WeeklySA_AdminLOSS: Angie Stone joins celestial choir of departed stars…
By Gugu Sibiya
Shockwaves cut through the entertainment industry when news of Angela Laverne Stone (63)’s passing hit the headlines last weekend.
When the internationally acclaimed American singer’s car overturned, she was coming from a performance. Distraught music lovers were so upset they took to social media to express their anguish.
Affectionately known as Angie, the prolific songwriter, producer and actress, was popular in South Africa. After discovering that she had a dressing room while the iconic Miriam Makeba didn’t. She graciously offered Mama Africa the privilege – a gesture which cemented a beautiful sisterhood between the two legends. The fest at the Germiston Lake that year became an incredible jam.
Sadly the gifted star passed away at a time when the world was battling to come to terms with passing of legendary singer, Roberta Flack.
Stone cut her showbiz teeth with Sequence, an American hip hop trio in the late 70s. Changing gears, she joined the R&B outfit, Vertigo Hold. It wasn’t long after that she dropped her debut offering, Black Diamond, in 1999. For her effort, she was presented with a gold certification from the Recording Industry of America.
The hit single No More Rain (In this Cloud), emanating from the album, did well in the marketplace. Mahogany Soul with the hit Wish I didn’t Miss You in 2001, Stone Love in 2004 and The Art Of Love & War in 2007 to name a few, followed. It became the first US Billboard R&B/Hip Hop Album Charts.
Bit by the acting bug, she featured in The Hot Chick, Big Mama Morton, Chicago, The Celebrity Fit Club, Divas, The Fighting Temptations, Pastor Brown and School Gyrls among others.
Although she was nominated for three Grammy Awards, Angie scooped two in Soul Train Lady Of Soul Awards, as well as Soul Music Icon Award from the Black Music Honors.
She was a vocalist on Damon Little’s “No Stressing” which peaked at #1 on Billboard’s Gospel Airplay Charts.
The dark beauty has left an indelible mark in an industry feared for chewing and spitting those who don’t respect it. She’s gone but her powerful voice and enthralling music will keep generations mesmerized for years to come. May her soul rest in eternal peace.
