Soul Legend D’Angelo, 51, Dies After Private Battle with Pancreatic Cancer

D’Angelo, whose real name was Michael Eugene Archer, died at the age of 51 following a private battle with pancreatic cancer. According to his family’s statement, he passed on October 14, 2025, having spent months in the hospital and two weeks in hospice care.

Born on February 11, 1974, in Richmond, Virginia, D’Angelo grew up in a devout Pentecostal household; he began playing piano as a toddler and later performed at local venues and church.  He first broke through in 1991, competing (and winning) at Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater.  His first album, Brown Sugar, came out in 1995 and made him famous. His second album, Voodoo, came out in 2000 and solidified his indie-soul status. He won many Grammy Awards for songs like “Untitled (How Does It Feel?)”.

Music Legend D’Angelo — Getty Image

D’Angelo’s career was marked by long periods of withdrawal from the public eye, despite his artistic achievement. These withdrawals were typically linked to his battles with addiction, body image, and the pressures of celebrity. In 2014, after many years of silence, he returned with Black Messiah, receiving critical praise and a Grammy win.  In recent times he was reportedly working on a fourth album in collaboration with Raphael Saadiq before his illness overtook him.

The family’s statement described him as “the shining star of our family” whose light has dimmed in this life, but whose musical legacy remains.  Pleading for privacy during this time and calling fans to mourn with them while celebrating D’Angelo’s artistry.

Neo-soul music legend D’Angelo — Getty Image

Tributes have flooded in from across the music world: DJ Premier, who worked with him on “Devil’s Pie,” lamented the loss and saluted his talent.  Artists like Jill Scott, Tyler the Creator, Missy Elliot, and Jennifer Hudson , among others, have publicly expressed grief and honored his influence.  D’Angelo leaves behind three children Michael, Imani, and Morocco, and a body of work that has inspired successive generations of singers and musicians.

The world of soul, R&B, and neo-soul music has lost a great artist, but the strength and emotion of his songs will live on.

D’Angelo – Getty Image

also check: Italian Fashion Designer Giorgio Armani Dies at 91