Private Celebration of Life for D’Angelo to Feature The Roots, Stevie Wonder & John Mayer — With a Tribute From Barack Obama
Soul legend D’Angelo will be honored this weekend in a private celebration of life in his hometown of Richmond, Virginia, Media Take Out has learned.
The intimate gathering — described as a family-centered service — will take place on Saturday, November 1, and will feature performances and tributes from some of the biggest names in music, including The Roots, Stevie Wonder, and John Mayer.
News of the funeral was first broke by AllHipHop.com
A Private Goodbye for a Music Icon
According to those close to the planning, the Richmond ceremony will include a private viewing followed by a burial service attended only by family, close friends, and longtime collaborators.
The event is expected to be deeply emotional, celebrating not only D’Angelo’s immense talent but also his personal journey, his faith, and his quiet influence on generations of musicians.
Sources tell Media Take Out that former President Barack Obama will contribute a personal letter of tribute, honoring D’Angelo’s artistic legacy and the impact of his music on American culture.
A Musical Lineup Fit for a Legend
Performances from The Roots, Stevie Wonder, and John Mayer will anchor the private program — three artists who were directly influenced by D’Angelo’s revolutionary sound.
Insiders say the lineup may continue to grow, as several other artists close to D’Angelo have reached out to participate. “Everyone loved him — his music, his spirit, and his genius,” one insider shared. “This isn’t just a service. It’s a celebration of one of the most gifted artists of our lifetime.”
A Public Memorial Is Planned for 2026
While the Richmond ceremony will remain closed to the public, fans will still get a chance to celebrate the Voodoosinger’s legacy.
Sources confirm that a major public memorial is being planned for 2026, expected to take place in multiple cities. The larger event will feature live performances, archival footage, and visuals highlighting D’Angelo’s decades-long impact on R&B, soul, and hip-hop.
Organizers say the event will trace his musical evolution — from the breakout success of Brown Sugar to his genre-defining work on Voodoo and Black Messiah. “It’s going to be an experience — not just a concert, but a reflection of how D’Angelo changed music forever,” one source said.
A Lasting Legacy
D’Angelo, who passed away earlier this month after a battle with pancreatic cancer, leaves behind one of the most revered catalogs in modern soul. Known for his rich voice, live instrumentation, and creative independence, he inspired an entire generation of artists — from Anderson .Paak and H.E.R. to Frank Ocean and Daniel Caesar.
Though his life was cut short, his music will continue to move the world for decades to come.
As one industry veteran told Media Take Out, “There was only one D’Angelo. Nobody could make music feel the way he did.”
Can You WATCH The FUNREAL
The funeral is not expected to e streamed. But we’re told that some people are planning on posting pieces of the ceremony on social media. Come back, and we’ll aggregate all the clips here.