Home / Arts and Entertainment / Justin Timberlake Mourns Passing of Visionary Musician D'Angelo
Justin Timberlake Mourns Passing of Visionary Musician D'Angelo
15 Oct, 2025
Summary
- D'Angelo's three albums reshaped soul music
- Timberlake calls D'Angelo's work "the most pivotal moment" in his own musical journey
- Timberlake recounts meeting D'Angelo backstage at a concert
In the wake of D'Angelo's passing on October 14th, 2025, Justin Timberlake has shared a heartfelt tribute to the legendary R&B artist. Timberlake reflects on how D'Angelo's three solo albums - his 1995 debut Brown Sugar, the acclaimed 2000 release Voodoo, and his 2014 comeback Black Messiah - profoundly reshaped the soul music genre and inspired a new era.
Timberlake recalls the profound impact of first hearing Brown Sugar, calling it the "most pivotal moment in establishing confidence" in his own musical voice. He praises Voodoo as his "favorite mixed album of all time," captivated by the "legendary players and collaborators" and the album's ability to "make colors dance around [his] head."
The singer also recounts a special backstage encounter with D'Angelo following a concert at Radio City Music Hall, where he was able to express his deep admiration for the visionary artist. Timberlake describes D'Angelo as "kind, under-spoken" during their meeting, a moment he says he will "never forget."
