"Angie Stone"

Our hearts here at LIFE OF A CREATIVE RADIO are heavy with grief over the recent loss of R&B and neo-soul singer-songwriter Angie Stone. Angie Stone passed away early this morning, March 1st, at the age of 63. Reports indicate that she was involved in a tragic sprinter van accident while traveling in Montgomery, Alabama. Her van was struck by an 18-wheeler as she was en route to a performance.

Angie Stone made an enormous impact on the music world through her storytelling ability and her distinctive voice, which captivated fans around the globe. Her songs resonated with many, creating a joyful sound that enriched the musical landscape.

Throughout her life and long-standing career in both music and entertainment, Angie Stone was a pioneer who helped shape the culture of music. She first rose to fame in the late 1970s as a member of the all-female hip-hop trio The Sequence.

The Sequence signed with Sugar Hill Records in the late 1970s and officially formed in 1979. Hailing from Columbia, South Carolina, the trio had a career that spanned from 1979 to 1985. During their time with Sugar Hill Records, they released three albums and had twelve hit singles, including classics like "Funk You Up," "Monster Jam," and "And You Know." After The Sequence disbanded in 1985, Angie Stone joined the R&B trio Vertical Hold in the early 1990s and released her debut album, "Black Diamond," under Arista Records in 1999. This album was certified gold and featured the hit single "No More Rain (In This Cloud)."

Angie Stone later signed with J Records, where she released her second album, "Mahogany Soul," in 2001. This album produced several hit singles, including "Wish I Didn't Miss You," "Brotha," and "More Than a Woman."

She continued her musical journey with two more albums: "Stone Love" in 2004 and "The Art of Love & War" in 2007, before making her acting debut. Angie Stone appeared in several films, including "The Hot Chick," "Pastor Brown," "The Fighting Temptations," and "School Gyrls." She also made her Broadway debut in the production of "Chicago."

Throughout her career, Angie Stone was nominated for three Grammy Awards and received two Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards.

In conclusion, Angie Stone's pioneering legacy and contributions to the neo-soul and R&B genres will continue to live on. Our hearts and prayers go out to the family of the exceptionally talented Angie Stone during this difficult time as they mourn her loss.