Angela Bofill, an R&B singer known for her hit songs “I Try,” “Angel of the Night,” and “This Time I’ll Be Sweeter,” has died. She was 70.
Bofill passed away on Thursday, June 13, at her daughter’s home in Vallejo, California, a representative for the singer told People magazine.
A statement on Bofill’s official Facebook page shared the news of her death with fans.
“On behalf of my dear friend Angie, I am saddened to announce her passing on the morning of June 13th,” read the post, which said funeral services would take place on June 28.
A second post on the page from her friend and manager, Rich Engel, read: “Just to clear up the confusion. On behalf of Shauna Bofill, husband Chris Portuguese, we are saddened but must report that the passing of Angela yesterday is indeed true.”
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Iconic musician Sheila E. shared her condolences in the comments section of the post.
“The Escovedo family is sad by the loss of this amazing beautiful soul. We are praying for the family. You will truly be missed my sister my queen. Rest in peace,” she wrote.
Legendary R&B singer Melba Moore shared a picture of herself with Bofill on Instagram and included the caption: “RIP Dear sweet Angela Bofill.”
Bofill’s friend and collaborator Maysa Leak also posted a tribute on Instagram.
“Miss Angie… thank you for being you and such an amazing singer-songwriter… and being so sweet to me. Being on stage with you and feeling how supportive you were while I was singing your songs for you, was an honor I will always treasure,” she wrote.
TV One remembered Bofill on X/Twitter and said her episode of music series Unsung would re-air on Sunday, June 23 at 11p/10c.
Bofill, a native of New York City, was born to a Cuban father and a Puerto Rican mother on May 2, 1954, according to her biography on The Bronx Walk of Fame.
Young Angela developed an early interest in music. She began singing in the church choir and received a Bachelor of Music from the Manhattan School of Music in 1976.
She signed with GRP/Arista Records and released her debut album titled Angie in 1978. The album featured R&B, jazz, and Latin influences. The single “This Time I’ll Be Sweeter” from her sophomore album Angel of the Night (1979) topped the charts.
Throughout the ’80s, Bofill released more albums. Among her other popular songs were “Tonight I Give In,” “I’m On Your Side,” “Something About You,” and “Too Tough.”
The singer-songwriter suffered strokes in 2006 and 2007, and was left partially paralyzed and unable to speak.
In a 2011 interview with the Denver Post, Bofill said she was determined to get better. “Over three years, live in rehab. Physical therapy. Eventually, I walk again. I need a cane. Left arm no come back yet. Challenging,” she said.
Angela Bofill is survived by her husband Chris Portuguese and daughter Shauna Bofill.
