Michael Eugene Archer, the Grammy-winning R&B singer popularly known as D’Angelo, has died at the age of 51, his family said in a statement. The family said he passed away on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, after a “prolonged and courageous battle with cancer.”
D’Angelo rose to fame in the 1990s as a pioneer of the neo-soul movement, earning acclaim for albums and songs including Brown Sugar, Lady and the 2000 hit “Untitled (How Does It Feel).” His 2000 album Voodoo won a Grammy and cemented his reputation for soulful, intimate performances and virtuosic musicianship.
In a statement shared with media, the family wrote: “The shining star of our family has dimmed his light for us in this life… After a prolonged and courageous battle with cancer, we are heartbroken to announce that Michael D’Angelo Archer… has been called home, departing this life today, October 14th, 2025.” They asked for privacy while inviting fans to celebrate his musical legacy.
Colleagues, fans and major music outlets reacted with shock and tribute, praising D’Angelo’s influence on modern R&B and soul. He collaborated with artists across genres and was widely credited with reshaping contemporary soul through his blend of gospel, funk and jazz influences.
Reports say D’Angelo died in New York and had been privately battling pancreatic cancer, according to family and media accounts.
