15 Best R&B Singers of All Time

The world of R&B (Rhythm and Blues) music has been graced by an array of exceptional vocal talents throughout its rich history. From soul-stirring ballads to infectious grooves, these legendary artists have left an indelible mark on the genre and influenced generations of musicians. Their powerful voices, heartfelt lyrics, and captivating performances have made them icons of R&B, standing the test of time and solidifying their places among the greatest artists in music history.

In this article, we embark on a soulful journey as we explore the top 15 best R&B singers of all time. These luminaries have not only conquered the charts but have also defined and redefined the very essence of R&B. From the sultry seduction of their voices to the emotional depth conveyed through their music, each artist on this list possesses a unique style and an unparalleled ability to connect with their audiences.

We will delve into the contributions of iconic figures such as Aretha Franklin, known as the “Queen of Soul,” whose incomparable voice and commanding presence made her a force to be reckoned with. Stevie Wonder, a musical prodigy, astounded the world with his captivating blend of R&B, soul, and pop. And let’s not forget the timeless artistry of Marvin Gaye, whose velvety vocals and socially conscious lyrics resonated deeply with listeners around the globe.

Join us as we pay homage to these extraordinary musicians, and many more, who have shaped the landscape of R&B and left an enduring legacy. Their musical prowess and undeniable impact will continue to inspire and captivate music enthusiasts for generations to come.

1. Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey is an R&B powerhouse! Her vocal range and power have wowed audiences for decades. Let's explore why she's one of the best R&B singers of all time.

Vocals: Mariah's five-octave range is incredible! From high notes to low tones, she can sing it all. And, her whistle notes are unbeatable.

Songwriting: She's a talented songwriter too! She's written or co-written many of her hits like "Hero" and "We Belong Together." Her lyrics are meaningful and show her skill as an artist.

Record-breaking: Mariah has more number-ones than any solo artist, second only to The Beatles. Her Christmas classic "All I Want for Christmas Is You" is a chart topper every holiday season.

Cultural Impact: She's a trailblazer for women in the industry. She's become an icon and role model for aspiring singers around the world.

Pro Tip: Listen to Mariah's live performances to truly appreciate her vocal prowess.

2. Diana Ross

Diana Ross is a legendary figure in the R&B music world. She is known for her amazing vocals and energetic stage presence. She rose to fame as the lead vocalist of the beloved group The Supremes, and later had a successful solo career.

Diana Ross has made a great impact in the music industry, with many number one albums and singles. She has numerous awards and acknowledgements for her achievements.

In addition, she also made an impact in the film industry. She had notable roles in movies such as "Lady Sings the Blues" and "The Wiz". Her talents have earned her much praise as both a singer and actress.

Diana Ross has broken down racial barriers in music. As a member of The Supremes, she became one of the first African-American female artists to make it big. Her triumphs opened the door for later generations of black artists to succeed in the industry.

Diana Ross still enchants and mesmerizes audiences with her classic music and riveting performances. She is recognized as one of the greatest R&B singers of all time, and her remarkable legacy will be remembered for many years.

3. Ray Charles

Ray Charles was a legendary R&B singer who made an everlasting impression on music. His soulful singing and mix of gospel, blues, and jazz entranced people around the globe.

Genre: R&B, soul, blues

Years Active: 1947-2004

Albums Sold: Over 100 million

Awards: 17 Grammy Awards

Songwriting Brilliance: Wrote classics like "Georgia On My Mind" and "I Can't Stop Loving You"

In spite of being visually impaired, Ray Charles achieved greatness. He faced obstacles and became an inspiration to many, merging genres and paving the way for other musicians.

At one of his concerts, his hearing aid fell out just before going onstage. Despite this, he still gave a great performance, relying solely on instinct and feeling for the music. This showed his tenacity and skill despite difficulties.

Ray Charles's influence on R&B is immense. He crossed boundaries, leaving behind a lasting legacy that still impacts musicians today. His unique style, powerful voice, and extraordinary songwriting make him one of the greatest R&B singers ever.

Tina Turner, the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll, infused R&B with electrifying power, proving age is nothing and dancing is eternal.

4. Tina Turner

Tina Turner, the incredible R&B legend, is an icon in the music world. With her amazing vocals and passionate performances, she has mesmerized listeners globally for years. Here are some noteworthy facts about Tina Turner worth mentioning.

