R&B legend and composer of hit "Brown Sugar" dies

Soul and R&B legend D'Angelo has died at the age of 51 after battling pancreatic cancer. The American singer was recognized for his husky yet smooth voice.

The family issued a statement on Tuesday confirming the death. In the statement, D'Angelo is described as the family's "shining star."

Born in Richmond, Virginia, the son of a Pentecostal religious leader, Michael—his real name—began playing piano at just three years old and was already playing the instrument with his father at church by the age of five. Years later, he began playing piano at his grandfather's Pentecostal church.

Soul and R&B legend D'Angelo has died at the age of 51 after battling pancreatic cancer. The American singer was recognized for his husky yet smooth voice.

The family issued a statement on Tuesday confirming the death. In the statement, D'Angelo is described as the family's "shining star."

Born in Richmond, Virginia, the son of a Pentecostal religious leader, Michael—his real name—began playing piano at just three years old and was already playing the instrument with his father at church by the age of five. Years later, he began playing piano at his grandfather's Pentecostal church.

Soul and R&B legend D'Angelo has died at the age of 51 after battling pancreatic cancer. The American singer was recognized for his husky yet smooth voice.

The family issued a statement on Tuesday confirming the death. In the statement, D'Angelo is described as the family's "shining star."

Born in Richmond, Virginia, the son of a Pentecostal religious leader, Michael—his real name—began playing piano at just three years old and was already playing the instrument with his father at church by the age of five. Years later, he began playing piano at his grandfather's Pentecostal church.