D’Angelo – the neo-soul and R&B legend – has died. He was 51

D’Angelo is dead – the music world says goodbye to the R&B icon

D’Angelo, actually Michael Eugene Archer – American singer, instrumentalist and neo-soul pioneer – has died at the age of 51. The artist passed away on 14 October 2025. The news of his death was announced by his family, who revealed that the cause of death was pancreatic cancer. A statement from his relatives read:

‘He was a fighter, he fought his illness with dignity and courage.

Who was D’Angelo? The artist who defined neo-soul

D’Angelo was born on 11 February 1974 in Richmond, Virginia. He was involved with gospel music from an early age, having grown up in a family deeply rooted in the religious tradition. His work has always combined spirituality, sensuality and deeply personal experiences.

His debut album Brown Sugar (1995) opened a new chapter in R&B history. The real breakthrough, however, came with Voodoo (2000), an album that earned him two Grammy Awards and recognition as one of the most important voices of his generation.

The song ‘Untitled (How Does It Feel)’ from this album became one of the most sensual and iconic recordings of the 21st century. In 2014, he returned with the long-awaited Black Messiah, which won acclaim from fans and critics alike.

D’Angelo’s cause of death – what is known?

D’Angelo died after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. The illness was kept a secret and the artist tried to live by his philosophy of privacy until the end. The family gave no further details, asking for peace and calm during this difficult time.

Reactions from fans and artists – D’Angelo as a symbol of a generation

D’Angelo’s death triggered a wave of emotional reactions. Tributes were paid by Erykah Badu, Questlove, Missy Elliott and Nile Rodgers, among others. In Poland, Katarzyna Cerekwicka spoke, recalling her meeting with the artist as a moment full of emotion and mutual respect.

His music changed my life. He was like a soul who understood everything without words

D’Angelo – the legacy of a legend

As a pioneer of neo-soul and an artist who was not afraid to experiment with his sound, D’Angelo influenced generations of artists – from Frank Ocean to Anderson .Paak. He was a complete artist: singer, producer, songwriter and musician who never succumbed to commercial pressures.

Today, his music resonates even more strongly – as a testament to his sensitivity, talent and courage in being himself.