D'Angelo

One of the most influential musicians of the 1990s, D’Angelo has earned comparisons to such musical geniuses as Prince and Marvin Gaye. Born Michael Eugene Archer in Richmond, Virginia, he began playing piano at the age of three, and honed his skills playing the organ in his father’s Pentecostal church. His debut album Brown Sugar was released in 1995 and sold 2 million copies on the strength of hits like “Lady”and “Cruisin.” His suggestive video for the single “Untitled” (from his 1999 sophomore LP Voodoo) featured the singer naked, making D’Angelo a reluctant sex symbol. He has collaborated with Lauryn Hill, Common, and The Roots. Although he has not released another album in over 10 years—and despite struggles with alcohol and drug issues—D’Angelo’s fans are still loyally awaiting his return.