On October 15, 2025, legendary singer Sir Tom Jones shared a profound tribute via social media, expressing his sorrow over the passing of D’Angelo, while also conveying deep gratitude for the time they spent performing together on stage.
Jones wrote:
“Deeply saddened by the untimely passing of D’Angelo. I thank God for the time I spent with him and his band onstage, and feel them for real, it is forever a treasured memory. His belief, courage and musical skills were singular and inspirational. He was a gentleman who was soul personified and he’ll be greatly missed. My sincere condolences to his family….RIP, D.”
In this message, Jones highlights three qualities of D’Angelo that resonated deeply with him: belief, courage, and musical talent — those attributes he described as “unique and inspiring.” He further depicted his friend as “a gentleman who was soul personified,” evoking an image of elegance, humility, and artistic depth.
Tom Jones also called the moments they shared on stage “a forever treasured memory,” emphasizing that such experiences are unforgettable and dear to his heart. He extended his “sincere condolences to [D’Angelo’s] family” at this painful time.
Context and Legacy of D’Angelo
According to the family’s announcement, D’Angelo — born Michael Eugene Archer — passed away on October 14, 2025, after a prolonged battle with pancreatic cancer. In their statement, his family referred to him as the “shining star of our family whose light has dimmed,” while expressing eternal gratitude for the emotionally powerful body of music he left behind.
D’Angelo is widely regarded as a pioneering force in the neo-soul movement. His debut album Brown Sugar (1995) established him in the R&B world, followed by the critically acclaimed Voodoo (2000) and Black Messiah (2014), which further solidified his reputation as an innovative artist. His music—an expressive fusion of classic soul, funk, jazz, and deeply personal emotion—has inspired countless artists across generations.
Throughout his career, D’Angelo often withdrew from the public eye to face personal challenges. Yet, each comeback reaffirmed his unique voice, making his legacy all the more meaningful—as proof that an artist who remains true to himself can leave a lasting, timeless impact.
The Significance of Tom Jones’s Tribute
Tom Jones’s tribute is not merely an expression of personal grief but also a gesture of respect toward a fellow artist and friend—an acknowledgment of musical resonance across styles and generations. In music media across the globe, Jones’s words have been cited and shared as one of the many touching homages from the artist community.
As a veteran icon whose career spans decades, Jones’s choice to publicly honor D’Angelo—a figure in more contemporary R&B and neo-soul—underscores the way music bridges eras and styles, reinforcing the respect and admiration that flows between artists.