Soul music fans gathered in Virginia over the weekend to bid farewell to the iconic neo-soul legend, D’Angelo, as he was laid to rest following his battle with pancreatic cancer. The funeral, which took place at Saint Paul’s Baptist Church in Henrico, Va., just 18 days after his passing on October 14, saw a host of friends and family members paying their respects to the beloved musician.
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Among the attendees at the emotional service were legendary artists Stevie Wonder and Lauryn Hill, who joined the congregation in celebrating the life and musical legacy of D’Angelo. The service was made even more poignant as Stevie Wonder and members of D’Angelo’s former bands took to the stage to perform heartfelt musical tributes in memory of the late soul sensation.
During the service, Wonder moved the attendees with his renditions of “If It’s Magic”, “The Lord’s Prayer,” and a soulful performance of “As”, accompanied by the talented harpist Brandee Younger. The funeral program carried a poignant message that encapsulated D’Angelo’s enduring spirit through his music, love, and light, affirming that his legacy will shine on forever.
D’Angelo, whose real name was Michael Eugene Archer, was described by his family as a shining star whose light dimmed in this life following a valiant battle with cancer. In a statement to PEOPLE, the family expressed their heartbreak over the loss of the iconic musician, while also acknowledging the extraordinary musical legacy he leaves behind for his fans worldwide.
The soul legend rose to fame with his debut album, “Brown Sugar” in 1995, which quickly climbed the charts and achieved platinum status within a year of its release. His sophomore album, “Voodoo”, reached the top spot on the U.S. Billboard Top R&B Albums chart, garnering critical acclaim and securing D’Angelo’s position as a leading figure in the neo-soul genre.
D’Angelo’s final album, “Black Messiah”, released in 2014, continued to solidify his reputation as a modern neo-soul master, winning him a Grammy Award for Best R&B Album. The track “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” from his second album also earned him a Grammy for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance, further cementing his status as a music icon.
Tributes poured in from fellow musicians and fans following the news of D’Angelo’s passing, with DJ Premier and Lauryn Hill sharing heartfelt messages on social media, expressing their admiration for his artistry and impact on the music industry. Hill’s tribute described D’Angelo as a beacon to a generation, whose talent and beauty transcended boundaries, leaving an indelible mark on all who crossed his path.
As fans and the music industry mourn the loss of D’Angelo, his profound influence and remarkable talent continue to resonate through his timeless music, ensuring his place as a true legend in the realm of soul and R&B. The funeral service in Virginia served as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact D’Angelo had on music lovers around the world, leaving behind a rich musical legacy that will stand the test of time.