The 1980s were a time of great musical innovation and cultural change, and some of the most iconic black singers in history rose to fame during this decade. From the soulful sounds of Luther Vandross and Whitney Houston to the pop-infused hits of Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson, the 1980s were an incredible time for black music. This period also saw the rise of new genres like hip-hop and R&B, as well as the emergence of powerful female voices like Tina Turner, Sade, and Chaka Khan. The 1980s were also marked by the tragic loss of some of these iconic singers, including Marvin Gaye and Luther Vandross, who both passed away during this decade. In this article, we will explore the top 20 famous black singers of the 1980s and their contributions to the music industry. From the catchy pop tunes of Lionel Richie to the soulful ballads of Teddy Pendergrass, these artists helped to shape the sound of the decade and their music continues to inspire and influence new generations of musicians.
1. Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson, also known as the King of Pop, was an American singer, songwriter, and dancer who became one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century. Born in Gary, Indiana in 1958, Jackson began his music career as a child in the Jackson 5, a Motown group formed with his siblings. In the 1980s, he embarked on a solo career, producing hit albums such as “Thriller,” “Bad,” and “Dangerous,” which sold millions of copies worldwide. Jackson was known for his innovative music videos and electrifying dance moves, including his signature moonwalk. He received numerous awards, including 13 Grammy Awards, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, once as a member of the Jackson 5 and later as a solo artist. Despite his unparalleled success, Jackson’s personal life was often plagued by controversy, including allegations of child sexual abuse, which he vehemently denied. He died in 2009 at the age of 50, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential and iconic performers in music history.
2. Janet Jackson
Janet Jackson is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actress. Born in Gary, Indiana in 1966, she started her career as a child actress in the television series “Good Times” and “Fame”. Her debut album, “Janet Jackson”, was released in 1982, but it wasn’t until the late 1980s and early 1990s that she achieved significant commercial success with hit albums such as “Control”, “Rhythm Nation 1814” and “janet.”. Known for her powerful vocals, intricate choreography and socially conscious lyrics, Janet has won numerous awards, including six Grammy Awards, and is considered one of the most successful female artists of all time.
3. Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston was an American singer, actress, and producer. Born in Newark, New Jersey in 1963, she began singing in church as a child and later signed a record deal with Arista Records. Her self-titled debut album was released in 1985 and featured hit singles like “Saving All My Love for You” and “How Will I Know”. Over the course of her career, she released seven studio albums and won six Grammy Awards. Whitney’s powerful vocals and emotionally charged performances earned her a place as one of the greatest singers of all time. Unfortunately, she passed away in 2012 at the age of 48.
4. Prince
Prince was an American singer, songwriter, musician, and actor. Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1958, he became a major figure in popular music in the 1980s with his unique blend of rock, pop, funk, and R&B. With his flamboyant style and eclectic musical sensibility, Prince was a true iconoclast, breaking boundaries and pushing the limits of what was possible in music. He released dozens of albums over the course of his career, including classics like “Purple Rain” and “Sign o’ the Times”. Known for his electrifying live performances, Prince was a virtuoso musician who played multiple instruments and was a master of the guitar. He passed away in 2016 at the age of 57.
5. Tina Turner
Tina Turner is an American-Swiss singer, songwriter, actress, and dancer. Born in Nutbush, Tennessee in 1939, she began her career as a teenager and rose to fame in the 1960s with her ex-husband Ike Turner. After leaving Ike in 1978, Tina embarked on a solo career that would make her one of the most successful female artists of all time. Her powerful voice and energetic stage presence made her a beloved performer and she has won numerous awards, including 12 Grammy Awards. Known for hit songs like “What’s Love Got to Do with It” and “Proud Mary”, Tina has sold over 100 million records worldwide and is considered one of the greatest singers of all time.
6. Luther Vandross
Luther Vandross was an American singer, songwriter, and record producer. Born in New York City in 1951, he began his career as a backup singer for artists like David Bowie and Bette Midler before launching his solo career in the early 1980s. His smooth and soulful voice, combined with his ability to write and produce hit songs, made him one of the most successful R&B artists of his time. He released numerous albums throughout his career, including “Never Too Much” and “The Best of Luther Vandross”, and won eight Grammy Awards. Luther passed away in 2005 at the age of 54, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest R&B singers of all time.
7. Dionne Warwick
Dionne Warwick is an American singer, actress, and TV host. Born in East Orange, New Jersey in 1940, she began singing professionally in the early 1960s and became known for her smooth and sophisticated voice. She worked closely with songwriters Burt Bacharach and Hal David and recorded hits like “Walk On By” and “I Say a Little Prayer”. Over the course of her career, she has won five Grammy Awards and sold over 75 million records worldwide. In addition to her music career, she has also acted in films and television shows and hosted her own talk show, “The Dionne Warwick Show”.
8. Lionel Richie
Lionel Richie is an American singer, songwriter, actor, and record producer. Born in Tuskegee, Alabama in 1949, he first gained fame as a member of the Motown group The Commodores, known for hits like “Brick House” and “Easy”. He later launched a successful solo career in the 1980s with hit songs like “Hello” and “All Night Long (All Night)”. Lionel’s smooth voice and romantic ballads made him one of the most successful pop singers of his time, and he has won numerous awards, including four Grammy Awards and an Academy Award for Best Original Song. In addition to his music career, Lionel has also acted in films and television shows, including “The Apprentice” and “American Idol”.
