If James Brown was the “Godfather of Soul,” then D’Angelo was the “Godfather of Neo-Soul.” He emerged at a time when R&B was dominated by male groups, studio singers and producers running “lab-generated” hit factories.

His music ushered in a new era for the genre that shifted the culture of Black Music back toward the glory days of funk, soul and R&B. D’Angelo’s sound was a throwback to the days of pure musicianship. With his sound, he paved the way for a collective of artists who proved that the rich legacy of Black music’s future was safe in their hands.

He died Tuesday after a private battle with cancer. He was 51.

“The shining star of our family has dimmed his light for us in this life,” his family said in a statement, according to CBS News. “After a prolonged and courageous battle

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