Music industry mourns for one of R&B music's legendary voices (63) and rock n' roll pioneers (75)
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The music industry has been the home of some of the most diverse and extraordinary talents of all time.
Today, we look back at two of the most talented individuals who shaped their respective genres: an R&B hitmaker and a pioneering figure in the rock music scene.
R&B singer Angie Stone has passed away at the age of 63.
Angie's spokesperson, Deborah R. Champagne, confirmed the singer's untimely death.
Champagne stated that Angie Stone passed away in a tragic car crash.
Angie just left a concert in Montgomery, Alabama, hours before the fatal car accident that happened early Saturday.
'My mommy is gone,' Angie Stone's daughter, Ladi Diamond, shared in a social media post, which left her family, friends, and fans devastated.
The loss of such a talented artist has left a void in the hearts of those who knew her and admired her work.
Angie Stone's soulful voice resonated with fans across the globe, including a strong
following in Australia.
Her music journey began in 1979 when she joined the all-female trio The Sequence—alongside Cheryl Cook and Gwendolyn Chisolm.
Later on, The Sequence was signed by Sugar Hill Records.
The trio released several records from 1979 to 1985.
After her time with The Sequence, Angie Stone embarked on a solo career in the 1990s.
Her 1999 album, Black Diamond, was a critical success.
In 2002, Angie Stone achieved her biggest hit with the single, 'Wish I Didn't Miss You.'
'Wish I Didn't Miss You' resonated with fans worldwide and left its mark on Australian music charts.
Angie Stone released a total of ten solo studio albums throughout her career, with the latest one released only in 2023.
Yet, Angie's influence extended beyond the recording studio.
She dabbled in acting, appearing in the 2002 comedy The Hot Chick and the 2014 film Ride Along.
A week before her tragic passing, Angie shared her excitement about her upcoming performances in Alabama and Baltimore.
Listen to 'Wish I Didn't Miss You' here:
Source: Angie Stone VEVO/YouTube
She also hinted at big plans involving television, movies, tours, and collaborations with other artists.
Angie Stone's soulful melodies and powerful lyrics spoke to the human experience, which earned her a special place in the pantheon of R&B greats.
On the other hand, the rock industry lost a distinct and charismatic frontman and singer.
New York Dolls' David Johansen has passed away at 75.
Johansen's passing was confirmed by his family's spokesperson, Jeff Kilgour.
His death marked the end of an era for the band, which became a founding pillar for punk rock and the glam metal movement that followed.
Born to a working-class Catholic family on Staten Island, David Johansen was the son of an insurance salesman.
Johansen showed a passion for the arts at a young age as he filled his notebooks with poems and lyrics.
He later on developed a love for diverse musical genres, from R&B to Cuban rhythms and from Janis Joplin to Otis Redding.
This eclectic music taste would later be reflected in New York Dolls' unique sound.
The New York Dolls had an original lineup composed of David Johansen on vocals, guitarists Sylvain Sylvain and Johnny Thunders, bassist Arthur Kane, and drummer Jerry Nolan.
Together, they were central figures in the vibrant Lower East Side scene of the early 1970s.
New York Dolls rubbed shoulders with iconic artists like Lou Reed and Andy Warhol, and were poised to become the successors to the Velvet Underground.
Despite critical acclaim, New York Dolls' first two albums failed to chart.
Yet, the band's impact on the music industry was undeniable.
New York Dolls' blend of rock 'n' roll, blues, show tunes, and more created a sound deemed revolutionary at the time.
Steve Stevens, the band's guitarist who would later collaborate with Billy Idol, perfectly captured the essence of New York Dolls' appeal.
He described their band's music as embodying the raw energy of New York City itself.
Despite their influence, the New York Dolls struggled with internal conflicts and drug addictions, which led to their breakup after two albums.
In 2004, Morrissey, a fan and former frontman of The Smiths, persuaded Johansen and other surviving members to reunite for the Meltdown Festival in England.
This reunion convinced the band to publish three more studio albums.
The band's influence extended beyond music.
Music and lifestyle magazine Rolling Stone dubbed the band as 'the mutant children of the hydrogen age'.
Fashion publication Vogue also celebrated the band as 'darlings of downtown style.'
Listen to New York Dolls' 'Personality Crisis' here:
Source: The New York Dolls/YouTube
Outside New York Dolls, Johansen also enjoyed success as a solo artist in the 1980s.
Johansen's single, 'Hot, Hot, Hot', became an infectious hit at the time.
His talents also extended to acting, as he had appearances on Scrooged and Married to the Mob.
In 2023, David Johansen was the subject of Martin Scorsese's documentary Personality Crisis: One Night Only.
The documentary was co-directed by David Tedeschi.
The film offered a glimpse into his varied career and his philosophy on performance: to sing with whatever emotion he was feeling, to claw his way out of any mood and deliver the song with raw honesty.
Earlier this year, he publicly shared his battle with stage 4 cancer and a brain tumour.
However, he succumbed to cancer.
Despite the challenges he faced, Johansen's influence on music and culture remained undiminished.
The New York Dolls, with their flamboyant style and raw sound, were more than just a band; they were a cultural phenomenon that transcended music.
Today, we honour two musicians who added a bit more colour to our lives.
