D'Angelo schedules first U.S. concert in 10 years for Essence Music Festival

Reclusive R&B singer will be flanked by Trey Songz, Aretha Franklin, Mary J. Blige

By AP Staff Thursday, May 3, 2012 1:14 PM

D'Angelo

NEW YORK (AP) — D'Angelo is making his comeback: The reclusive singer will give his first U.S. performance in 10 years at the 2012 Essence Music Festival.

D'Angelo will perform during the festival's opening night. It runs from July 6 to July 8 in New Orleans and also features Trey Songz, Aretha Franklin, Mary J. Blige and many others.

The soul singer's latest album is 2000's "Voodoo." It went platinum and won two Grammy Awards, including best R&B album. His debut, 1995's "Brown Sugar," was also a platinum effort.

Since that, D'Angelo has stepped away from the music scene, drawing attention for his run-ins with the law.

The 37-year-old wrapped up a prostitution case last month by pleading guilty to disorderly conduct after his March 2010 arrest.

His record label said he is working on a new album.

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