Floor SpeechCeremonial2025-03-05

TRIBUTE TO ANGIE STONE

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Context

On 2025-03-05, Representative James E. Clyburn (D-SC-6) delivered a floor speech titled "TRIBUTE TO ANGIE STONE" in the House.

Full Text

TRIBUTE TO ANGIE STONE

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 42 (Wednesday, March 5, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 42 (Wednesday, March 5, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E186] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] TRIBUTE TO ANGIE STONE ______ HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN of south carolina in the house of representatives Wednesday, March 5, 2025 Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a South Carolinian who left an indelible mark on hip-hop, R&B, and soul and was an icon of American music. Angie Stone tragically passed away on March 1, 2025, resulting from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Her career spanned nearly five decades, defined by innovation, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to her craft. Born on December 18, 1961, in Columbia, South Carolina, Angela Laverne Brown grew up in the Saxon Homes housing project. Immersed in the sounds of gospel music at an early age, Angie sang in the First Nazareth Baptist Church choir as a young woman. It was there that Angie gave her first public solo. That foundation in the Black Church helped her to develop the rich, soulful voice which would later captivate audiences worldwide. Angie attended CA Johnson High School, where she excelled academically and was an athlete and a cheerleader. In 1979, at just 17 years old, Angie co-founded The Sequence, one of the first all-female hip-hop groups. Their 1979 single Funk You Up became a landmark in hip-hop history, showcasing Angie's ability to blend rap with R&B melodies. After The Sequence disbanded, she joined the R&B trio Vertical Hold in the early 1990s, achieving success with the hit Seems You're Much Too Busy. Her breakthrough as a solo artist came in 1999 with the release of Black Diamond, an album which showcased her remarkable vocal dexterity and deeply personal songwriting. The lead single, No More Rain (In This Cloud), topped the Adult R&B charts and became an anthem of resilience and renewal. Her follow-up album, Mahogany Soul (2001), featured the timeless hit Wish I Didn't Miss You, a song that resonated with audiences across the world and solidified her place in contemporary soul music. Over her career, she released ten solo albums, collaborating with artists like Prince and Anthony Hamilton. Angie also earned three Grammy nominations and numerous awards, becoming one of the most influential voices of her generation. Beyond music, Angie Stone made her mark on stage and screen. She starred as Mama Morton in Chicago on Broadway, appeared in films such as The Fighting Temptations and Ride Along, and was a familiar presence on television, including roles in Moesha and Girlfriends, where she also performed the theme song. Her natural charisma and talent transcended genres, making her a beloved figure in entertainment. Angie's legacy extends beyond her artistry--she was a mentor, a mother, and a trailblazer. She is survived by her daughter, Diamond, her son, Michael, and two grandchildren. Though we lost Angie too soon, her music and influence will continue to inspire generations to come. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in recognizing the extraordinary life of Angie Stone. She was not just a singer or songwriter. A proud daughter of the Sixth Congressional District of South Carolina, she was a cultural force who broke barriers and uplifted others through her music. As we remember her today, let us honor her spirit, her contributions, and the timeless artistry she shared with the world. ____________________

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TRIBUTE TO ANGIE STONE Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 42 (Wednesday, March 5, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 42 (Wednesday, March 5, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E186] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] TRIBUTE TO ANGIE STONE ______ HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN of south carolina in the house of representatives Wednesday, March 5, 2025 Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a South Carolinian who left an indelible mark on hip-hop, R&B, and soul and was an icon of American music. Angie Stone tragically passed away on March 1, 2025, resulting from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Her career spanned nearly five decades, defined by innovation, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to her craft. Born on December 18, 1961, in Columbia, South Carolina, Angela Laverne Brown grew up in the Saxon Homes housing project. Immersed in the sounds of gospel music at an early age, Angie sang in the First Nazareth Baptist Church choir as a young woman. It was there that Angie gave her first public solo. That foundation in the Black Church helped her to develop the rich, soulful voice which would later captivate audiences worldwide. Angie attended CA Johnson High School, where she excelled academically and was an athlete and a cheerleader. In 1979, at just 17 years old, Angie co-founded The Sequence, one of the first all-female hip-hop groups. Their 1979 single Funk You Up became a landmark in hip-hop history, showcasing Angie's ability to blend rap with R&B melodies. After The Sequence disbanded, she joined the R&B trio Vertical Hold in the early 1990s, achieving success with the hit Seems You're Much Too Busy. Her breakthrough as a solo artist came in 1999 with the release of Black Diamond, an album which showcased her remarkable vocal dexterity and deeply personal songwriting. The lead single, No More Rain (In This Cloud), topped the Adult R&B charts and became an anthem of resilience and renewal. Her follow-up album, Mahogany Soul (2001), featured the timeless hit Wish I Didn't Miss You, a song that resonated with audiences across the world and solidified her place in contemporary soul music. Over her career, she released ten solo albums, collaborating with artists like Prince and Anthony Hamilton. Angie also earned three Grammy nominations and numerous awards, becoming one of the most influential voices of her generation. Beyond music, Angie Stone made her mark on stage and screen. She starred as Mama Morton in Chicago on Broadway, appeared in films such as The Fighting Temptations and Ride Along, and was a familiar presence on television, including roles in Moesha and Girlfriends, where she also performed the theme song. Her natural charisma and talent transcended genres, making her a beloved figure in entertainment. Angie's legacy extends beyond her artistry--she was a mentor, a mother, and a trailblazer. She is survived by her daughter, Diamond, her son, Michael, and two grandchildren. Though we lost Angie too soon, her music and influence will continue to inspire generations to come. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in recognizing the extraordinary life of Angie Stone. She was not just a singer or songwriter. A proud daughter of the Sixth Congressional District of South Carolina, she was a cultural force who broke barriers and uplifted others through her music. As we remember her today, let us honor her spirit, her contributions, and the timeless artistry she shared with the world. ____________________