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

Barack Obama paid tribute to D’Angelo after the musician died on Tuesday (Oct. 14) following a battle with cancer.

“D’Angelo was one of a kind. As a pioneer in neo-soul, he inspired a generation of singers, and helped shape music today,” he wrote on X Wednesday (Oct. 15). “Michelle and I are thinking of his family, and all those who loved and admired him.”

The former 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 one of the White House’s two 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 family confirmed in a statement to Billboard that he died on Tuesday at 51 years old.

“The shining star of our family has dimmed his light for us in this life. After a prolonged and courageous battle with cancer, we are heartbroken to announce that Michael D’Angelo Archer, known to his fans around the world as D’Angelo, has been called home, departing this life today, Oct. 14, 2025,” the statement reads. “We are saddened that he can only leave dear memories with his family, but we are eternally grateful for the legacy of extraordinarily moving music he leaves behind. We ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time but invite you all join us in mourning his passing while also celebrating the gift of song that he has left for the world.”