Grammy-Winning Songwriter LaShawn Daniels Dead at 41

Grammy Award-winning songwriter and producer LaShawn Daniels has died today (Sept. 4) after a fatal car accident in South Carolina. He was 41.

Daniels’ wife, April Daniels, confirmed the devastating news on Instagram. The statement stated:

It’s it with deep and profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, family member and friend LaShawn Daniels, who was the victim of a fatal car accident in South Carolina. A Grammy-award winning producer and songwriter, Daniels was a man of extraordinary faith and a pillar in our family. We would like to express our sincere appreciation for the continuous outpouring of love and sympathy. We ask that you respect the privacy of our entire family during this difficult time.

Daniels has a staggering songwriting and production catalog that runs over 20 years. The respected musician has penned hits for artists like Michael Jackson (“You Rock My World”), Whitney Houston (“It’s Not Right, But It’s Okay”), Destiny’s Child (“Say My Name”), and Toni Braxton (“He Wasn’t Man Enough”), among countless others.

Daniels is most exalted for his exceptional work for Brandy. Since making history for “The Boy is Mine,” a duet with Monica in 1998, Daniels and Brandy have been an indomitable duo. His name is featured in the liner notes for fan-favorites and deep cuts like “What About Us,” ‘Can We,” and “It’s Not Worth It.”

Last month, Daniels attended the 2019 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards to support his longtime collaborator and friend Brandy. The two also worked together on her upcoming untitled album. Brandy has yet to comment on the death of Daniels.

Other fellow singers, songwriters and producers have shared their condolences on social media.

https://twitter.com/Kehlani/status/1169119411908706304

Yooooo I’m lost. Lashawn Daniels died?!!!! I’m stuck. This man took my vocal ability to new levels while working in Dirty Money. One of the funniest people with the best heart. A rare talent and a beautiful soul.

— DAWN (@DawnRichard) September 4, 2019

https://twitter.com/MNEK/status/1169149037519495172?s=20

https://twitter.com/kirkfranklin/status/1169274521553178624?s=20

LaShawn Daniels is a legend. Thank you for creating some of the most powerful songs ever. Rest in Heaven KING.

— Ari Lennox (@AriLennox) September 4, 2019

Lashawn Daniels changed my life and if I changed your life he changed yours too.

— James Fauntleroy (@fauntleroy) September 4, 2019

View this post on Instagram

I spent a lot of time with Shiz. One of my favorite stories from him is when he told me when he knew he was ready to get married and how he knew his wife was the one. We talked about this when I was in height of my single/wild phase. His words from that day had and still have a profound effect on me. Not only was he an incredible creative, he was a genuine and giving person who loved his family and adored his wife. And every time we were together, he kept me laughing so hard. We spoke earlier in the year about getting together and doing some work. My mind is blown right now and my heart is heavy. Rest easy my friend, @bigshiz.

A post shared by Bryan-Michael Cox (@bryanmichaelcox) on Sep 3, 2019 at 10:28pm PDT

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