We’ve seen solo artists and music groups that have literally taken our breaths away, but we seldom highlight R&B, hip hop and gospel duos that have made just as great of an impact. Here are our top five duos we love to listen to (in no particular order):
1. Mary Mary
When these two sisters, Erica and Tina Atkins-Campbell, released their first song “Shackles (Praise You),” they captivated gospel music lovers as well as those who traditionally didn’t listen to gospel with their urban contemporary sound. Multiple number one albums and three Grammy awards later, the gospel music duo is still making hits. They just released their sixth album, Something Big, last month.
2. BeBe and CeCe Winans
This brother-sister gospel duo come from a family with strong music roots, so it’s no surprise how successful of a career they’ve had. They started out as a part of a group, The PTL Singers, in 1982 but five years later, they left and pursued a music career of their own. They dropped their first album, and became one of the first African American groups to receive airplay on Christian contemporary stations. Over twenty years later, they are “Still” huge influencers in gospel music.
3. Floetry
Although “the Floacist” (Natalie Stewart) and “the Songstress” (Marsha Ambrosius) have gone on to pursue solo careers, they made an international mark on the music world as a British R&B duo. They started out as a group in 1997, and began doing shows in London. They quickly became a household name when they dropped their first album, Floetic, and remained one for the next decade, selling over 800,00 albums worldwide.
4. Outkast
Hailing from Atlanta, Andre 3000 and Big Boi remain one of the most successful hip hop groups of all time. They’ve received six Grammy awards, released eight albums and sold over 25 million copies, and still receive praise for originality and artistic content. As recently as last year, Big Boi denied rumors that the group has broken up and claim they plan to return to the studio in the future.
5. Kindred the Family Soul
Married couple Fatin Dantzler and Aja Graydon dropped their debut R&B/neo-soul album, Surrender to Love, in 2003. They arrived on the scene around the same time as Jill Scott when neo-soul started to grow popularity. Their first album was nominated for a Soul Train and BET award, and they went on to release a second and third album.
—— By: Crystal Tate
Music is an integral part of our lives and nothing brings us more joy than listening to music we love. There’s something special about duos, as two voices come together in perfect harmony creating a magical sound that lingers in the air. From Simon & Garfunkel to OutKast and Tegan & Sara, here are 5 dynamic musical duos you should be sure to check out!
First up on the list is none other than folk-rock duo Simon & Garfunkel, who created timeless classics like ‘The Sound of Silence’ and ‘Mrs Robinson’. Their partnership began when they were schoolmates at Queens College, New York City, in 1957. They reunited several times over their careers before finally parting ways for good in 1970. With Paul Simon’s unique songwriting style combined with Art Garfunkel’s angelic voice, it comes as no surprise why they have been hailed as one of the greatest musical acts ever!
Next up is hip hop duo Outkast from Atlanta Georgia; comprised of Andre 3000 and Big Boi. This was a group unlike any other; combining rap styles with funk and soul influences – setting them apart from many others within the genre during the mid 1990s. Together they released six studio albums between 1994–2006, selling millions along the way – including their classic album ‘Stankonia’, which won them a Grammy Award for Best Album Of The Year.
As you can see there are some truly incredible duos out there – each bringing something different to music lovers around the world. Keep reading to find out what other amazing pairs make this list!
Identifying Popular Duos
Identifying popular duos is no easy feat. With so many talented musicians out there, it can be hard to narrow down the list to just a few favorites. This task becomes even more difficult when considering that every person has their own unique taste in music. That being said, some classic duos have been able to stand the test of time and capture people’s hearts all over the world.
One of these beloved pairs is Simon & Garfunkel – two singers-songwriters from New York who rose to fame in the mid 1960s. Their sound was a mix of folk rock and pop, accompanied by lush orchestral arrangements and harmonies that were beautifully crafted together. They had several hit singles such as “The Sound of Silence” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water” which remain classics today.
Another famous duo is The Carpenters – an American vocal group comprised of siblings Richard Carpenter and Karen Carpenter. The pair released numerous chart-topping hits between 1969 and 1983 including songs like “Close To You” and “We’ve Only Just Begun” which still get airplay on radio stations around the globe today. Their style incorporated elements of R&B, country, soul, jazz, classical music, and soft rock – making them truly unique among other artists at the time.
These are just two examples of iconic duos whose timeless sounds continue to captivate audiences everywhere. From folk rock to soft rock, they each provided something special for listeners; whether you prefer one or both styles will depend on your personal tastes but either way it’s undeniable that Simon & Garfunkel and The Carpenters left lasting impressions on the musical landscape for years to come.
Exploring Their Music
Now that we have identified two of the most popular duos, let’s take a closer look at their music and explore what made them so special.
To start with Simon & Garfunkel, it is clear to see why they gained such fame in the 1960s. The duo’s sound was reminiscent of folk-rock, while also incorporating elements of pop and classical music into their songs – creating an eclectic mix that was unlike anything else around at the time. Their lyrics were often deep and meaningful too, capturing themes of loss and longing, as well as hope for brighter days ahead. All these elements combined provided listeners with something really unique; no wonder people still listen to their tracks today!
The Carpenters had a different style than Simon & Garfunkel but were equally influential in terms of their contribution to popular music culture. Richard Carpenter crafted intricate yet accessible arrangements which blended together multiple genres including R&B, soul, jazz, country, and soft rock – all tied together by Karen Carpenter’s angelic voice. This allowed them to create timeless ballads which continue to evoke strong emotions from fans even decades after their release.
It is easy to see why both Simon & Garfunkel and The Carpenters remain beloved acts today: not only did they make some incredible music during their careers but they also pushed boundaries when it came to genre experimentation and songwriting craftsmanship. They will forever be remembered as some of the greatest musical duos in history – one can only imagine how much more inspiring music could have come out if each act had been able to stay active for longer periods of time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s clear that there are a ton of amazing duos out there to listen to and appreciate. They range from classic rock stars like Simon & Garfunkel to modern day sensations like Twenty One Pilots. Whether you’re into hip-hop or country music, there’s no shortage of dynamic duos for everyone to enjoy.
It’s important to remember how powerful these two-person teams can be in the musical world. Their melodies and harmonies blend together as one voice and create an incredible listening experience. Plus, their songs often tell stories about life experiences that many people can relate to on some level – making them even more enjoyable!
So next time you want something different but familiar to your ears, try searching for a duo whose sound fits what you’re looking for. You never know which pair might become your new favorite!
Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.