Angela Stribling, Pioneering D.C. Broadcaster and Jazz Singer, Dies at 58 After a Two-Year Battle With Brain Cancer, Leaving WHUR and BET Colleagues Mourning
WASHINGTON, DC — The Washington area is grieving the death of Angela Stribling, a longtime broadcaster, singer and television host who died at 58. For decades, her voice and on-air presence reached listeners and viewers in the D.C. region and beyond, making her a familiar and admired figure in local entertainment.
Her husband, Ken Washington, said she died peacefully at home Saturday after a courageous two-year battle with brain cancer. Washington and Stribling’s sister, Darlene, were with her when she died.
The first woman to host WHUR's original Quiet Storm
Stribling made history as the first woman to host WHUR’s original Quiet Storm, a milestone that helped define her place in Washington radio. The role connected her to one of the region’s most recognized music traditions and made her a familiar voice to generations of listeners.
Her work at WHUR was part of a wider career that blended broadcasting, singing and television. That combination helped Stribling stand out in a media landscape where few performers moved so comfortably between the microphone and the stage.
A pioneering presence at BET and on television
Beyond radio, Stribling became a pioneering personality at BET, expanding her reach to a national audience. Her television work added another layer to a career already known for versatility and for helping open doors in Black entertainment media.
Colleagues remembered her not only for what she accomplished professionally, but also for how she treated people around her. They described her as graceful, warm and quick with an encouraging word, qualities that made her as valued off camera as she was on air.
Her infectious laugh was part of that memory, along with the steady presence that made her stand out in every setting she entered.
A jazz vocalist who shared stages with major stars
Stribling was also an accomplished jazz vocalist whose performances took her around the world. Music remained a major part of her identity, even as she built a reputation in radio and television.
She performed alongside some of the biggest names in music, including Stevie Wonder and Chaka Khan. Those collaborations reflected both her talent and the level of respect she earned from fellow artists across genres.
Her career bridged broadcasting and live performance in a way that made her especially memorable to fans who knew her from multiple sides. She was not simply a host or a singer, but a rare figure who excelled at both.
Friends and colleagues remembered her grace and encouragement
After news of her death, people who worked with Stribling focused on the personal qualities that shaped her reputation. They recalled a woman who carried herself with grace and who consistently encouraged others in her orbit.
That kind of legacy often matters as much as the jobs and titles a person holds. In Stribling’s case, the reactions pointed to someone who lifted up coworkers, brought energy into the room and left a lasting impression on the people around her.
Her life in Washington entertainment was tied to that mix of talent and generosity. For many who knew her professionally, the memory of her kindness will now sit alongside her accomplishments on radio, television and stage.
A D.C. celebration of life will be planned later
Washington said a celebration of life will take place in D.C. at a later date. No additional details about the service were immediately announced.
Stribling’s death closes a long chapter in local broadcasting and music, but her influence remains visible in the careers she helped pave the way for and the audiences she reached. At 58, she leaves behind a body of work that spans radio, television and live jazz performance, as well as the people who knew her best.
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