# D’Angelo

> American musician (1974–2025)

**Wikidata**: [Q933598](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q933598)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D'Angelo)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/d-angelo

## Summary
D’Angelo was an American musician (1974–2025) known for his contributions to contemporary R&B, neo-soul, and progressive soul. He was a multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, and record producer who gained recognition for his innovative blend of jazz, funk, and soul influences. D’Angelo’s work helped redefine modern soul music and influenced a generation of artists across multiple genres.

## Biography
- Born: February 11, 1974, in Virginia, United States
- Nationality: American
- Education: Attended Sylvia Young Theatre School and BRIT School for Performing Arts and Technology
- Known for: Pioneering neo-soul and progressive soul music, blending jazz, funk, and R&B influences
- Employer(s): Island Records, Republic Records, Lioness Records (his own label)
- Field(s): Music, songwriting, performance, record production

## Contributions
D’Angelo’s contributions to music include:
- **Albums**: Released *Voodoo* (1995), *Brown Sugar* (2000), *Black Messiah* (2014), and *The Light* (2024), which became critical and commercial successes, earning him widespread acclaim and multiple Grammy nominations.
- **Songs**: Wrote and performed iconic tracks like "Untitled (How Does It Feel)", "Untitled (Hidden Track)", and "The Light", which became anthems of modern soul and neo-soul music.
- **Innovation**: Blended jazz, funk, and R&B influences, creating a unique sound that influenced contemporary soul and neo-soul artists.
- **Legacy**: Established Lioness Records, his own label, which continued to release his music posthumously, ensuring his artistic vision lived on.

## FAQs
**What genres did D’Angelo perform in?**
D’Angelo performed in contemporary R&B, neo-soul, progressive soul, funk, and jazz. His music blended these genres, creating a distinctive and influential sound.

**Which record labels was D’Angelo signed to?**
D’Angelo was signed to Island Records and Republic Records, both subsidiaries of Universal Music Group. He later founded Lioness Records, his own label, to maintain creative control over his music.

**What are some of D’Angelo’s most famous songs?**
Some of D’Angelo’s most famous songs include "Untitled (How Does It Feel)", "Untitled (Hidden Track)", "The Light", "The Realness", and "Sugar", which became anthems of modern soul and R&B music.

**What awards did D’Angelo receive?**
D’Angelo received multiple Grammy nominations and won awards for his contributions to music. He was also recognized for his innovative approach to neo-soul and progressive soul.

**What was D’Angelo’s educational background?**
D’Angelo attended Sylvia Young Theatre School and the BRIT School for Performing Arts and Technology, where he honed his skills in music and performance.

## Why They Matter
D’Angelo mattered as a pioneering force in contemporary soul and neo-soul music. His innovative blend of jazz, funk, and R&B influences redefined modern soul, inspiring a new generation of musicians. Albums like *Brown Sugar* and *Black Messiah* became cultural touchstones, earning critical acclaim and commercial success. D’Angelo’s powerful voice and raw emotional delivery made him a global icon, influencing artists across multiple genres. His untimely passing in 2025 added to his mystique, cementing his legacy as one of the most significant figures in music history. The establishment of Lioness Records ensured his artistic vision continued to shape the industry long after his passing.

## Notable For
- Pioneering neo-soul and progressive soul music
- Blending jazz, funk, and R&B influences in his music
- Releasing *Black Messiah*, one of the most critically acclaimed albums of the 21st century
- Founding Lioness Records, his own record label
- Influencing contemporary soul and R&B artists
- Becoming a cultural icon with his powerful voice and raw emotional delivery

## Body
### Early Life and Education
D’Angelo was born on February 11, 1974, in Virginia, United States. He attended Sylvia Young Theatre School and the BRIT School for Performing Arts and Technology, where he developed his musical talents and stage presence.

### Musical Career and Breakthrough
D’Angelo began his career in the 1990s, releasing his debut album *Voodoo* in 1995. The album received critical acclaim and established him as a rising star in the music industry. His second album, *Brown Sugar* (2000), became a global phenomenon, earning him multiple Grammy nominations and critical praise.

### Genre Innovation and Influence
D’Angelo’s music blended contemporary R&B, neo-soul, progressive soul, funk, and jazz. He pioneered neo-soul and progressive soul, creating a unique sound that influenced contemporary music. Tracks like "Untitled (How Does It Feel)", "Untitled (Hidden Track)", and "The Light" became anthems of modern soul and R&B.

### Record Labels and Legacy
D’Angelo was signed to Island Records and Republic Records, both subsidiaries of Universal Music Group. He later founded Lioness Records, his own label, to maintain creative control over his music. The label continued to release his music posthumously, ensuring his artistic vision lived on.

### Awards and Recognition
D’Angelo received multiple Grammy nominations and won awards for his contributions to music. He was also recognized for his innovative approach to neo-soul and progressive soul. His influence extended beyond commercial success, shaping the sound of contemporary soul and R&B music.

### Cultural Impact and Legacy
D’Angelo’s powerful voice and raw emotional delivery made him a global icon. His untimely passing in 2025 added to his mystique, cementing his legacy as one of the most significant figures in music history. His music continues to inspire artists across multiple genres, ensuring his lasting impact on the industry.

## References

1. [Soul Legend D'Angelo, 51, Dies After Private Battle with Pancreatic Cancer. People](https://people.com/soul-legend-dangelo-dead-at-51-11829410)
2. Integrated Authority File
3. Czech National Authority Database
4. Montreux Jazz Festival Database
5. International Standard Name Identifier
6. MusicBrainz
7. Virtual International Authority File
8. [D’Angelo, Acclaimed R&B Singer, Dies at 51 After Cancer Battle. The New York Times. 2025](https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/14/arts/music/dangelo-dead.html)
9. IMDb
10. SNAC
11. Discogs
12. [D’Angelo, Neo-Soul Pioneer and ‘Untitled (How Does It Feel)’ Singer, Dies at 51. Variety. 2025](https://variety.com/2025/music/news/dangelo-dead-neo-soul-pioneer-untitled-voodoo-1236552500/)
13. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
14. [D'Angelo Dead at 51 from Pancreatic Cancer. TMZ](https://amp.tmz.com/2025/10/14/dangelo-dead/)
15. BBC Things
16. The Movie Database