Biography
Angela Laverne Stone (née Brown), known professionally as Angie Stone, was born on December 18, 1961, in Columbia, South Carolina. Raised in a gospel-rich environment, Stone’s earliest musical experiences came from singing in her church, which deeply influenced her vocal style and emotional delivery. Her professional journey began in 1979 as Angie B., a member of The Sequence, one of the first female hip-hop acts, marking her as a pioneer in the genre[1]. In the early 1990s, Stone transitioned to R&B and neo-soul, joining the group Vertical Hold, where she honed her harmonization and songwriting skills[3]. She also worked as a background vocalist and saxophonist for artists like Lenny Kravitz and contributed to D’Angelo’s debut album, Brown Sugar[1][2].
Stone’s solo career took off with the release of Black Diamond (1999), which showcased her blend of classic soul, R&B, and contemporary neo-soul. The album’s success, especially the hit “No More Rain (In This Cloud),” established her as a leading voice in neo-soul[2][3]. Subsequent albums, including Mahogany Soul (2001) and Stone Love (2004), further solidified her reputation, with tracks like “Wish I Didn’t Miss You” becoming genre staples. Despite health challenges, including sarcoidosis, Stone continued to record and perform, earning multiple Grammy nominations and industry awards[3].
Angie Stone’s musical style is characterized by her rich, emotive vocals, gospel-infused melodies, and honest lyricism. She played a significant role in shaping the neo-soul movement, both as a performer and songwriter, influencing a generation of artists with her authenticity and versatility. Her legacy includes not only her own recordings but also her contributions to the works of other major artists, making her a respected figure in contemporary soul and R&B[1][2].
Fun Facts
- Angie Stone was one of the first female rappers to achieve mainstream success as part of The Sequence[1].
- She battled sarcoidosis, a chronic respiratory disease, throughout her career but continued performing and recording[3].
- Stone made her Broadway debut as Big Mama Morton in 'Chicago' in 2003[1].
- She was inducted into the Women Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2024[1].
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Gospel Church Musicians - Early musical foundation and vocal training through church performances (Church choir performances) [1960s-1970s]
Key Collaborators
- D'Angelo - Co-writer and background vocalist; contributed to his debut and sophomore albums (Brown Sugar (1995), Voodoo (2000)) [1995-2000]
- Lenny Kravitz - Saxophonist and background vocalist on his Let Love Rule Tour (Let Love Rule Tour) [1990]
- Vertical Hold - Band member, vocalist, and songwriter (A Matter of Time (1993)) [1990-1996]
- Calvin Richardson - Duet partner on 'More Than A Woman' (Mahogany Soul (2001)) [2001]
Artists Influenced
- Alicia Keys - Cited Stone’s neo-soul style and songwriting as an influence on her own work (Songs in A Minor (2001)) [2000s]
- Jill Scott - Inspired by Stone’s blend of gospel and soul in neo-soul movement (Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1 (2000)) [2000s]
Source: Wikipedia
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Mahogany Soul | 2001-10-16 | Album |
| Black Diamond (Deluxe Edition) | 1999-09-27 | Album |
| 18 & 18 B-Sides | 2002 | Album |
| Covered in Soul | 2016-08-05 | Album |
| Dream | 2015-11-06 | Album |
| Worldwide Underground | 2003-09-01 | Album |
| Stone Love | 2004-06-24 | Album |
| The Art of Love & War | 2007-10-15 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Wish I Didn't Miss You (Mahogany Soul)
- No More Rain (In This Cloud) (Black Diamond (Deluxe Edition))
- Brotha (Mahogany Soul)
- More Than A Woman (feat. Calvin) (Mahogany Soul)
- Keep Your Worries (Streetsoul)
- Heaven Help (Black Diamond (Deluxe Edition))
- Wish I Didn't Miss You - Pound Boys Stoneface Bootleg Mix
- These Eyes (Covered in Soul)
- Pissed Off (Mahogany Soul)
- Excuse Me (Instant Vintage)
External Links
Tags: #contemporary-r&b, #neo-soul, #r&b
References
Heard on WWOZ
Angie Stone has been played 2 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 27, 2025 | 22:06 | WISH I DIDN'T MISS YOUfrom MAHOGANY SOUL | Kitchen Sinkw/ Derrick Freeman | |
| Sep 17, 2025 | 14:57 | Trouble Manfrom Black Diamond | Sittin' at the Crossroadw/ Big D |