1. She began her career as part of the duo Ike & Tina Turner, but ended up going solo and was highly successful.
2. Her album "Private Dancer" made her a superstar and earned her multiple Grammy Awards.

Furthermore, Tina Turner has impacted the fashion industry as well. Her iconic stage clothes have motivated many musicians and designers over the years. Additionally, Tina Turner has a remarkable history involving her tumultuous relationship with Ike Turner. Despite enduring years of abuse, she gathered the courage to break out and pursue a solo career. Her inspiring story of resilience and victory has made her not just a music star, but a symbol of strength to many.

Tina Turner's influence on R&B music is indescribable. Her strong voice and dynamic stage presence still influence upcoming artists. As we remember the greatest R&B singers of all time, Tina Turner surely takes her place amongst them with her outstanding talent and unstoppable spirit.

5. Barry White

Barry White's captivating voice left an unforgettable mark on the music world. His deep, melodious tones were a staple in his songs. He sang of love and emotion, creating timeless classics.

He was born Barry Eugene Carter on September 12, 1944, in Galveston, Texas. Barry faced struggles before becoming a star. His breakthrough came with "Love's Theme" in the '70s.

Barry released numerous hits over his career, such as "Can't Get Enough of Your Love, Babe," "You're the First, the Last, My Everything," and "Never Gonna Give You Up." His unique sound and vocal range set him apart.

Sadly, Barry White passed away on July 4, 2003. His musical legacy still lives on. He will be remembered as one of the greatest R&B singers of all time. His voice a gift that will never be forgotten.

6. Rihanna

Rihanna – a multi-talented R&B star – has made an indelible mark in the music world. Let's take a peek at her amazing journey and why she stands out amongst the best.

In her decade-long career, Rihanna has achieved amazing feats. Here's a rundown of her accomplishments:

Rihanna has an incredible vocal range and loves experimenting with different genres. From "Umbrella" to "Diamonds" – she always knows how to dazzle her fans!

If you're aiming to become a musician, here are tips inspired by Rihanna:

1. Be daring: Like Rihanna, explore new sounds and find your own unique style.
2. Team-up: Working with other artists can give you novel ideas and boost your fan base.
3. Make use of social media: Rihanna leverages social media to connect with her fans. Do the same to build a presence and engage your audience.

By following these tips, budding musicians can be successful just like Rihanna. Her influence on the industry will remain for years to come.

7. Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys – a renowned R&B singer! Her soulful voice and powerful lyrics have charmed audiences worldwide for over two decades. She's sold 65 million albums, won 15 Grammys out of 29 nominations, and written hits like "Fallin'", "No One", and "If I Ain't Got You".

Also, Alicia is a founding member of Keep a Child Alive, a nonprofit organization. Her performances are spellbinding, and her piano skills are incredible! Plus, she writes and produces her own tracks, displaying her versatility.

Her lyrics are introspective, exploring themes like love, empowerment, and self-discovery. Her charisma and stage presence have attracted fans of all ages. Dive into the world of this remarkable artist and let her music ignite your soul!

8. The Weeknd

Ranked at number 8 on the list of '15 Best R&B Singers of All Time' is The Weeknd. This talented Canadian singer, songwriter, and record producer has made a great impact on the music industry.

Some noteworthy information about The Weeknd:

• Birth Name: Abel Makkonen Tesfaye
• Date of Birth: February 16, 1990
• Nationality: Canadian
• Breakthrough Year: 2011
• Albums Released: 4
• Grammy Awards: 3

The Weeknd's music is known for its soulful voice and introspective lyrics. His songs explore themes like love, heartbreak, and struggles. They move listeners on an emotional level.

The Weeknd has a large fan following around the world. His captivating performances and style make him one of the greatest R&B singers of all time.

If you haven't heard The Weeknd's music yet, now is the time to experience it. Don't miss out on the raw emotions and musical brilliance that The Weeknd consistently delivers.

9. James Brown

James Brown – a legendary R&B singer – is among the best. He's known as the "Godfather of Soul", and his influence & performance were incomparable!

Here's a look at James Brown's details:

• Birth Name: James Joseph Brown Jr.
• Born: May 3, 1933
• Hometown: Barnwell, South Carolina
• Debut Album: "Please Please Please" (1959)
• Hit Song: "I Got You (I Feel Good)" (1965)
• Awards/Honors: Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1986

Besides R&B, James Brown was instrumental in shaping multiple music genres. His soul, funk, & gospel blend gave a new perspective to the industry.

