Barack Obama Remembers ‘One of a Kind’ D’Angelo: ‘He Inspired a Generation of Singers’

Barack Obama paid tribute to D’Angelo aft the instrumentalist died connected Tuesday (Oct. 14) pursuing a conflict with cancer.

“D’Angelo was 1 of a kind. As a pioneer successful neo-soul, helium inspired a procreation of singers, and helped signifier euphony today,” helium wrote connected X Wednesday (Oct. 15). “Michelle and I are reasoning of his family, and each those who loved and admired him.”

The erstwhile U.S. president included D’Angelo and Ms. Lauryn Hill‘s “Nothing Even Matters” from The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill on his 2015 “summer night” playlist, which made up 1 of the White House’s 2 inaugural Spotify playlists dedicated to the season.

Ms. Hill, Justin Timberlake, Beyoncé, Tyler, The Creator and many more posted touching tributes to the neo-soul legend, whose household confirmed successful a statement to Billboard that helium died connected Tuesday astatine 51 years old.

“The shining prima of our household has dimmed his airy for america successful this life. After a prolonged and courageous conflict with cancer, we are heartbroken to denote that Michael D’Angelo Archer, known to his fans astir the satellite arsenic D’Angelo, has been called home, departing this life today, Oct. 14, 2025,” the connection reads. “We are saddened that helium tin lone permission beloved memories with his family, but we are eternally grateful for the bequest of extraordinarily moving music he leaves behind. We inquire that you respect our privateness during this hard clip but invitation you each articulation america successful mourning his passing portion besides celebrating the acquisition of opus that helium has near for the world.”