Throughout history, black singers have made an immense impact on the music industry, shaping popular music genres such as soul, R&B, gospel, jazz, and more. Their powerful and soulful voices have resonated with audiences around the world, transcending racial and cultural boundaries. From iconic figures such as Aretha Franklin and Michael Jackson to newer sensations like Rihanna and The Weeknd, black singers have dominated the charts and influenced countless artists across generations. In this article, we will take a closer look at 20 of the most famous black singers of all time, exploring their unique styles, career highlights, and lasting legacies. We will delve into the lives and achievements of each of these musical legends, shedding light on their impact on popular culture and their contributions to the ongoing evolution of music. By celebrating the legacies of these influential artists, we hope to not only honor their contributions but also inspire new generations of singers and music enthusiasts to continue the tradition of creating groundbreaking and meaningful music.
1. Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin, also known as the “Queen of Soul,” was an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. Born in 1942 in Memphis, Tennessee, Franklin began her career singing gospel music in her father’s church. Her powerful, soulful voice and ability to blend gospel and R&B styles quickly made her a star in the music industry.
Franklin’s career spanned over five decades and she released countless hits including “Respect,” “Chain of Fools,” and “Think.” She was known for her commanding stage presence, often performing with a full band and backup singers. Franklin was also a trailblazer for women in music, becoming the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.
In addition to her music career, Franklin was also a prominent activist, using her platform to advocate for civil rights and women’s rights. She received numerous awards throughout her career, including 18 Grammy Awards and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Franklin passed away in 2018, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest singers of all time.
2. Prince
Prince was an American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer. Born in 1958 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Prince was a musical prodigy, learning to play multiple instruments at a young age. He began his career in the late 1970s and quickly gained a following for his unique blend of funk, rock, and R&B music.
Prince’s flamboyant stage presence and eccentric fashion sense made him a pop culture icon in the 1980s, and he released numerous hit songs including “Purple Rain,” “Kiss,” and “When Doves Cry.” He was known for his ability to blend genres and push the boundaries of what was considered popular music.
Prince was also a prolific songwriter and producer, writing and producing songs for a number of other artists. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004 and received numerous awards throughout his career, including seven Grammy Awards. Prince passed away in 2016, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most innovative and influential musicians of his generation.
3. Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston was an American singer, actress, and producer. Born in 1963 in Newark, New Jersey, Houston was discovered by music executive Clive Davis in the early 1980s and quickly rose to fame. Known for her powerful vocals and range, Houston released numerous hit songs throughout her career, including “I Will Always Love You,” “Greatest Love of All,” and “I Wanna Dance with Somebody.”
Houston’s success extended beyond the music industry, as she also starred in several successful films, including “The Bodyguard” and “Waiting to Exhale.” She was a trailblazer for African American women in the music industry and received numerous awards throughout her career, including 6 Grammy Awards. Houston passed away in 2012, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest singers of all time.
4. Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson, also known as the “King of Pop,” was an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor. Born in 1958 in Gary, Indiana, Jackson began his career as a child star with the Jackson 5, alongside his brothers. He went on to have a successful solo career, releasing numerous hit songs, including “Thriller,” “Billie Jean,” and “Beat It.”
Jackson was known for his innovative music videos and dance moves, such as the moonwalk, which became iconic. He was a pop culture icon and his influence on music and fashion continues to be felt today. Jackson also had a successful acting career, appearing in films such as “The Wiz” and “Captain EO.”
Jackson’s personal life was often the subject of controversy, but his talent and impact on music cannot be denied. He received numerous awards throughout his career, including 13 Grammy Awards. Jackson passed away in 2009, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential musicians of all time.
5. Rihanna
Rihanna is a Barbadian singer, actress, and businesswoman. Born in 1988 in Saint Michael, Barbados, Rihanna moved to the United States in 2005 to pursue a music career. She quickly rose to fame with the release of her debut album, “Music of the Sun,” and has since released numerous hit songs, including “Umbrella,” “Diamonds,” and “Work.”
Rihanna’s success extends beyond music, as she has also launched several successful businesses, including her makeup line, Fenty Beauty, and lingerie line, Savage X Fenty. She is known for her fashion sense and has become a style icon in her own right.
Rihanna is also known for her philanthropic work, particularly in the areas of education and healthcare. She has received numerous awards throughout her career, including 9 Grammy Awards. Rihanna continues to be one of the most influential musicians and businesswomen of her generation.
