Grammy-nominated R&B singer Angie Stone, known for her soulful voice, chart-topping hits, and pioneering role in hip-hop, died early Saturday morning in a car crash while traveling from Alabama to Baltimore for a scheduled performance. She was 63.
The crash occurred around 4 a.m. on Interstate 65 in Montgomery County, Alabama, while Stone was riding in a van carrying her crew and backup singers, according to her representative, Deborah R. Champagne. Stone was the only fatality, while the eight other passengers survived.
Music producer Walter Millsap III told The Associated Press that the van flipped over and was subsequently hit by a big rig while en route from a performance at the Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association Grand Marshal's Ball to an appearance at the CIAA basketball tournament in Baltimore.
The CIAA (Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association) men's basketball championship held a moment of silence in Stone's honor. CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams-Parker said, "She used her incredible talent, passion, and presence to inspire and touch us with strength and hope."
This is Angie Stone’s tour vehicle at the crash scene on interstate 65 in Montgomery County about 2 miles south of Hope Hull, it happened just before 7 a.m.
Story: https://t.co/mAsizjFr8P#AngieStone#LockharTVMedia#TheDreLockhartShow pic.twitter.com/uRydrrxzSm — Dre Lockhart (@TheRealDreShow) March 1, 2025
Stone first gained prominence as a member of The Sequence, an all-female hip-hop trio signed to Sugar Hill Records. The group made history with their 1979 single "Funk You Up", which became one of the first rap songs recorded by female artists and was later sampled by Dr. Dre and Bruno Mars.
Launching her solo career in the late 1990s, Stone became a key figure in the neo-soul movement, releasing gold-certified albums and hit singles such as "No More Rain (In This Cloud)," "Wish I Didn't Miss You," and "Baby" with Betty Wright. Her 2001 album "Mahogany Soul" reached No. 22 on the Billboard 200, while 2007's "The Art of Love & War" peaked at No. 11.
Stone's influence extended beyond music into acting and Broadway, with roles in "The Hot Chick," "The Fighting Temptations," "Ride Along," and "Chicago" as Big Mama Morton. She also appeared on reality TV, including "Celebrity Fit Club" and "R&B Divas: Atlanta."
Born in Columbia, South Carolina, Stone started singing in church and later joined the R&B group Vertical Hold before embarking on her solo career. Her deep, gospel-rooted vocals and heartfelt songwriting cemented her as a major force in contemporary soul music.
Stone is survived by her son, Michael, daughter, Diamond, and two grandchildren. Authorities in Montgomery County have yet to release additional details about the crash investigation.
