Angie Stone, R&B Star, Dies in Car Crash at 63

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Grammy-nominated R&B singer Angie Stone, known for her hit song “Wish I Didn’t Miss You,” died early Saturday in a car accident at the age of 63. The incident occurred around 4 a.m. as she was traveling back to Atlanta from Alabama, according to music producer Walter Millsap III.

The vehicle Stone was riding in flipped over and was subsequently struck by a big rig, Millsap reported via email. He confirmed that everyone else in the cargo van survived the crash except for Stone.

Millsap learned of Stone’s passing from her daughter, Diamond, and fellow member of The Sequence, Blondy. Stone was supposed to perform during the halftime show of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) men’s championship basketball game on Saturday. CIAA Chaplain Pastor Jerome Barber called for a moment of silence in her honor at the event.

CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams-Parker expressed the organization’s sorrow, stating, “She used her incredible talent, passion, and presence to inspire and touch us with strength and hope.”

Stone began making waves in the music industry with The Sequence, a pioneering all-female hip-hop trio, before establishing herself as a solo artist. Her 2001 album, “Mahogany Soul,” reached No. 22 on the Billboard 200 charts, while her 2007 album, “The Art Of Love & War,” peaked at No. 11.

Stone is recognized for several chart-topping hits, including “No More Rain (In This Cloud)” and “Baby,” both of which reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Adult R&B airplay chart. Rising to prominence during the neo-soul movement of the early 2000s, she was celebrated alongside other artists like Erykah Badu and Jill Scott.

Born in Columbia, South Carolina, Stone was a trailblazer in the music industry. Her contributions to the genre were notable not only for her musical talent but also for paving the way for future generations of female artists. After her time with The Sequence and Vertical Hold, she launched a successful solo career.

In addition to her music career, Stone showcased her acting talent in films such as “The Hot Chick,” “The Fighting Temptations,” and “Ride Along,” and made appearances on Broadway as Big Mama Morton in “Chicago.” She also appeared on reality television programs like “Celebrity Fit Club” and “R&B Divas: Atlanta.”

Fans and artists alike mourn her passing, emphasizing her legacy in the music community. Angie Stone leaves behind a rich tapestry of music that has touched countless lives.