Shawn Stockman is heartbroken over the sudden and shocking death of Angie Stone, remembering her not only for her immense talent but also for her unwavering dedication to fighting for fair compensation for artists. In an emotional tribute following her passing, the Boyz II Men member shared his deep respect for Angie, recalling the times they crossed paths and the impact she had on the music industry.
Shawn, who had recently been on Capitol Hill with Boyz II Men advocating for Congress to mandate AM and FM radio stations to pay artists for the use of their music, reflected on Angie’s similar efforts to ensure artists were paid what they deserved. He shared that Angie was a warrior for justice in an industry that, at times, failed to support the people who created its magic.
A Shared Mission: Fighting for Fair Pay in the Music Industry
Shawn revealed that, although he didn’t personally know Angie Stone, he always admired her for her fight to give artists the fair treatment they deserved. According to Shawn, she was always about “fighting for what’s right,” and her efforts to secure better pay for artists echoed his own frustrations within the industry.
“Artists are the backbone of the music industry, and we were always told to ‘just be grateful’ for the exposure. But we were getting played while the industry grew richer,” Shawn said. “Angie understood that struggle, and she fought to change that. She was about ensuring artists weren’t left broke after creating the hits that made others rich.”
Shawn pointed out that despite Boyz II Men’s global success and the millions of records they sold, they, like many artists, were still struggling to make a living in the face of an industry that failed to compensate them properly. “The industry was built on ‘criminal activity,’ as I call it—‘gangsters’ who took advantage of artists,” Shawn said. “And that’s exactly why artists like Angie were so important—they understood the value of what we brought to the table.”
Angie Stone’s Impact on Soul Music and Artist Advocacy
As a tribute to Angie Stone, Shawn called her one of the greatest soul singers of all time. “She had a voice that transcended generations, and her music touched souls everywhere. But beyond that, she was a voice for us artists in the music industry,” Shawn added.
In the heartfelt video message, Shawn reflected on Angie’s contributions to the world of soul music, but he also emphasized how much she meant to the ongoing fight for artist rights. “Angie wasn’t just about making great music; she was about making sure the people who make the music got what they deserved,” Shawn said, expressing gratitude for her tireless advocacy.
A Legacy of Justice and Soul
Though Shawn and Angie didn’t share a deep personal relationship, Shawn always respected her for her integrity and determination. In a time when so many artists were exploited, Angie Stone stood out as a champion for the underdog, and her legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of musicians and advocates.
The music world has lost an irreplaceable figure, but Shawn’s words remind us all of Angie’s lasting influence—not just as an incredible talent but as a fierce advocate for fairness in the industry.
As Shawn concluded, “Angie may no longer be with us, but her impact and her voice will live on forever.” Her legacy as one of the greatest soul singers ever, and as a relentless fighter for the rights of artists, will continue to inspire for years to come.