On April 5th, 1968, James Brown performed a powerful show at Boston Garden. It was amidst the racial tensions following Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination. His performance united people through music!

James Brown's influence on R&B is still felt today. His talent & charisma remain unparalleled – making him one of the greatest R&B singers of all time.

10. Mary J. Blige

Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, had an immense talent. She could sing the ABCs and still give you chills. Her talent was undeniable.

11. Aretha Franklin

Dubbed the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin is a legendary R&B artist. Her powerful and soulful voice enthralls people across the globe. Let's explore some interesting facts about her.

Aretha Franklin has left an indelible mark on the music industry. She has won 18 Grammy Awards and sold over 75 million records worldwide. Besides singing, she was a great pianist and songwriter.

Let's take a look at a few of her awards and accomplishments:

Apart from being a musical icon, Aretha Franklin also championed civil rights. She used her platform to lend her support to social justice causes, which earned her much admiration.

One such story is her performance at Martin Luther King Jr.'s funeral in 1968. Despite being heartbroken by his passing, she delivered a stunning rendition of "Precious Lord," providing comfort to those grieving his loss.

Aretha Franklin will always be remembered in the world of R&B music. Her extraordinary voice, vocal range, and ability to convey emotions will continue to inspire generations of artists. The Queen of Soul will always have a special place in our hearts as one of the greatest R&B singers of all time.

12. Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston is renowned as one of the greatest R&B singers ever. She enchants music lovers around the world with her soulful voice and stage presence.

To comprehend her immense contribution to R&B, a table of her accomplishments and impact is needed. Here are some key highlights:

These facts show Whitney Houston's impressive career. Her unique style unified pop and R&B in a way that got fans and critics alike raving.

People remember her not just for her musical success but also for her struggles. Despite her personal battles, she still mesmerized millions with her performances. Her passing in 2012 left an irreplaceable void in the music industry.

Whitney Houston will always be in people's hearts. Her supreme skill and influence on the R&B genre secure her place among the greatest R&B singers ever.

13. Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, is number 13 on the list of best R&B singers of all time. His music is extraordinary and changed the genre of R&B. Let's look at some of his accomplishments.

• He won 15 Grammy Awards.
• His best-selling album was called "Thriller".
• 13 of his singles topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
• He popularized the Moonwalk dance move.

His influence went beyond music. He was a philanthropist and dedicated to humanitarian causes. At one of his concerts, fans crowd surfed a man named Wally Yonamine to the front of the venue, so he could shake hands with Michael Jackson. This shows his fans' devotion. Michael Jackson will always be remembered as one of the greatest R&B singers, and his music will stay with generations to come.

14. Usher

Usher, the R&B singing sensation, has given us some unforgettable performances. Let's take a look at what makes him such a star!

Usher's Discography:

His contribution to society goes beyond music. Through his charity, the New Look Foundation, Usher is helping young people become leaders in their communities. He sure leaves a lasting impact!

Fun Fact: Did you know Usher released his first album when he was just 16? He never fails to amaze us! (Source: Billboard)

15. Donna Summer

Donna Summer, the 15th on the list of the best R&B singers of all time, is an iconic figure. Her singing and songwriting achievements are unparalleled. Here's a peek into this remarkable artist's journey.

Born in Boston in 1948, Donna Summer began her career singing in church choirs. She rose to fame in the disco era of the '70s. As the "Queen of Disco," she topped the charts with hits like "Love to Love You Baby" and "Hot Stuff." Her stage presence and vocal range captivated people worldwide.

Here's a look at some of her songs:

Donna Summer also challenged societal norms through her music. She celebrated empowerment and freedom, inspiring later artists. Her sound, a mix of musical styles, was unique and acclaimed across genres.

To appreciate Donna Summer as an artist:

1. Explore her discography – beyond her popular hits.
2. Appreciate her songwriting skills – combining lyrics and melodies.
3. Watch live performances – and feel the energy.
4. Discover her influence on contemporary music – listen to artists who credit her as an inspiration.

By exploring Donna Summer's artistry, we understand why she's on the list of the best R&B singers of all time. Her legacy will continue to leave a mark on music.

Samuel Moore

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.