14 Black U.S. Celebrities Who Died in 2025

2025 has brought a heavy wave of loss to the Black entertainment and cultural community. From the quiet strength of political leaders to the soul-stirring voices of music legends, the lives we’ve lost this year represent decades of creativity, resilience, and impact.

These were the voices we danced to, the faces we grew up watching, the black leaders who fought for dignity, and the storytellers who helped us see ourselves more clearly. As we look back on those we’ve said goodbye to, we also reflect on how deeply they shaped our collective story.

Singers That Moved a Generation

Sam Moore (1935–2025)

A pillar of soul music, Sam Moore, one-half of the legendary duo Sam & Dave, passed away on January 10 at the age of 89. His iconic voice on tracks like “Soul Man” helped define the sound of a generation and became an anthem for resilience.

Jerry “The Ice Man” Butler (1939–2025)

A founding member of The Impressions and a voice of smooth soul, Butler died on February 20 at 85. Beyond music, he was a committed public servant in Chicago. He bridged worlds with grace, moving effortlessly from chart-topper to community leader.

Angie Stone (1951–2025)

Angie Stone was more than just a singer, she was a storyteller with depth and grit. From her early days with The Sequence to her solo success with “Wish I Didn’t Miss You,” Stone’s voice carried pain, hope, and healing. She died in a tragic car crash on March 1 at age 63.

Roy Ayers (1939–2025)

Roy Ayers’ sound lived somewhere between jazz, funk, and the future. His vibraphone-led grooves became the bedrock for neo-soul and hip-hop samples. Ayers passed away on March 4 at 84, leaving behind a rhythmic legacy that still pulses through modern music.

D’Wayne Wiggins (1961–2025)

As a founding member of Tony! Toni! Toné! and a mentor to artists like Alicia Keys and Beyoncé, Wiggins’ influence is woven into the fabric of R&B. He died of bladder cancer on March 7 at 64, but his music continues to play at cookouts, weddings, and across generations.

Gwen McCrae (1943–2025)

Disco-soul diva Gwen McCrae brought heat to dance floors with hits like “Keep That Fire Burnin’.” She passed on February 21 at 81, her voice still echoing in clubs and radio waves where her grooves never grow old.

Sly Stone (1943–2025)

A true revolutionary, Sly Stone gave the world funk that exploded with freedom and protest. He died June 9 at age 82, but Sly & the Family Stone remain one of the most groundbreaking bands in history.

TV and Film Figures Who Lit Up the Screen

Ananda Lewis (1976–2025)

With warmth, intellect, and unshakeable confidence, Ananda Lewis became a voice for a generation as a host on Teen Summit, MTV, and BET. She died on June 11 at age 52 after a courageous battle with breast cancer. In her final years, she turned her platform toward advocacy, urging women to take their health seriously.

Roberta Flack (1937–2025)

The voice behind “Killing Me Softly” and “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” is now silent, but her songs remain eternal. Roberta Flack passed away on February 24 at 88, after decades of making music that was both gentle and powerful.

Public Figures Who Carried the Torch

Junior Bridgeman (1953–2025)

After a solid NBA career, Junior Bridgeman redefined success off the court, building a business empire and becoming one of America’s wealthiest former athletes. He died March 11 at 71, his life a testament to reinvention and quiet excellence.

George Foreman (1949–2025)

The Olympic gold medalist, world heavyweight champion, preacher, and entrepreneur, George Foreman was more than a fighter. He was a giant with a wide smile and a generous spirit. Foreman passed on March 21 at age 76, leaving a legacy that went far beyond the ring.

Michael “Chicago Mike” Sumler (1953–2025)

A longtime member of Kool & the Gang, Sumler’s guitar riffs were part of the soundtrack to joy. He died in a car accident on May 27 at 71, but his music lives on wherever people celebrate life.

Charles Rangel (1930–2025)

Harlem’s longtime Congressman, decorated war veteran, and fierce voice for civil rights, Charles Rangel died on May 26 at 94. For over four decades, he stood at the intersection of justice and policy, demanding more from America for the communities he served.