6. Marvin Gaye
Marvin Gaye was an American singer, songwriter, and record producer. Born in 1939 in Washington D.C., Gaye began his career in the 1960s and quickly gained a following for his soulful voice and smooth, romantic ballads. He released numerous hit songs throughout his career, including “What’s Going On,” “Let’s Get It On,” and “Sexual Healing.”
Gaye was also a trailblazer for social and political activism in music. His album “What’s Going On” addressed issues such as poverty and war, and he became a prominent advocate for the Civil Rights Movement. Gaye received numerous awards throughout his career, including two Grammy Awards. He tragically passed away in 1984, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest soul singers of all time.
7. Beyoncé
Beyoncé is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and businesswoman. Born in 1981 in Houston, Texas, Beyoncé rose to fame as a member of the girl group Destiny’s Child in the late 1990s. She has since had a successful solo career, releasing numerous hit songs, including “Crazy in Love,” “Irreplaceable,” and “Formation.”
Beyoncé is known for her powerful vocals, elaborate stage performances, and dedication to social justice. She has used her platform to advocate for women’s rights, Black Lives Matter, and other causes. Beyoncé has also had a successful acting career, appearing in films such as “Dreamgirls” and “The Lion King.”
Beyoncé has received numerous awards throughout her career, including 28 Grammy Awards, making her the most awarded female artist in Grammy history. She is also a successful businesswoman, with ventures such as her fashion line, Ivy Park, and production company, Parkwood Entertainment.
8. Jimi Hendrix
Jimi Hendrix was an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter. Born in 1942 in Seattle, Washington, Hendrix began his career in the 1960s and quickly gained a following for his innovative guitar playing and psychedelic rock sound. He released numerous hit songs throughout his career, including “Purple Haze,” “Hey Joe,” and “All Along the Watchtower.”
Hendrix’s influence on music and culture cannot be overstated. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, and his experimentation with sound and music continues to inspire musicians today. Hendrix tragically passed away in 1970 at the age of 27, leaving behind a legacy as a true icon of rock and roll. He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992.
9. Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and record producer. Born in 1969 in Huntington, New York, Carey began her career in the 1980s and quickly became known for her incredible vocal range and chart-topping hits. She has released numerous successful albums, including “Daydream,” “Butterfly,” and “The Emancipation of Mimi.”
Carey has received numerous awards throughout her career, including five Grammy Awards and 19 World Music Awards, making her one of the most successful female artists of all time. She is also known for her philanthropic work and has been involved in various charitable organizations throughout her career.
10. Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer. Born in 1950 in Saginaw, Michigan, Wonder began his career as a child prodigy, signing with Motown Records at the age of 11. He is known for his soulful voice, innovative songwriting, and mastery of various instruments, including the harmonica, piano, and drums.
Wonder has released numerous successful albums throughout his career, including “Talking Book,” “Songs in the Key of Life,” and “Innervisions.” He has received numerous awards, including 25 Grammy Awards, making him one of the most decorated artists of all time. Wonder is also known for his social activism and has used his music to address issues such as racism, poverty, and political corruption.
11. Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys is an American singer, songwriter, pianist, and actress. Born in 1981 in New York City, Keys began her career in the late 1990s and quickly gained a following for her soulful voice and innovative piano playing. She has released numerous successful albums throughout her career, including “Songs in A Minor,” “The Diary of Alicia Keys,” and “As I Am.”
Keys is known for her powerful vocals, socially conscious lyrics, and dedication to activism. She has used her platform to advocate for various causes, including HIV/AIDS awareness, women’s rights, and criminal justice reform. Keys has received numerous awards throughout her career, including 15 Grammy Awards, and has been recognized for her philanthropic work by organizations such as the Recording Academy and Keep a Child Alive.
12. Ray Charles
Ray Charles was an American singer, songwriter, pianist, and composer. Born in 1930 in Albany, Georgia, Charles became known for his unique fusion of gospel, R&B, and soul music. He has released numerous successful albums throughout his career, including “The Genius of Ray Charles,” “Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music,” and “Georgia on My Mind.”
Charles is considered one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century and has received numerous awards throughout his career, including 17 Grammy Awards. He was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame.
13. Ella Fitzgerald
Ella Fitzgerald was an American jazz singer, known for her incredible vocal range and improvisational skills. Born in 1917 in Newport News, Virginia, Fitzgerald began her career in the 1930s and quickly became known as the “First Lady of Song.” She has released numerous successful albums throughout her career, including “Ella and Louis,” “Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Duke Ellington Songbook,” and “Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Cole Porter Songbook.”
