D’Angelo performs on stage at O2 Academy Birmingham on February 17, 2015 in Birmingham, United Kingdom.
Ollie Millington | Redferns | Getty Images
R&B and soul singer D’Angelo died on Tuesday, leaving behind a “legacy of extraordinarily moving music” following a “prolonged and courageous battle with cancer,” his family said.
The influential music star, born Michael D’Angelo Archer, was 51.
“The shining star of our family has dimmed his light for us in this life,” according to a family statement. “After a prolonged and courageous battle with cancer, we are heartbroken to announce that Michael D’Angelo Archer, known to his fans around the world as D’Angelo, has been called home, departing this life today.”
Musician, D’Angelo (Michael Eugene Archer) poses for photos with his awards for ‘R&B/Soul Album of the Year – Male’ for Brown Sugar, ‘Best R&B/Soul Single – Male’ for ‘Brown Sugar’ and ‘Best R&B/Soul or Rap New Artist’ on the red carpet in the press room during the 10th Annual Soul Train Music Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California on March 29, 1996.
Raymond Boyd | Michael Ochs Archives | Getty Images
Loved ones said the artist’s music will endure.
“We are saddened that he can only leave dear memories with his family, but we are eternally grateful for the legacy of extraordinarily moving music he leaves behind,” the family statement added.
“We ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time but invite you all join us in mourning his passing while also celebrating the gift of song that he has left for the world.”
The singer came of age in the 1990s with his debut album “Brown Sugar.”
“Lady,” from that debut album, topped out at No. 10 in March of 1996 and spent 20 weeks on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart.
