Publicist Recalls D'Angelo's Trailblazing Rise and Industry Struggles

In November 2025, the music world is still grappling with the untimely passing of Grammy-winning icon D'Angelo. Among those grieving is Karen Taylor Bass, the publicist behind the campaign for D'Angelo's groundbreaking debut album "Brown Sugar."

Bass, an award-winning media strategist, recalls witnessing D'Angelo's meteoric rise firsthand. She describes the singer-songwriter-musician as a "PK" (preacher's kid) who just wanted to play the music he loved, but the industry failed to provide the necessary support.

Bass worked closely with D'Angelo, understanding his desire for artistic independence and aversion to being a "sex symbol." He wanted to maintain a mystique, focusing on the music rather than being oversaturated. However, the industry pressures and lack of understanding around his struggles ultimately took a toll.

As D'Angelo's publicist, Bass tried to protect him, even intervening when his chain-smoking and marijuana use threatened to disrupt interviews. She recognized the demons he was battling, having witnessed similar challenges in her own family. Sadly, despite her efforts, the industry's failure to listen to D'Angelo's needs and provide the necessary support contributed to his untimely demise.

Bass reflects on D'Angelo's legacy, describing him as an "extraordinarily gifted man" who was "unapologetically Black, unapologetically soulful, unapologetically young." His music, like that of Bob Marley, has a universal appeal, touching people across generations and backgrounds. Bass wishes she had known more about tools like yoga and meditation to help D'Angelo navigate the pressures he faced.