Angie Stone: A Legacy in Neo-Soul and R&B
Tragic Passing
Angie Stone, the acclaimed neo-soul and R&B singer and songwriter, passed away on Sunday, March 1, at the age of 63. According to her representative, she died in a hospital following a car crash after a performance in Alabama.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Roots in Gospel
Angela Laverne “Angie” Stone was born in 1961 in Columbia, South Carolina. Growing up in a musical environment, her father was a member of a gospel quartet that practiced at their home. This early exposure honed her ear for rhythm and vocal techniques. She participated in her school choir and began writing poetry in junior high, which eventually evolved into songwriting.
The Sequence: Breakthrough in Hip-Hop
Stone’s music career took off in high school when she, along with friends Gwendolyn Chisolm and Cheryl Cook, formed the hip-hop trio The Sequence. Their talent caught the attention of Sylvia Robinson, leading to a deal with Sugar Hill Records. In 1979, they released their energetic single “Funk You Up,” making them the first all-women hip-hop group to achieve a charting single. This track would later be sampled by numerous artists, including Dr. Dre and En Vogue.
Career Transition
Struggles with Record Labels
After releasing three albums, The Sequence faced issues with Sugar Hill Records regarding their contracts, prompting Stone to leave the group in 1984. Following the birth of her daughter, she spent years as a backup performer, including a notable stint playing saxophone for Lenny Kravitz.
Vertical Hold and Songwriting Success
In 1990, Stone signed with MCA Universal as a songwriter and formed the R&B trio Vertical Hold alongside musicians Willie Bruno and David Bright. The group released two albums under A&M Records: 1993’s “A Matter of Time” and 1995’s “Head First,” before disbanding.
Solo Career and Impact
Breakthrough with Black Diamond
In the late 1990s, Stone’s career experienced a renaissance when a set of early demos caught the attention of an A&R executive at Arista Records. This led to the release of her solo debut album, “Black Diamond,” in 1999. The album was a commercial success, earning gold status and featuring hit singles like “No More Rain (In This Cloud)” and “Everyday,” which played a pivotal role in shaping the neo-soul genre.
Prolific Output and Collaborations
Over her career, Stone released 10 studio albums and received three Grammy nominations. She also wrote songs for various artists, including D’Angelo, Erykah Badu, and Raphael Saadiq. In addition to her music career, Stone contributed the theme song for the sitcom “Girlfriends” and made cameo appearances in films such as “The Fighting Temptations” and “The Hot Chick.” Her final album, “Love Language,” was released in 2023.
Conclusion
Angie Stone’s legacy in the music industry is marked by her pioneering contributions to neo-soul and R&B. From her early days with The Sequence to her successful solo career, Stone’s influence will continue to resonate through the generations of artists she inspired. Her passing is a significant loss to the music world, but her work will live on, reminding us of her extraordinary talent and impact.
FAQs
What was Angie Stone known for?
Angie Stone was known for her contributions to the neo-soul and R&B genres, particularly her hit singles and pioneering work as part of the first all-women hip-hop group, The Sequence.
When did Angie Stone release her first solo album?
Angie Stone released her first solo album, “Black Diamond,” in 1999, which became a significant success and helped define the neo-soul movement.
How many albums did Angie Stone release in her career?
Throughout her career, Angie Stone released a total of 10 studio albums.
Did Angie Stone collaborate with other artists?
Yes, Angie Stone collaborated with various artists, including writing songs for D’Angelo, Erykah Badu, and Raphael Saadiq.
What was Angie Stone’s final album?
Angie Stone’s final album, titled “Love Language,” was released in 2023.
