Grammy-Nominated R&B Singer Angie Stone Dies in Tragic Car Crash at 63
Music Icon Killed in Early Morning Collision on Interstate 65
Angie Stone, the Grammy-nominated R&B singer known for hits like “Wish I Didn’t Miss You“ and a pioneer in hip-hop with The Sequence, has died at the age of 63. Stone was tragically killed in a car accident early Saturday morning while traveling from Alabama to Atlanta.
Fatal Crash Details
The accident occurred around 4:25 a.m. on Interstate 65, about five miles south of Montgomery, Alabama. According to the Alabama Highway Patrol, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van Stone was riding in overturned and was then struck by a 2021 Freightliner Cascadia truck driven by a 33-year-old man from Texas.
Stone was pronounced dead at the scene.
Seven others in the van, including the driver, were taken to Baptist Medical Center for treatment.
Her longtime manager, Walter Millsap III, confirmed the tragic news, stating:
“We are truly devastated by this unexpected and unfortunate tragedy, and there are simply no words to express how we feel.”
Family’s Heartbreaking Response
Stone’s children, Diamond and Michael Archer, released a statement via the SRG Group:
“Never in a million years did we ever expect to get this horrible news. We are still trying to process and are completely heartbroken.”
Millsap said he first learned about the accident from Stone’s daughter, Diamond, and Blondy, a longtime member of The Sequence.
Angie Stone’s Legacy in Music
A Neo-Soul Pioneer: Stone rose to fame in the early 2000s during the rise of neo-soul, alongside artists like Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Maxwell, and D’Angelo.
Chart-Topping Hits:
“No More Rain (In This Cloud)” – No. 1 on Billboard’s Adult R&B chart for 10 weeks
“Baby” (feat. Betty Wright) – Another No. 1 hit
“Wish I Didn’t Miss You” & “Brotha” – Fan favorites that remain classics
Album Success:
Mahogany Soul (2001) – Peaked at No. 22 on Billboard 200
The Art of Love & War (2007) – Reached No. 11 on Billboard 200
Her Roots: From Gospel to Hip-Hop
Born in Columbia, South Carolina, Stone’s love for music was shaped by her parents.
Her mother sang at home, while her father performed gospel and blues at local venues.
In the late 1970s, she co-founded The Sequence, hip-hop’s first all-female rap group, signed to Sugar Hill Records.
Their song “Funk You Up” became a hip-hop classic, later sampled by Dr. Dre and others.
She later joined the R&B trio Vertical Hold before launching her solo career.
A Life of Resilience and Reinvention
Despite her success, Stone faced health struggles, including a battle with congestive heart failure. She lost over 40 pounds and embraced a healthier lifestyle.
“I feel complete. I have a new love, a new album, a new outlook, and a newfound joy. Now I feel like I’m on my way to a happily ever after.” – Angie Stone (2007)
More Than Music: Acting & Broadway Career
Film Appearances:
The Hot Chick (with Rob Schneider)
The Fighting Temptations (with Cuba Gooding Jr. & Beyoncé)
Ride Along (with Ice Cube & Kevin Hart)
Broadway & TV:
Played Big Mama Morton in Chicago
Reality TV appearances on “Celebrity Fit Club” & “R&B Divas: Atlanta”
Honoring Angie Stone’s Memory
Stone was scheduled to perform at the CIAA Men’s Basketball Championship halftime show on Saturday. CIAA Chaplain Pastor Jerome Barber led a moment of silence in her honor.
CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams-Parker shared:
“She used her incredible talent, passion, and presence to inspire and touch us with strength and hope.”
Rest in Peace, Angie Stone (1961-2025). Your music and legacy will live on.
