This past March the music world mourned the heartbreaking loss of Grammy-nominated R&B icon Angie Stone, who tragically passed away early Saturday (the 1st) in a car crash near Montgomery, Alabama. She was 63. Stone, known for her timeless hit “Wish I Didn’t Miss You,” was returning to Atlanta when the van she was riding in flipped and was struck by a big rig. She was the only fatality among the passengers. Her manager, Walter Millsap III, described the news as a devastating and unexpected tragedy. Her children, Diamond and Michael Archer, shared in their grief, saying they are “completely heartbroken.”

Stone’s impact on music was deep and enduring. Born in Columbia, South Carolina, she helped pioneer female hip-hop with The Sequence, the first all-women rap group on Sugar Hill Records, known for the classic “Funk You Up.” She later found solo success with hits like “No More Rain (In This Cloud),” “Baby,” and “Brotha,” becoming a central voice in the rise of neo-soul. Her 2001 album Mahogany Soul became a defining work of the genre. Beyond music, she touched audiences on stage and screen, appearing in films, Broadway productions, and reality shows with authenticity and grace.

Angie Stone’s life was one of resilience, evolution, and heart. From her gospel roots to her soulful chart-toppers, she carried her faith and truth into every performance. Even after health battles and industry challenges, she found renewed joy and purpose through music. A Soul Train Lady of Soul winner and passionate storyteller, Stone uplifted generations with her voice, spirit, and legacy—one that will continue to echo for years to come.