Angie Stone, Soulful Songstress Behind ‘Wish I Didn’t Miss You, Dies at 63

Angie Stone, the legendary singer, songwriter, and actress whose soulful voice and trailblazing career helped shape the sounds of hip-hop, R&B, and neo-soul, has passed away at the age of 63, as a result of a collision in Alabama, shortly after a performance, according to TMZ.

Born Angela Laverne Brown on December 18, 1961, in Columbia, South Carolina, Stone discovered her love for music in the church. Her career began in the late 1970s when she co-founded The Sequence. The trio made history with their 1979 hit “Funk You Up,” which became one of the first rap songs to be recorded by a female group and remains a foundational track in hip-hop history.

After her time in hip-hop, Stone transitioned to R&B in the early 1990s, first as part of the group Vertical Hold, and later as a solo artist. Her 1999 debut album, Black Diamond, featured the hit “No More Rain (In This Cloud),” a deeply personal song that showcased her rich, husky vocals and cemented her place in the neo-soul movement. The album went gold, setting the stage for a string of successful releases.

Her follow-up album, 2001’s Mahogany Soul, contained one of her biggest hits, “Wish I Didn’t Miss You,” which became an R&B anthem. With a career spanning decades, Stone continued to release music that resonated deeply with fans, including Stone Love (2004), The Art of Love & War (2007), Unexpected (2009), and Dream (2015).

Beyond her own recordings, Angie Stone was a gifted songwriter and collaborator. She worked with artists such as D’Angelo, Alicia Keys, and Lenny Kravitz. Her songwriting contributions to D’Angelo’s classic albums Brown Sugar and Voodoo—including “Jonz in My Bonz” and “Send It On”— helped define the neo-soul era.

Stone’s talents extended beyond music. She took on roles in films such as The Fighting Temptations (2003) alongside Beyoncé and Cuba Gooding Jr. and Pastor Brown (2009). She also made her mark in reality television, appearing in Celebrity Fit Club and R&B Divas: Atlanta, where she showcased her resilience and mentorship for younger artists.

Over the course of her career, Stone earned multiple Grammy nominations, Soul Train Music Awards, and widespread critical acclaim for her contributions to music. She was frequently celebrated as one of the key figures in neo-soul alongside artists like Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, and Lauryn Hill.

Angie Stone’s music was always deeply personal, often reflecting her life experiences, love, and struggles. She was a devoted mother and a fierce advocate for Black music, women in entertainment, and the evolution of R&B.

Her impact on the industry is immeasurable, from paving the way for women in hip-hop to shaping the sound of neo-soul and R&B. Whether through her own music, her songwriting, or her mentorship, Angie Stone’s voice and legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

Rest in power, Angie Stone. Your music and spirit will live on forever.