9. Rick James
Rick James was an American singer, songwriter, and musician. Born in Buffalo, New York in 1948, he was known for his funk and soul music, often featuring explicit lyrics and themes. He gained fame in the late 1970s and 1980s with hit songs like “Super Freak” and “Give It to Me Baby”. Rick’s wild and flamboyant style, along with his incredible musicianship, made him one of the most influential artists of his time. Despite his success, he battled drug addiction and legal troubles throughout his career, and passed away in 2004 at the age of 56.
10. Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder is an American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. Born in Saginaw, Michigan in 1950, he began his music career as a child prodigy and signed with Motown Records in the early 1960s. He quickly became one of the most successful artists on the label, known for hits like “Superstition” and “I Just Called to Say I Love You”. Stevie’s soulful voice and mastery of a variety of instruments, including the harmonica and keyboard, made him a unique and innovative force in popular music. He has won 25 Grammy Awards and has been inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
11. New Edition
New Edition is an American R&B group that formed in Boston, Massachusetts in 1978. The original lineup included Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Bobby Brown, Ronnie DeVoe, Ralph Tresvant, and Johnny Gill. The group gained fame in the 1980s with hits like “Candy Girl” and “Cool It Now”. Over the years, the lineup has changed, with members pursuing solo careers or joining other groups. However, the group has reunited several times for tours and recordings. New Edition’s smooth harmonies and catchy R&B melodies made them one of the most successful groups of their time, and they continue to be influential in the world of music.
12. Bobby Brown
Bobby Brown is an American singer, songwriter, and actor. Born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1969, he first gained fame as a member of the group New Edition. He later launched a successful solo career in the 1980s with hit songs like “My Prerogative” and “Every Little Step”. Bobby’s smooth R&B style and catchy dance tunes made him one of the most popular singers of the era. He has won numerous awards, including a Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance in 1990.
13. Teddy Pendergrass
Teddy Pendergrass was an American singer and songwriter. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1950, he began his music career as a drummer for Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes before launching a successful solo career in the 1970s. Teddy’s powerful and soulful voice, combined with his romantic ballads and uptempo R&B tunes, made him one of the most successful singers of his time. He has been nominated for several Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame in 2015. Teddy passed away in 2010 at the age of 59, but his music continues to be celebrated and influential to this day.
14. Diana Ross
Diana Ross is an American singer, actress, and record producer. Born in Detroit, Michigan in 1944, she first gained fame as a member of the Motown group The Supremes. She later launched a successful solo career in the 1970s with hit songs like “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “I’m Coming Out”. Diana’s powerful voice, glamourous style, and ability to crossover into pop and disco music made her one of the most successful and influential singers of her time. She has won numerous awards, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and has been inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Diana also acted in films and television shows, including her Golden Globe-winning performance in “Lady Sings the Blues”.
15. Donna Summer
Donna Summer was an American singer and songwriter known as the “Queen of Disco.” Born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1948, she gained fame in the 1970s with hits like “Love to Love You Baby” and “Last Dance”. Donna’s powerful voice, soulful style, and danceable tunes made her one of the most successful and influential singers of the disco era. She won five Grammy Awards throughout her career and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013. Donna passed away in 2012 at the age of 63, but her music continues to inspire generations.
16. Sade
Sade is a British-Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress. Born in Ibadan, Nigeria in 1959, she moved to London at a young age and began her music career in the early 1980s. Her band, also called Sade, achieved worldwide success with hits like “Smooth Operator” and “No Ordinary Love”. Sade’s smooth, sultry voice and blend of jazz, soul, and pop music made her one of the most popular and influential singers of the era. She has won four Grammy Awards and has sold over 75 million records worldwide. Sade has also acted in films and television shows, including a role in the 2000 film “Absolute Beginners”.
17. Grace Jones
Grace Jones is a Jamaican-American singer, songwriter, and actress. Born in Spanish Town, Jamaica in 1948, she moved to the United States as a teenager and began her music career in the 1970s. Grace’s androgynous style, avant-garde fashion, and electronic dance music made her a cult figure in the music industry. She is known for hits like “Pull Up to the Bumper” and “Slave to the Rhythm”. Grace has also acted in films and television shows, including her iconic role as Zula in the 1984 film “Conan the Destroyer”. She continues to be an influential figure in music and fashion.
18. Irene Cara
Irene Cara is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. Born in The Bronx, New York in 1959, she began her career as a child actress in the 1970s. Irene is best known for her role as Coco Hernandez in the 1980 film “Fame” and for singing the theme song from the movie. She also had hits like “Flashdance… What a Feeling” and “Breakdance”. Irene has won several awards throughout her career, including an Academy Award for Best Original Song Score for “Fame” and a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for “Flashdance… What a Feeling”.
19. Chaka Khan
Chaka Khan is an American singer and songwriter. Born in Chicago, Illinois in 1953, she began her music career in the 1970s as the lead singer of the funk band Rufus. Chaka went on to have a successful solo career with hits like “I’m Every Woman” and “Ain’t Nobody”. She has won ten Grammy Awards throughout her career and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021. Chaka is known for her powerful voice and unique style, which blends funk, soul, and R&B music.
20. Pebbles
Pebbles is an American singer and songwriter. Born in Oakland, California in 1964, she gained fame in the 1980s with hits like “Mercedes Boy” and “Girlfriend”. Pebbles was also a successful music executive and managed the careers of several artists, including TLC. She has won several awards throughout her career, including a Billboard Music Award for Top Black Artist in 1989. Pebbles’ style blends pop, R&B, and hip-hop music and continues to inspire new generations of musicians.
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.
