D'Angelo

Quick facts for kids D'Angelo
D'Angelo performing in Pori, Finland, in July 2012
Background information
Birth name	Michael Eugene Archer
Born	(1974-02-11)February 11, 1974 Richmond, Virginia, U.S.
Died	October 14, 2025(2025-10-14) (aged 51) New York City, U.S.
Genres	Neo soul progressive soul funk R&B
Occupations	Musician singer songwriter record producer
Instruments	Vocals guitar piano keyboards drums
Years active	1991–2025
Labels	EMI Virgin J RCA

Michael Eugene Archer (born February 11, 1974), known as D'Angelo, was an American R&B musician. He was a very important artist in the neo soul music style. Billboard magazine called him one of the greatest R&B artists. Rolling Stone magazine also listed him among the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time. He passed away on October 14, 2025.

D'Angelo first became known for helping write and produce the song "U Will Know" in 1994. This song was for a group called Black Men United. His first album, Brown Sugar, came out in 1995. It was very popular and helped start the neo-soul music movement. Songs like "Brown Sugar", "Cruisin", and "Lady" were big hits from this album.

He worked with other famous artists like Angie Stone, Erykah Badu, and Lauryn Hill. His second album, Voodoo, was released in 2000. It quickly reached number one on the music charts. The song "Untitled (How Does It Feel)" from this album won a Grammy Award. The Voodoo album also won a Grammy for Best R&B Album.

After this success, D'Angelo faced some personal challenges. He took a break from music for many years. He returned in 2014 with his third album, Black Messiah. This album was also very successful. It won a Grammy for Best R&B Album. The song "Really Love" from the album won Best R&B Song.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Michael Eugene Archer was born in Richmond, Virginia, on February 11, 1974. He grew up in a family where his father was a preacher. Michael showed musical talent from a very young age. His brother noticed him playing the piano when he was just three years old.

In 1991, when he was 17, D'Angelo and his group won an amateur music competition at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York. This success inspired him to pursue music seriously. He moved to New York City to start his music career. He also spent some time as a member of a hip hop group called I.D.U.

Career Highlights

The Brown Sugar Album and Early Success

At 17, D'Angelo met Jocelyn Cooper, who helped him get a music publishing deal. She introduced him to other musicians like Raphael Saadiq and Angie Stone. In 1993, D'Angelo signed a recording contract with EMI Music.

In 1994, D'Angelo had his first big hit with the song "U Will Know". He helped write and produce this song for a group called Black Men United. The song was featured in the film Jason's Lyric and became very popular. D'Angelo also wrote a song for the Boys Choir of Harlem that same year.

His first album, Brown Sugar, was released in July 1995. It became a huge success, selling over a million copies in the U.S. The album is known for starting the neo-soul music style. It featured popular songs like "Lady" and the title track "Brown Sugar".

Voodoo Album and Growing Fame

After the success of Brown Sugar, D'Angelo toured for two years. He then took some time away from the spotlight. During this period, he mostly released cover songs. He also worked with other artists, including a duet with Lauryn Hill called "Nothing Even Matters" in 1998.

His second album, Voodoo, was released in 2000. Music critics praised it as a masterpiece. The album quickly reached number one on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart. It sold over 1.7 million copies in the U.S. By 2001, Voodoo won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Album.

The album's third single, "Untitled (How Does It Feel)", became his biggest hit from Voodoo. Its music video was very impactful and helped boost the song's popularity. The video received three nominations at the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards. D'Angelo also won a Grammy for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for this song.

Facing Challenges and a Return to Music

After his Voodoo tour, D'Angelo stepped away from the public eye. He faced personal challenges during this time. This led to a long break from releasing new music. He collaborated with other artists like J Dilla and Snoop Dogg.

D'Angelo worked on his next album for many years. He wanted to play all the instruments himself, like his idol Prince. In 2011, he announced a European tour for 2012. He performed new songs during these concerts. In 2012, he performed in the U.S. for the first time in almost 12 years.

D'Angelo performing at Brixton Academy in London, 2012

Black Messiah and Recent Work

D'Angelo released his third album, Black Messiah, in December 2014. He decided to release it earlier than planned due to important events happening in the world. The album was a surprise release and was praised by critics.

Black Messiah debuted at number five on the Billboard 200 chart. It won Best R&B Album at the 58th Grammy Awards. The song "Really Love" from the album won Best R&B Song.

D'Angelo supported Black Messiah with a tour called The Second Coming. He performed with his band, The Vanguard, across Europe, Asia, and North America. In 2018, D'Angelo contributed to the soundtrack for the video game Red Dead Redemption 2. He sang on the song "Unshaken".

Final Years and Legacy

On February 14, 2021, D'Angelo participated in a special online music event called Verzuz. He performed at the Apollo Theater with friends and collaborators. In June 2021, he performed "Unshaken" at the Tribeca Film Festival.

In 2024, D'Angelo was featured on a song with Jay-Z for the film The Book of Clarence. He was also working on a fourth album.

Michael Eugene Archer, known as D'Angelo, passed away on October 14, 2025, at the age of 51. He had been working on his fourth album, which may now be released after his passing. Many musicians, including Jamie Foxx and Drake, shared tributes to D'Angelo, praising his talent and influence.

Musical Style and Influences

D'Angelo was inspired by many great musicians. He admired Prince for writing, producing, and performing his own music. D'Angelo wanted to have that same creative control. He was also influenced by hip hop groups like A Tribe Called Quest.

He explored different music styles, including gospel, blues, and old soul music. Artists like James Brown, Sly and the Family Stone, and Jimi Hendrix were big inspirations. He also studied the music of Al Green, George Clinton, and Fela Kuti.

D'Angelo's music had a lasting impact. Rolling Stone magazine ranked him among the "200 Greatest Singers of All Time". Billboard listed him as one of the "75th Best R&B Artists of all Time". Pitchfork called him a "groundbreaking R&B artist" who helped define the neo-soul movement.

His album Voodoo is considered a top example of neo-soul music. Rolling Stone included it in their list of the "500 Greatest Albums of All Time". His album Black Messiah was noted for its politically charged themes, influencing other artists.

Personal Life

D'Angelo had three children. He had a son, Michael Archer Jr., with fellow soul singer Angie Stone. Michael Archer Jr. is known as Swayvo Twain. D'Angelo also had a daughter, Imani Archer, and another son.

Discography

Studio albums

• Brown Sugar (1995)
• Voodoo (2000)
• Black Messiah (with the Vanguard) (2014)

Tours

• Brown Sugar Tour (1996)
• The Voodoo World Tour (2000)
• Occupy Music Tour (2012)
• The Liberation Tour (2012)
• The Second Coming Tour (2015)

Awards and Nominations

Blockbuster Entertainment Awards

Grammy Awards

MTV Europe Music Awards

Pollstar Concert Industry Awards

Rober Awards Music Prize

See also

In Spanish: D'Angelo para niños

• Neo soul
• Soulquarians