*Where do I begin? For Real. How do I begin writing about this talented, beloved guy? I’m so used to writing more happy stories than sad ones. But sometimes the sad ones can still generate joy—or gratefulness.
D’Angelo. Everyone has heard by now. D’Angelo has passed away. And lots and lots and lots of tears have been flowing since the world received the heartbreaking news about the talented, multi-Grammy award-winning singer. With so much bad news seizing the world’s attention/mind/soul/body, we might think one more piece won’t matter. Not true.
Certain things shake us to our core, and D’Angelo’s death seems to have shaken and shattered not just his beloved family—and lovers of good music—but the atmosphere itself seems to have felt the blow. In Sunny Cali, the skies even cried out with unexpected rain flowing through cloudy skies.
Folks heard the startling news in their cars driving on slippery highways and through heavy freeway traffic on their way to work. Telephones rang and early morning text messages flowed as friends shocked their besties with the heartbreaking news.
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“What?! Oh, no way! Please say it ain’t true!” Sadly, it is true, and so many wonder how such a talented guy with surely many more years of expected good life would be stricken with a disease like cancer. After all—that’s a disease that happens “to others.” How “unfair” say so many. What makes this news so much more painful is that the former love of D’Angelo’s life—his son’s mother—the talented singer/songwriter Angie Stone died only a short time ago in a tragic car accident. It brought so much heartache—and anger—to millions of music lovers who adored Angie. And now … this.
The last couple of years have been full of devastating news—all kinds of news affecting not just this nation and showcasing its bold political evils, but we’ve seen massacres of innocent lives—bombings and innocent blood shed around the world—just craziness. Just evil, stupid “S”. So, when folks leave us … those whom we admire so much because of the intimate deep joy they’ve brought us, it’s a personal loss, a hurt in a category of its own.
This guy, D’Angelo, sang. He delivered lyrics and music that obviously touched the listener’s heart, soul, spirit: whatever you want to call that deep part of us humans—the part that unites us as God’s beloved creations.
My son, Efrem “LoveLogiq” Bryant, a singer/songwriter—an avid, true, dedicated D’Angelo fan…I wondered did he and his music-loving friends know yet? I certainly didn’t want to tell him. Especially because just two weeks ago, I had watched and listened to him and his music team in the studio joking around, happily recording his new music. During breaks they were also chatting about talented artists—including their favorite—D’Angelo. (In fact, LoveLogiq had written, recorded, and dedicated special music two years ago entitled, “The New D’Angelo”). So, this day’s news would be heartbreaking for sure.
Did he know yet? I was so reluctant to find out. After all, he had been a fan literally since childhood—about 9 years old—listening and watching videos of D’Angelo singing his hot song, “Brown Sugar,” while visiting his older cousin. (Like many younger fans, he had no idea what those lyrics really meant.) I’d also seen him after he excitedly traveled all the way to the East Coast this summer to see D’Angelo perform—only to leave quite disappointed because D’Angelo was sick and had cancelled the show! He was so upset, in fact, that he didn’t bother to wait in the long line with other concert-goers to retrieve his refund. He just flew back home—disappointed.
Regarding the latest painful news: He did know—and literally went silent with sorrow and hurt. D’Angelo rated with him like the Al Green and Marvin Gaye lovers back in the 70s. Perhaps D’Angelo rated even a notch higher for their generation. Perhaps.
Recalling the missed concert this summer, LoveLogiq said, “I was angry—obviously. Hurt that I missed out on seeing another hero and legend. I kinda felt it would be the last time I’d have a chance…especially since Angie had died not long before. I knew his heart was broken.” It’s likely very true. Broken hearts are hard to mend. But somehow, we humans move forward—one step at a time. Devoted fans of D’Angelo will have to do just that—move forward, one step at a time, never forgetting the love and joy this classic, anointed singer brought into their lives.
Efrem “LoveLogiq” Bryant said: “I would call him our purest vessel for Black Musical Genius since Prince and Michael. The last true messenger for authentic, honest, boundless musicianship.” Millions certainly agree.
*By the way…There’s not a cloud in today’s sky! Tears and rain gave way to sunshine—and enlightenment—and bright smiles for having D’Angelo in our lives! Rest in royal peace, Mr. Unforgettable D’Angelo. You served the people well.
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MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: D’Angelo Speaks on His Iconic ‘Untitled’ Video with Tavis Smiley (WATCH)
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