The Legacy of Angie Stone: A Tribute from Her Hometown
Sunday, June 1st 2025
As we celebrate African American Music Appreciation Month this June, Historic Columbia honors one of our city's most influential musical figures: Angie Stone. Born Angela Laverne Brown on December 18, 1961, in Columbia, South Carolina, Stone's journey from local gospel choirs to international acclaim embodies the rich tapestry of Black musical heritage.
A Columbia Native's Musical Impact
Angie Stone's musical roots were nurtured in Columbia's First Nazareth Baptist Church, where she began singing gospel music. At just 16, she co-founded The Sequence, one of the first all-female hip-hop groups. Their 1979 hit "Funk You Up" marked a significant moment in hip-hop history, showcasing the emerging voices of Black women in the genre. Transitioning into R&B, Stone joined the trio Vertical Hold in the early 1990s before launching a successful solo career. Her debut solo album, Black Diamond (1999), featured the hit single "No More Rain (In This Cloud)," which resonated with audiences for its soulful depth. Her subsequent albums, including Mahogany Soul (2001) and Stone Love (2004), solidified her status as a neo-soul icon.
Honoring a Legacy
Tragically, Angie Stone passed away on March 1, 2025, in a car accident near Montgomery, Alabama, at the age of 63. Her passing was a profound loss to the music world and the Columbia community. Stone's contributions to music were recognized with three Grammy nominations and numerous awards, reflecting her impact on R&B and soul music.
Celebrate Angie Stone at the Jubilee Festival
To honor Angie Stone's enduring legacy, we invite you to attend the Jubilee: Festival of Black History & Culture on Saturday, September 20, 2025. This free, annual event celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Columbia's African American community. This year's festival will feature a special tribute act dedicated to Angie Stone, celebrating her life and musical contributions.
The tribute, produced by Solbird Entertainment, will showcase performances by a talented lineup of artists, including:
These performers will honor Stone's musical legacy, bringing their unique styles to celebrate her contributions to music. Join us in commemorating the life of a true Columbia legend. For more information about the Jubilee Festival, please visit Historic Columbia's Jubilee Festival page. Let us come together to celebrate the music, the legacy, and the indelible spirit of Angie Stone.
Angie Stone Tribute Line-Up
Produced by Solbird Entertainment
Festival of Black History and Culture
JUBILEE
Join Historic Columbia at Jubilee: Festival of Black History & Culture from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20. Now in its 47th year, this free outdoor festival brings musicians, artisans, dancers and storytellers together to celebrate South Carolina’s Black history and culture on the grounds of the Mann-Simons Site.