[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 42 (Wednesday, March 5, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E186]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO ANGIE STONE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 5, 2025

  Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a South 
Carolinian who left an indelible mark on hip-hop, R&B, and soul and was 
an icon of American music. Angie Stone tragically passed away on March 
1, 2025, resulting from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. 
Her career spanned nearly five decades, defined by innovation, 
resilience, and an unwavering commitment to her craft.
  Born on December 18, 1961, in Columbia, South Carolina, Angela 
Laverne Brown grew up in the Saxon Homes housing project. Immersed in 
the sounds of gospel music at an early age, Angie sang in the First 
Nazareth Baptist Church choir as a young woman. It was there that Angie 
gave her first public solo. That foundation in the Black Church helped 
her to develop the rich, soulful voice which would later captivate 
audiences worldwide. Angie attended CA Johnson High School, where she 
excelled academically and was an athlete and a cheerleader.
  In 1979, at just 17 years old, Angie co-founded The Sequence, one of 
the first all-female hip-hop groups. Their 1979 single Funk You Up 
became a landmark in hip-hop history, showcasing Angie's ability to 
blend rap with R&B melodies. After The Sequence disbanded, she joined 
the R&B trio Vertical Hold in the early 1990s, achieving success with 
the hit Seems You're Much Too Busy.
  Her breakthrough as a solo artist came in 1999 with the release of 
Black Diamond, an album which showcased her remarkable vocal dexterity 
and deeply personal songwriting. The lead single, No More Rain (In This 
Cloud), topped the Adult R&B charts and became an anthem of resilience 
and renewal. Her follow-up album, Mahogany Soul (2001), featured the 
timeless hit Wish I Didn't Miss You, a song that resonated with 
audiences across the world and solidified her place in contemporary 
soul music. Over her career, she released ten solo albums, 
collaborating with artists like Prince and Anthony Hamilton. Angie also 
earned three Grammy nominations and numerous awards, becoming one of 
the most influential voices of her generation.
  Beyond music, Angie Stone made her mark on stage and screen. She 
starred as Mama Morton in Chicago on Broadway, appeared in films such 
as The Fighting Temptations and Ride Along, and was a familiar presence 
on television, including roles in Moesha and Girlfriends, where she 
also performed the theme song. Her natural charisma and talent 
transcended genres, making her a beloved figure in entertainment.
  Angie's legacy extends beyond her artistry--she was a mentor, a 
mother, and a trailblazer. She is survived by her daughter, Diamond, 
her son, Michael, and two grandchildren. Though we lost Angie too soon, 
her music and influence will continue to inspire generations to come.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in recognizing 
the extraordinary life of Angie Stone. She was not just a singer or 
songwriter. A proud daughter of the Sixth Congressional District of 
South Carolina, she was a cultural force who broke barriers and 
uplifted others through her music. As we remember her today, let us 
honor her spirit, her contributions, and the timeless artistry she 
shared with the world.

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