LaShawn Daniels, Grammy-winning songwriter of Destiny's Child hit 'Say My Name', dies in car crash aged 41
Grammy-winning songwriter Lashawn Daniels who wrote big hits for artists such as Beyoncé, Whitney Houston, Jennifer Lopez, and Michael Jackson passed away on Tuesday. His publicist Jojo Pada confirmed the news to CNN that Daniels, 41, had passed away after suffering from injuries that he sustained in a car crash. His wife, April Daniels also confirmed the news in a statement that she had released on social media on Wednesday.
Her statement read, "It is with deep sorrow 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," it continued. Fondly known as Big Shiz, Daniels worked very closely with producer/songwriter Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins and is responsible for writing some of the biggest hits from the 1990s. His best works include hits such as Michael Jackson's 'You Rock My World,' 'It's Not Right (But It's Okay)' by Whitney Houston, 'Telephone' by Beyoncé featuring Lady Gaga.
He had also won a Grammy in 2001 for the best R&B song- 'Say My Name' by Destiny's Child. While celebrating the song's 20th anniversary in June, Daniels revealed that the song had been inspired by a relationship he had been in with a woman who kept doubting if he was faithful to her or not.
"I would be places, I would be at work, and if [my girlfriend] would call or hear anyone laughing, or speaking, or doing anything in the background, she'd be like, 'Who is that?'" he said. "Then she'd be like, 'Well, say my name then, and tell me that you love me," Daniels shared.
Many people in the music industry have been taking to social media to share their heartfelt condolences. Artist Mario shared, "In this Industry, we all know how hard it is to come across talented & genuine people. Lashawn you were one of them homie! Wish we had more words but it was always love Sending prayers out to your wife and kids. This is tragic but your legacy & spirit will live on." Dawn Richards also shared, " 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."