Grammy-nominated R&B singer Angie Stone, renowned for her soulful hits and her role as a founding member of the groundbreaking all-female hip hop trio The Sequence, tragically lost her life early Saturday in a fatal car crash. Stone, best known for the classic hit “Wish I Didn’t Miss You,” was 63.
Fatal Incident Details
At around 4 a.m., the vehicle transporting Stone from Alabama to Atlanta overturned and was struck by a big rig, according to music producer Walter Millsap III. Millsap confirmed via email that all other occupants of the cargo van survived the accident. He learned about the devastating event from Stone’s daughter, Diamond, as well as longtime The Sequence member Blondy.
Impact on Scheduled Performances
Stone was scheduled to headline the halftime show at the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) men’s Championship basketball game on Saturday. In a touching tribute, CIAA Chaplain Pastor Jerome Barber led a moment of silence during the game. CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams-Parker expressed profound sorrow, stating, “She used her incredible talent, passion, and presence to inspire and touch us with strength and hope.”
A Storied Music Career
Throughout her career, Angie Stone delivered numerous chart-topping hits. Her soulful ballad “No More Rain (In This Cloud)” dominated Billboard’s Adult R&B airplay chart for 10 consecutive weeks, while her collaboration “Baby” with legendary soul singer Betty Wright also soared to No. 1. Stone’s repertoire includes other memorable tracks such as “Wish I Didn’t Miss You” and “Brotha.”
Emerging as a key figure in the neo-soul movement of the early 2000s, Stone’s music resonated alongside influential artists like Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Maxwell, and D’Angelo. Her 2001 album “Mahagony Soul” reached No. 22 on the Billboard 200, and 2007’s “The Art Of Love & War” peaked at No. 11, underscoring her impact on modern R&B.
Pioneering Beginnings and Versatile Talents
Born in Columbia, South Carolina, Angie Stone helped form The Sequence, the first all-female hip hop group to record a rap song under Sugar Hill Records—a milestone that paved the way for future female artists in hip hop. After her early success with The Sequence and later with the group Vertical Hold, Stone embarked on a flourishing solo career, earning accolades including the prestigious Soul Train Lady of Soul award.
In addition to her musical achievements, Stone demonstrated her versatility as an actress. She appeared in films such as The Hot Chick with Rob Schneider, The Fighting Temptations featuring Cuba Gooding Jr. and Beyoncé, and Ride Along alongside Ice Cube and Kevin Hart. Stone also showcased her theatrical prowess on Broadway in the role of Big Mama Morton in Chicago, and she connected with audiences on reality TV shows like Celebrity Fit Club and R&B Divas: Atlanta.
Remembering a Musical Icon
Angie Stone’s legacy as a soulful singer, innovative musician, and multi-talented performer will continue to inspire fans and artists around the world. Her untimely passing marks a profound loss for the music industry, leaving an indelible impact on R&B, neo-soul, and hip hop history.
