D'Angelo, the R&B innovator, passed away at 51. He helped define neo-soul with three groundbreaking albums.
From his 1995 debut, 'Brown Sugar,' D'Angelo was a revelation in R&B, combining soul and hip-hop.
His vocals, often layered in intricate harmonies, simmered in a rich, seductive baritone before exploding into his howling falsetto.
He was honored by Lauryn Hill, Missy Elliott, Black Thought, Flea, and Beyoncé, among others.
Author's summary: D'Angelo, a neo-soul legend, passes away at 51.