Fitzgerald has received numerous awards throughout her career, including 14 Grammy Awards and the National Medal of Arts. She was also inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the DownBeat Jazz Hall of Fame.
14. The Weeknd
The Weeknd is a Canadian singer, songwriter, and record producer. Born in 1990 in Toronto, Ontario, The Weeknd (real name Abel Tesfaye) became known for his unique blend of R&B, pop, and electronic music. He has released numerous successful albums throughout his career, including “Trilogy,” “Beauty Behind the Madness,” and “After Hours.”
The Weeknd has received numerous awards throughout his career, including three Grammy Awards and nine Billboard Music Awards. He is also known for his philanthropic work and has donated to various charities, including Black Lives Matter Global Network and the World Health Organization. The Weeknd is considered one of the most successful and innovative artists of his generation.
15. Bob Marley
Bob Marley was a Jamaican singer-songwriter and musician, known for his unique fusion of reggae, ska, and rocksteady music. Born in 1945 in Nine Mile, Jamaica, Marley began his career in the late 1960s and quickly became a leading figure in the development of reggae music. He has released numerous successful albums throughout his career, including “Exodus,” “Legend,” and “Uprising.”
Marley’s music was known for its powerful political and social messages, advocating for peace, love, and equality. He has become an iconic figure and a symbol of Jamaica’s cultural identity. Marley was also a committed Rastafarian and used his music to spread its message.
16. Lionel Richie
Lionel Richie is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer, known for his soulful ballads and pop hits. Born in 1949 in Tuskegee, Alabama, Richie began his career in the 1960s as a member of the Commodores, before pursuing a successful solo career in the 1980s. He has released numerous successful albums throughout his career, including “Can’t Slow Down,” “Dancing on the Ceiling,” and “Tuskegee.”
Richie’s music is known for its romantic themes and has become a staple of pop music. He has received numerous awards throughout his career, including four Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, and a Golden Globe. Richie is also known for his philanthropic work and has supported various causes, including breast cancer research and children’s health.
17. Louis Armstrong
Louis Armstrong was an American jazz trumpeter, singer, and composer, known for his innovative improvisation and unique vocal style. Born in 1901 in New Orleans, Louisiana, Armstrong began his career in the 1920s and quickly became one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. He has released numerous successful albums throughout his career, including “Hot Fives & Sevens,” “Ella and Louis,” and “Hello, Dolly!”
Armstrong’s music is known for its powerful emotional impact and has become a symbol of jazz music. He has received numerous awards throughout his career, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Armstrong’s influence on jazz music is immeasurable, and his legacy continues to inspire musicians to this day.
18. Tina Turner
Tina Turner is an American singer, songwriter, and actress, known for her powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence. Born in 1939 in Nutbush, Tennessee, Turner began her career in the 1950s as a member of the Ike & Tina Turner Revue before pursuing a successful solo career in the 1980s. She has released numerous successful albums throughout her career, including “Private Dancer,” “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” and “Simply the Best.”
Turner’s music is known for its fusion of rock, pop, and soul, and her electrifying performances have made her an icon in the music industry. She has received numerous awards throughout her career, including 12 Grammy Awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Turner’s legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans.
19. Nat “King” Cole
Nat “King” Cole was an American singer, songwriter, and pianist, known for his smooth vocals and elegant style. Born in 1919 in Montgomery, Alabama, Cole began his career in the 1930s and quickly became one of the most successful musicians of the 20th century. He has released numerous successful albums throughout his career, including “Unforgettable,” “After Midnight,” and “The Christmas Song.”
Cole’s music is known for its timeless beauty and emotional depth, and his influence on popular music is immeasurable. He has received numerous awards throughout his career, including 15 Grammy Awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Cole’s legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans.
20. Diana Ross
Diana Ross is an American singer, actress, and record producer, known for her soulful vocals and dynamic stage presence. Born in 1944 in Detroit, Michigan, Ross began her career in the 1960s as a member of the Supremes before pursuing a successful solo career in the 1970s. She has released numerous successful albums throughout her career, including “Diana Ross,” “Touch Me in the Morning,” and “Upside Down.”
Ross’s music is known for its fusion of soul, pop, and disco, and her iconic fashion and stage performances have made her a legend in the music industry. She has received numerous awards throughout her career, including 12 Grammy Awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Ross’s influence on popular music and culture continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
