Elton John speaks out on 'sad day' after heartbreaking loss

Sir Elton John has paid tribute to legendary soul artist D'Angelo, calling him "inspirational" and "the inventor of Neo Soul" in an emotional Instagram post shared with fans. The music legend, 78, took to Instagram following the news of D'Angelo's death, describing it as a "sad day for music" and praising the late star's extraordinary influence on modern R&B and soul. Posting alongside a black-and-white image of D'Angelo, who died following a battle with pancreatic cancer, Elton wrote: "He was inspirational. His three albums are perfection. He was the inventor of Neo Soul and has been a huge influence on so many artists."

Fans quickly flooded social media, sharing their own messages of grief and gratitude, thanking him for recognising D'Angelo's legacy. Many shared how the musician's work had shaped their own love of soul music, with one user writing: "D'Angelo changed the sound of a whole generation."

His unique blend of soul, funk, and hip-hop inspired a wave of artists - from Alicia Keys and Maxwell to John Legend and Frank Ocean. Elton's tribute showed how respected D'Angelo was across various genres, influencing not only R&B artists but some of the biggest names in pop and rock.

Jamie Foxx went public with a deeply emotional message: "I remember hearing your music for the first time ... that voice was silky and flawless ... real tears ran down my face ... rest in power and beautiful music ... you are one of one."

While singer Miguel shared: "Who didn't want to be D'Angelo? ... He was a one-of-one artist. And 51 is way, way too soon." Former Destiny's Child singer added: "This one hurts, DEEP! ... He TRULY IS 1 of 1. Gutted by this loss!"

Even reclusive star Lauryn Hill paid tribute to her "genius" former collaborator. Hill, 50, duetted with the singer, whose real name was Michael Archer, on the soulful ballad Nothing Even Matters from her best-known album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1998).

She typed: "You sir, moved us, stirred us, inspired and even intimidated others to action with your genius. Thank you for being a beacon of light to a generation and beyond who had no remembrance of the legacy that preceded us.

"Thank you for charting the course and for making space during a time when no similar space really existed."