R&B soul singer Angie Stone remembered by Atlanta friends for powerful vocals, kind spirit
Angie Stone only fatality in Alabama crash
Music lovers everywhere are mourning the loss of R&B soul sensation Angie Stone who died early Saturday morning in a car crash.
ATLANTA - Tributes to R&B soul singer Angie Stone continued to pour in on social media Sunday following reports of the Grammy-nominated artist’s sudden death in a car crash early Saturday morning. Her family also issued a statement on Monday morning.
A friend and local radio host tells FOX 5 he is one of many who remember her charismatic personality and powerful vocals.
What we know:
According to Associated Press, Stone was traveling back to Atlanta after a performance in Montgomery, Alabama, when the crash happened around 4 a.m.
The 63-year-old singer was traveling with her band and back-up dancers in a Sprinter van that overturned before it was hit by a "big rig."
Stone was the only person killed in the crash.
ATLANTA, GA - JUNE 03: Angie Stone performs during the 2017 Andrew Young International Leadership Awards at Philips Arena on June 3, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Chris McKay/Getty Images)
The singer posted on her Instagram a week prior that she was set to be performing at the CIAA tournament in Baltimore, Maryland, on Saturday, March 1.
Deborah R. Champagne, a spokesperson for Stone, told TMZ she spoke to her on Friday night and the news has rocked and devastated friends and family.
What they're saying:
In the hours following the fatal crash, fans and industry friends are reflecting on Stone’s contribution to music.
Longtime WAOK radio host Derrick Boazman says he remembers his first time meeting the soul singer at an event in Atlanta more than 20 years ago.
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"Probably the nicest person that you would ever want to meet," he recalled.
He described the singer/songwriter who penned hits like "Wish I Didn't Miss You" and "Brotha" as funny, charismatic and reserved off-stage and a powerhouse performer when she stepped in front of the mic.
"Her heart and soul is in the music," he said.
While Boazman tells FOX 5, getting the call about Stone’s death hit heavy, he was glad to know she was still doing what she loved in her last days.
"It was good to see that even while she made her transition, she was going to do what she loved the best, and that was perform in Montgomery," he added. "So, I’m glad the people that got to see her the night before got to see a great show."
The family of Stone issued the following statement on Monday morning:
It is with heavy hearts that the children of the R&B Singer Angie Stone along with her extended family want to Thank you all for your love and well wishes at what is an extremely difficult time. Angie’s Daughter, Diamond, along with her son, Micheal would like to thank you for all your condolences and well wishes. Angie loved all her fans, to include the ones who came to what we now know was her final show in Alabama.
Angie was an example for black women and girls everywhere. Angie also loved and championed for Black Men with her Number one hit entitled "Brotha."
Angie Stone was a pioneer of rap music that began with the female rap trio, "The Sequence" and ultimately led to her solo career that helped to define Neo-Soul.
Diamond, and Michael along with the rest of Angie’s family want to thank you for reaching out to the family but also ask that you respect their privacy as they mourn and grieve the loss of their beloved Mother.
Angie Stone believed in giving back to her fans and the community with her Foundation "Angel Stripes, the Angie Stone Foundation." She lived and died doing what she loved most which was music.
Angie Stone was proud to be an Honorary Member of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. She took great pride in being a part of the Divine Nine.
Recently, Angie was also attending College for Ministry. Her love of God, and her faith led her to have a deep desire to share her belief in God and bring more people to Christ.
Currently, funeral services are still being planned, along with a memorial service so that Angie’s fans can honor her life, music and legacy. Even though Angie is no longer with us in physical form, her family wants You to keep her legacy alive.
What we don't know:
It’s unclear what caused the Sprinter van to overturn.
No funeral plans have been announced at this time.
The Source: Information included in this story came from TMZ. The family statement was sent directly to FOX 5 Atlanta.