Neo-soul icon D’Angelo was laid to rest on Saturday, Nov. 1, in his home state of Virginia, 18 days after his passing from pancreatic cancer. The 51-year-old singer, born Michael Eugene Archer, was celebrated by family, friends, and fellow musicians in a moving funeral service at Saint Paul’s Baptist Church in Henrico, Va.

Among those attending were musical legends Stevie Wonder, Lauryn Hill, and DJ Premier, who joined D’Angelo’s former bands, The Soultronics and The Vanguard, for musical tributes honoring his life and career.

Musical Tributes at the Service

Stevie Wonder performed soulful renditions of “If It’s Magic”, “The Lord’s Prayer”, and “As”, accompanied by harpist Brandee Younger and the bands, celebrating D’Angelo’s enduring influence on music. The funeral program read:

“Through music, love, and light, Michael D’Angelo Archer’s spirit will shine forever.”

Lauryn Hill also shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, writing, “I regret not having more time with you. Your undeniable beauty and talent were not of this world… You, sir, moved us, stirred us, inspired and even intimidated others to action with your genius.”

Hill continued, “Thank you for being a beacon to a generation and beyond… Thank you for charting the course and for making space during a time when no similar space really existed. It is my earnest prayer that you… Brother are in peace, in bliss and in eternal light and fulfillment with our Father in heaven. I love you and miss you.”

D’Angelo’s Legacy

D’Angelo’s impact on modern R&B and neo-soul is immeasurable. He debuted in 1995 with Brown Sugar, which peaked at No. 4 on the U.S. Billboard Top R&B Albums chart and went platinum within a year. His second album, Voodoo, topped the chart and earned a Grammy Award for Best R&B Album, while the hit single “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” won Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.

In 2014, he released his critically acclaimed third album, Black Messiah, also a Grammy-winning work, cementing his status as a modern neo-soul pioneer.

Following D’Angelo’s death on Oct. 14 in New York City, DJ Premier paid tribute on X (formerly Twitter), writing: “Such a sad loss to the passing of D’Angelo. We have so many great times. Gonna miss you so much. Sleep Peacefully D’ Love You KING.”

Remembering a Neo-Soul Icon

D’Angelo’s family also released a statement reflecting on his life and legacy:

“The shining star of our family has dimmed his light for us in this life. After a prolonged and courageous battle with cancer, we are heartbroken… We are eternally grateful for the legacy of extraordinarily moving music he leaves behind.”

His music, influence, and spirit continue to resonate with fans and fellow artists around the world, leaving an indelible mark on generations of musicians and listeners alike.