May they rest in peace.
Today, we look back at two of the most talented individuals who shaped their respective genres: an R&B hitmaker and a pioneering figure in the rock music scene.
R&B singer Angie Stone has passed away at the age of 63.
Angie's spokesperson, Deborah R. Champagne, confirmed the singer's untimely death.
Champagne stated that Angie Stone passed away in a tragic car crash.
Angie Stone remained active in the music scene before her passing. Image Credit: IMdB
Angie just left a concert in Montgomery, Alabama, hours before the fatal car accident that happened early Saturday.
'My mommy is gone,' Angie Stone's daughter, Ladi Diamond, shared in a social media post, which left her family, friends, and fans devastated.
The loss of such a talented artist has left a void in the hearts of those who knew her and admired her work.
Angie Stone's soulful voice resonated with fans across the globe, including a strong
following in Australia.
Her music journey began in 1979 when she joined the all-female trio The Sequence—alongside Cheryl Cook and Gwendolyn Chisolm.
Later on, The Sequence was signed by Sugar Hill Records.
The trio released several records from 1979 to 1985.
After her time with The Sequence, Angie Stone embarked on a solo career in the 1990s.
Her 1999 album, Black Diamond, was a critical success.
In 2002, Angie Stone achieved her biggest hit with the single, 'Wish I Didn't Miss You.'
'Wish I Didn't Miss You' resonated with fans worldwide and left its mark on Australian music charts.
Angie Stone released a total of ten solo studio albums throughout her career, with the latest one released only in 2023.
Yet, Angie's influence extended beyond the recording studio.
She dabbled in acting, appearing in the 2002 comedy The Hot Chick and the 2014 film Ride Along.
A week before her tragic passing, Angie shared her excitement about her upcoming performances in Alabama and Baltimore.
Listen to 'Wish I Didn't Miss You' here:
Source: Angie Stone VEVO/YouTube
She also hinted at big plans involving television, movies, tours, and collaborations with other artists.
Angie Stone's soulful melodies and powerful lyrics spoke to the human experience, which earned her a special place in the pantheon of R&B greats.
On the other hand, the rock industry lost a distinct and charismatic frontman and singer.
New York Dolls' David Johansen has passed away at 75.
Johansen's passing was confirmed by his family's spokesperson, Jeff Kilgour.
His death marked the end of an era for the band, which became a founding pillar for punk rock and the glam metal movement that followed.
David Johansen during one of his guest appearances on live television. Image Credit: YouTube/David Letterman Show
Born to a working-class Catholic family on Staten Island, David Johansen was the son of an insurance salesman.
Johansen showed a passion for the arts at a young age as he filled his notebooks with poems and lyrics.
He later on developed a love for diverse musical genres, from R&B to Cuban rhythms and from Janis Joplin to Otis Redding.
This eclectic music taste would later be reflected in New York Dolls' unique sound.
The New York Dolls had an original lineup composed of David Johansen on vocals, guitarists Sylvain Sylvain and Johnny Thunders, bassist Arthur Kane, and drummer Jerry Nolan.
Together, they were central figures in the vibrant Lower East Side scene of the early 1970s.
New York Dolls rubbed shoulders with iconic artists like Lou Reed and Andy Warhol, and were poised to become the successors to the Velvet Underground.
Despite critical acclaim, New York Dolls' first two albums failed to chart.
Yet, the band's impact on the music industry was undeniable.
New York Dolls' blend of rock 'n' roll, blues, show tunes, and more created a sound deemed revolutionary at the time.
Steve Stevens, the band's guitarist who would later collaborate with Billy Idol, perfectly captured the essence of New York Dolls' appeal.
He described their band's music as embodying the raw energy of New York City itself.
Despite their influence, the New York Dolls struggled with internal conflicts and drug addictions, which led to their breakup after two albums.
In 2004, Morrissey, a fan and former frontman of The Smiths, persuaded Johansen and other surviving members to reunite for the Meltdown Festival in England.
This reunion convinced the band to publish three more studio albums.
The band's influence extended beyond music.
Music and lifestyle magazine Rolling Stone dubbed the band as 'the mutant children of the hydrogen age'.
Fashion publication Vogue also celebrated the band as 'darlings of downtown style.'
Listen to New York Dolls' 'Personality Crisis' here:
Source: The New York Dolls/YouTube
Outside New York Dolls, Johansen also enjoyed success as a solo artist in the 1980s.
Johansen's single, 'Hot, Hot, Hot', became an infectious hit at the time.
His talents also extended to acting, as he had appearances on Scrooged and Married to the Mob.
In 2023, David Johansen was the subject of Martin Scorsese's documentary Personality Crisis: One Night Only.
The documentary was co-directed by David Tedeschi.
The film offered a glimpse into his varied career and his philosophy on performance: to sing with whatever emotion he was feeling, to claw his way out of any mood and deliver the song with raw honesty.
Earlier this year, he publicly shared his battle with stage 4 cancer and a brain tumour.
However, he succumbed to cancer.
Despite the challenges he faced, Johansen's influence on music and culture remained undiminished.
The New York Dolls, with their flamboyant style and raw sound, were more than just a band; they were a cultural phenomenon that transcended music.
May they rest in peace.
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