The Multifaceted D’Angelo

Michael D’Angelo Archer is one of the greatest propagandists of the neo soul sound.

D’ Angelo’s blend of gospel and soul with the more modern R&B and hip hop sounds created music that appealed to veterans and young people alike. He is regarded as one of the pioneers of cotemporary black music, in the same league as artistes like Maxwell, Me’shell Ndegeocello, Omar and Dionne Farris.

Born in 1974 in Richmond, Virginia D’ Angelo grew up in a religious family environment. With Pentecostal ministers as both father and grandfather it was little wonder that gospel formed a significant part of this young man’s repertoire.

A musical child D’ Angelo started playing the piano when he was three and the organ when he was four. He was influenced by the music in church and by his mother’s love for jazz and soul artistes like Miles Davis, Mahalia Jackson and Marvin Gaye. D’Angelo’s own idol was Marvin Gaye, with whom he identified so strongly that when Gaye died under tragic circumstances D’Angelo was so upset that he needed therapy to cope.

D’Angelo named his first band Michael Archer and Precise. Formed when he was 16 years old, the band played at local events and competitions and loved to sing covers of Al Green and Smokey Robinson hits.

D’Angelo was also deeply inspired by Prince who would write, perform and produce all his songs. Aspiring to follow in his footsteps, D’Angelo learnt how to play a host of instruments like the drums, guitar, saxophone, bass and keyboards. This knowledge would help him extend his musical boundaries and assist him in production work. D’Angelo disliked sampling from other artists and preferred to create his own arrangements and being able to play so many instruments was a great help.

At 18, D’Angelo moved to New York and within a year released his first single U Will Know on EMI. D’Angelo’s now famous debut album soon followed in 1995. Called Brown Sugar the album went double platinum and spawned singles like the gold title track, Cruisin’’ and Lady, a pop #5 and R&B #1 hit.

Over the next few years D’ Angelo maintained a low profile and was heard only on albums by other artistes like Lauryn Hill, the Roots and Method Man. Though Live At The Jazz Café was released in 1998, it would be 2000 before D’Angelo’s much awaited second album Voodoo would make its appearance featuring a mixture of hip hop, jazz and funk. The single Untitled ( How Does It Feel) was a reference to his idol, Prince. It reached the #2 spot on the R&B charts.

A commanding performer, D’Angelo has kept audiences enthralled during his live shows. His performance history includes the 1996 Grammy ceremonies where he sang a duet with Tony Rich and the 1996 Essence Awards where he appeared alongside Smokey Robinson.

D’ Angelo’s work has appeared on the soundtracks of films like Get On the Bus, High School High and Space Jam. His television appearances include the Rosie O’Donnell Show, Late Show with David Letterman, NY Undercover and Soul Train.

With his formidable musical talent, D’Angelo has been recognised time and again for his contribution to the music industry. His awards include three Soul Train Awards and four NAAP awards (1996), four Grammy nominations (1996, 1997), an American Music Award (1997) and two NARAS Grammy awards (2000).

D’Angelo’s uniqueness stems from his ability to blend traditional grooves with contemporary soul. He is also able to collaborate successfully with other talented musicians like himself, bringing out the best in both.