness, participating in programs like F.A.C.E. Diabetes (Fearless African-Americans Connected and Empowered) to help African Americans understand their risk for diabetes and how to manage it.
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Legacy and Untimely Death
Stone’s contributions to music were recognized with three Grammy nominations and two Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards. She remained a vital figure in R&B and soul music, inspiring countless artists with her rich, textured voice and deeply personal songwriting.
On March 1, 2025, Angie Stone was killed in an automobile accident in Montgomery, Alabama, at the age of 63. Stone and her band members were traveling to Atlanta following a concert in Mobile, Alabama, when their Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van was involved in a vehicle collision. Her influence on the music industry remains undeniable, as her work continues to resonate with fans and inspire future generations of musicians.
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