Alabama musician says tribute on the way after Angie Stone’s death

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) — Angie Stone had just performed in Mobile when she died Saturday morning. At 63, artists said she leaves behind more than just her gift.

Stone was killed when the van she was riding in overturned in the median on I-65 in the Hope Hull community.

Stone was born in Columbia, South Carolina, and grew up as a church singer. She was a member of The Sequence, which was one of the first female groups to record a rap song. Stone later joined another trio, Vertical Hold, before commencing her solo career.

The singer-songwriter created hits like “No More Rain (In This Cloud),” “Baby” with soul singer Betty Wright, “Wish I Didn’t Miss You” and “Brotha.” She is known for the 2001 album “Mahagony Soul” and the 2007 album “The Art of Love & War.” Stone stared as Big Mama Morton in the musical “Chicago” and appeared in reality TV shows “Celebrity Fit Club” and “R&B Divas: Atlanta.”

Reactions regarding her death poured in from the entertainment community, including from actor Jaime Foxx.

In Montgomery, groups are also mourning her loss. Terrence Baldwin is the leader of Souled Out Groove. He said Stone shaped the sound of his band of 21 years.   

“Even the people who enjoy music, it’s a sacrifice being on that road,” Baldwin said. “It’s not guaranteed that we can make it back to our families, so I think people can gain a different respect for what we do.”

He said Souled Out Groove will be honoring her.

“It’s a shame that it takes people to pass before we see it, but it’s beautiful to see how the world is coming together and embracing her memory,” Baldwin said.

Radio personalities are also sharing their condolences. Ashley Millon with Magic 97.1 in Montgomery said she influenced many up-and-coming artists.

“Music never dies,” Millon said. “So Angie Stone will always live on in everyone’s hearts, especially artists that are still up and coming. She left an imprint in music, and her legacy will always live on.”

Millon said Stone’s impact transcends her music in rhythm and blues, hip-hop and neo soul.

“The work ethic, the passion that she had for her music and her fans, is something that the artists and her fans we saw in her,” Millon said.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency said the investigation into the crash is active.