Nile Rodgers Remembers Meeting D’Angelo: ‘Release His Perfect Music!’

## Remembering D’Angelo

Nile Rodgers recently shared a poignant memory of his early interaction with D’Angelo, who sadly passed away at the age of 51 on October 14. In an emotional Instagram post, Rodgers reflected on how D’Angelo sought his advice during a creative crossroads. Accompanying the heartfelt words was a photo captioned “D’Angelo Dead at 51 RIP My Brother,” with “Brown Sugar” playing softly in the background.

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### A Significant Encounter

Rodgers described how D’Angelo was struggling with the music he had created, saying, “My friend Gary Harris brought this musician named D’Angelo over to my NYC apartment.” Rodgers recalled listening intently, ultimately advising the artist, “Put it out. It’s perfect!” Despite his initial instincts, D’Angelo wanted to refine the work further.

Rodgers later heard one of those tracks on the radio, recalling it as “genius” and adding that he still possesses the original cassette from that meeting. It’s a testament to D’Angelo’s talent and impact as an artist.

### Musical Collaborations

The two musicians later collaborated on a cover of Fela Kuti’s “Water No Get Enemy,” featured on the tribute album *Red Hot + Riot: The Music and Spirit of Fela Kuti*. This project, which celebrated Kuti’s legacy, included numerous other artists and was inspired by a studio session led by Questlove and Femi Kuti.

### A Legacy Remembered

In a heartfelt statement, D’Angelo’s family shared that he had been fighting cancer. They expressed their sadness over his passing while also emphasizing the priceless musical legacy he has left behind. “We ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time but invite all to join us in mourning his passing while celebrating the gift of song that he has left for the world.”

The musical journey of D’Angelo reminds us of the profound connections formed through art. What memories do you have of his music?