Neo-Soul ‘Genius’ D’Angelo Dies at 51 from Pancreatic Cancer

October 14, 2025

D'Angelo, the influential R&B artist known as the "King of Neo-Soul," has died at age 51 after battling pancreatic cancer. Throughout his 30-year career, he released three groundbreaking albums—"Brown Sugar," "Voodoo," and "Black Messiah"—that transformed soul music and earned him four Grammy Awards. Born Michael Eugene Archer to a minister father in Virginia, D'Angelo developed his distinctive sound by blending gospel, soul, funk, and jazz influences while mastering piano from a young age.

Who is affected

D'Angelo's family and loved ones
Fans and followers of D'Angelo's music
The music industry, particularly the R&B and neo-soul communities
Artists influenced by D'Angelo, including Frank Ocean, H.E.R., and SZA
Fellow musicians and collaborators, including The Soulquarians collective
Music critics and journalists who covered his work

What action is being taken

People are sharing tributes and memories of D'Angelo on social media
Artists like Jill Scott are publicly mourning his loss
Critics and fans are highlighting D'Angelo's musical contributions and legacy
Media outlets are reporting on his death and celebrating his career
D'Angelo had recently announced he would not be headlining the Roots Picnic event

Why it matters

D'Angelo was a transformative figure who reshaped soul music and pioneered neo-soul
Despite releasing only three albums in 30 years, his influence on Black music is extensive
His work served as a bridge between classic soul traditions and contemporary sounds
He won four Grammy Awards, including Best R&B Album for "Black Messiah" in 2016
D'Angelo's albums, particularly "Voodoo" and "Black Messiah," are widely regarded as masterpieces
His influence extends across multiple generations of musicians

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer