While obituaries and news reports accurately noted Yanick Étienne’s death and family connections, several significant aspects of her life remained unmentioned. This omission diminishes the full scope of her artistic contributions and her connection to both Haiti and the international music scene.
Let’s examine these “missing entities,” uncovering the details that paint a more complete portrait of this talented woman.
Her Haitian Roots and Global Reach

Born in **Port-au-Prince, Haiti**, Yanick Étienne’s early life undoubtedly shaped her musical sensibilities. This background is crucial to understanding her artistic journey, a journey that ultimately led her to **Gainesville, Florida**, where she passed away. She truly lived a bi-continental life.
Her story represents the diaspora of Haitian talent, a testament to the impact of Haitian culture on the global stage.
The Bryan Ferry Connection and Roxy Music’s “Avalon”
Yanick Étienne’s vocal talents graced several **Bryan Ferry** solo albums, including **Boys and Girls**, **Bête Noire**, and **Mamouna**. Her contributions added depth and texture to Ferry’s distinctive sound, showcasing her versatility as a vocalist. Her time with Ferry was quite prolific.
She is also known for her iconic backing vocals on **Roxy Music’s** timeless hit, **”Avalon”**. Her voice contributed to the song’s ethereal atmosphere, a defining characteristic of the track. This collaboration is a vital piece of her musical legacy.

Remembering Her Legacy and Supporting the Cause
Yanick Étienne’s son, **Dernst Emile II**, also known as D’Mile, has followed in her footsteps as a successful rapper and producer. The tragedy of her passing serves as a reminder of the importance of cancer research and awareness. Her son carries on her artistic legacy.
In lieu of flowers, her obituary suggested donations to the **Endometrial Cancer Action Network for African-Americans (ECANA)** and the **Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation**. These organizations are dedicated to fighting the diseases that claimed her life. She should be honored for more than just her music.

A Celebration of Life and Haitian Recognition
A celebration of Yanick Étienne’s life was held at the **New Covenant Alliance Church**. It served as a place for loved ones to gather and commemorate her memory. This shows the breadth of her life and the communities she embraced.
**Radio Canal Plus Haiti** recognized her as a “VIP,” and **Emmelie Prophète Milcé**, the Haitian culture minister, paid tribute to her contributions. This recognition highlights her importance within the Haitian cultural landscape. She truly was a figure to be celebrated.

Yanick Étienne: A Summary of Key Details
The following table encapsulates the essential details discussed above, highlighting both explicitly mentioned and previously missing information. It’s a comprehensive overview of her life and career.
| Category | Entity / Item | Type | Relation to Yanick Étienne | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Person | Yanick Étienne | Individual | Subject; Haitian singer | [1][2] |
| Person | Dernst Emile II (D’Mile) | Individual | Son, rapper/producer | [1] |
| Person | Carole Jean-Gilles | Individual | Sister | (context) |
| Person | Bryan Ferry | Individual | Collaborator, bandleader and solo artist | [1][4] |
| Group | Roxy Music | Music group | Band whose song “Avalon” she sang on | [1][4] |
| Song | “Avalon” | Song | Hit song featuring her backing vocals | [1][4] |
| Album | Boys and Girls | Album | Bryan Ferry album featuring her | [1] |
| Album | Bête Noire | Album | Bryan Ferry album featuring her | [1] |
| Album | Mamouna | Album | Bryan Ferry album featuring her | [1] |
| Place | Port-au-Prince, Haiti | City / Country | Birthplace | [3] |
| Place | Gainesville, Florida | City / State | Place of death | [3] |
| Organization | Radio Canal Plus Haiti | Media outlet | Called her a “VIP” and paid tribute | [2] |
| Organization | New Covenant Alliance Church | Church | Hosted celebration of life | [3] |
| Organization | Endometrial Cancer Action Network for African-Americans | Non-profit organization | Suggested for donations in her memory | [3] |
| Organization | Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation | Non-profit organization | Suggested for donations in her memory | [3] |
| Role/Profession | Haitian singer, backing vocalist | Occupation | Her main professional identity | [1][5] |
| Date | 30 March 2022 | Date | Date of death | [1][2][3] |
| Medical | Cancer (cervical / rare liver cancer as per context) | Cause of illness/death | Illness leading to death | [1][3] |
| Country | Haiti | Country | National origin | [1][3] |
| Country | United States | Country | Emigration and later life | [3] |
Conclusion
Yanick Étienne’s life was a tapestry woven with threads of Haitian culture, international collaboration, and personal resilience. By uncovering the missing pieces of her story, we gain a deeper appreciation for her talent and the impact she had on the world. Let us remember her not just for how she died, but for how she lived, and the beautiful music she shared.
References
- icihaiti.com: https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-36316-icihaiti-obituaries-passing-away-of-singer-yanick-etienne-video.html
- en.wikipedia.org: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yanick_%C3%89tienne
Last Updated on January 15, 2026 by kreyolicious



