Grammy-winning songwriter and producer Manuel Seal has died at 66, leaving behind decades of memorable music.
Seal helped shape some of the biggest R&B hits of the 1990s and 2000s.
His work connected him with stars including Mariah Carey, Usher, Janet Jackson, TLC and Aretha Franklin.
News of the Manuel Seal death was shared by his longtime collaborator Jermaine Dupri.
Dupri remembered Seal as someone who deeply understood his musical ideas.
“Today I lost the first person to really understand me musically, Manuel Seal, he had a answer for every one of my ideas, that’s how he became the voice, singing funkdafied, he had a spirit and a presence that I never wanted to leave me.”
Dupri also reflected on the lessons Seal gave him throughout their friendship.
“I used to try to do as much as I could when he was there because the one thing he taught me was that the more you know, the better it’s gonna sound. Every time we spoke, we always ended the conversation by saying I love you, so at least I know he knew, and he knows. I’m so hurt, but I also thank God for blessing me with the experience. May your soul rest in peace, Big E.”
Seal’s career included major songwriting and production credits across R&B, pop and hip-hop.
He worked on Mariah Carey’s “We Belong Together” and “Always Be My Baby.”
He also contributed to Usher’s “My Boo” and “Nice & Slow,” among other major records.
His work with “We Belong Together” earned him a Grammy for Best R&B Song in 2006.
Seal also worked with Destiny’s Child, Xscape and other major artists during his long career.
Born on September 26, 1960, Seal had just turned 66 before his death.
The cause of death has not been publicly revealed.
The Manuel Seal death marks the loss of a music creator whose influence was often heard through other artists.
