Angie Stone, Dead at 63
Renowned neo-soul singer and pioneering member of the all-female hip-hop group The Sequence, Angie Stone, has tragically passed away at the age of 63. Her representative, Deborah R. Champagne, confirmed to TMZ that Stone was involved in a fatal car accident early Saturday morning after performing in Montgomery, Alabama. She was en route to Baltimore to perform at the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) basketball tournament, an event celebrating Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), when the accident occurred on Interstate 65 in Montgomery County, Alabama. Her daughter, Diamond Stone, also confirmed her mother's passing on social media.
Photo provide by: 11Alive
Born Angela Laverne Brown on December 18, 1961, in Columbia, South Carolina, Stone's illustrious career began with The Sequence in the late 1970s, making significant contributions to the early days of hip-hop. She later transitioned to a successful solo career, becoming a prominent figure in the neo-soul genre with acclaimed albums like "Black Diamond" and "Mahogany Soul."
Beyond her musical achievements, Stone was deeply committed to supporting the Black community and HBCUs. In July 2024, she was inducted as an honorary member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, during their Grand Boulé in Indianapolis. This sorority, founded at Howard University, is dedicated to scholarship, service, sisterhood, and finer womanhood. As an honorary member, Stone aligned her passions and talents with the sorority's Elder Care initiatives and the Zetas Helping Other People Excel (Z-HOPE™) program, reflecting her commitment to community service and empowerment.
Honorary Members inducted into Zeta Phi Beta’s Alpha Omega Chapter, including Angie Stone. Bottom right.
Stone was also actively involved in the F.A.C.E. Diabetes (Fearless African-Americans Connected and Empowered) program, sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company. This initiative aims to educate African Americans about diabetes risk and management, showcasing her dedication to health and wellness within the Black community.
Her untimely death en route to the CIAA tournament underscores her enduring connection to HBCUs and her unwavering support for events that celebrate Black culture and excellence. The CIAA, known for its rich history of promoting athletics among HBCUs, had invited Stone to perform during the tournament festivities, reflecting her deep ties to the community.
Angie Stone's legacy extends beyond her music; her dedication to uplifting and empowering the Black community, particularly through her support of HBCUs and related programs, will be remembered and cherished by many.