R&B Soul Singer D’Angelo, 51, Dies of Pancreatic Cancer

Grammy-winning R&B soul singer D’Angelo passed away from pancreatic cancer. He’s 51.

Untitled singer-songwriter died on Tuesday, Oct. 14, in New York City. His former manager, Kedar Massemberg, confirmed this sad news.

D’Angelo did not disclose his illness to the public. According to a publication, he had been in treatment for months.

D’Angelo’s real name is Michael Eugene Archer. He was born on February 11, 1974, in Richmond, Virginia. From a young age, music was woven into his life: he played piano in his grandfather’s church, absorbing gospel, soul, and the rhythms of spiritual music. Over time, that early foundation would blossom into a voice and style uniquely his own.

In the 1990s, as the neo-soul wave began to form (with artists like Erykah Badu, Maxwell, and Lauryn Hill), D’Angelo emerged as a fresh, distinctive force. His debut solo album, Brown Sugar (1995), introduced him to a wider audience. It featured tracks like “Lady,” “Brown Sugar,“ and “Cruisin’,“ which displayed both sensuality and musical craftsmanship — blending R&B, soul, and hints of jazz and hip-hop.

While Brown Sugar garnered critical acclaim and commercial success, it also brought recognition: nominations at the Grammys in categories such as Best R&B Album, Best R&B Song, and Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.

After Brown Sugar, D’Angelo took time to refine his voice. In 2000, he released his second album, Voodoo. This marked a major point in his career, as the album reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and became known as a neo-soul classic for its rich sound and emotional depth.

In December 2014, D’Angelo returned to the spotlight with his third studio album, Black Messiah.

The album received widespread acclaim. It didn’t just echo his earlier styles but pushed into political and socially conscious themes, reflecting the times.

At the 58th Grammy Awards in 2016, Black Messiah earned D’Angelo two more Grammys: Best R&B Album and Best R&B Song for Really Love.