R&B singers, or rhythm and blues singers, are artists who specialize in performing and recording music within the R&B genre. R&B is characterized by its soulful vocals, catchy melodies, and rhythmic grooves, often drawing from influences such as jazz, blues, gospel, and funk.
Prominent R&B singers include legends like Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, Beyoncé, Alicia Keys, Usher, and Mary J. Blige, among many others. These artists have made significant contributions to the genre, shaping its evolution and influencing generations of musicians with their powerful voices, emotional delivery, and ability to connect deeply with listeners through their music. R&B continues to thrive as a dynamic and influential genre in contemporary popular music.
1. Marvin Gaye
Marvin Gaye, born Marvin Pentz Gay Jr. on April 2, 1939, was a groundbreaking American singer, songwriter, and record producer known for his smooth, soulful voice and innovative contributions to R&B and soul music. Rising to prominence in the 1960s, Gaye’s early hits like “Stubborn Kind of Fellow” and “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)” established him as a versatile vocalist with crossover appeal. His 1971 album “What’s Going On” became a landmark in music history, addressing social and political issues with hits like the title track and “Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology).” Gaye’s later career produced timeless classics such as “Sexual Healing” and “Let’s Get It On,” solidifying his status as a cultural icon and one of the greatest R&B singers of all time. His influence on popular music continues to resonate, inspiring artists across genres and generations.
2. Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin, born on March 25, 1942, was a legendary American singer, songwriter, and pianist known as the “Queen of Soul.” With a career spanning over five decades, Franklin’s powerful voice, emotive delivery, and unparalleled ability to blend gospel, R&B, and pop music established her as one of the greatest vocalists of all time. Her iconic hits include “Respect,” “Chain of Fools,” “Natural Woman,” and “Think,” which became anthems of empowerment and social change during the civil rights movement and beyond. Franklin’s influence on music and culture earned her multiple Grammy Awards and recognition as the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Her legacy as a pioneer and trailblazer continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans worldwide.
3. Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder, born Stevland Hardaway Judkins on May 13, 1950, is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer known for his exceptional talent, versatility, and contributions to soul, funk, and pop music. Blind from birth, Wonder showed musical prowess at an early age and signed with Motown Records in 1961. He quickly rose to fame with hits like “Fingertips,” “Superstition,” “Sir Duke,” and “Isn’t She Lovely.” Wonder’s music blends soulful vocals, innovative arrangements, and socially conscious lyrics, addressing themes of love, social justice, and spirituality. His albums, such as “Songs in the Key of Life” (1976), are considered masterpieces and have earned him multiple Grammy Awards. Stevie Wonder’s enduring influence on music and culture, along with his humanitarian efforts, solidify his legacy as a musical icon.
4. Ray Charles
Ray Charles, born Ray Charles Robinson on September 23, 1930, was an American singer, songwriter, pianist, and composer known for his pioneering blend of rhythm and blues, gospel, and jazz music. Often referred to as “The Genius,” Charles’ career spanned over six decades, during which he achieved numerous groundbreaking accomplishments. His distinctive voice and innovative piano playing set him apart, influencing generations of musicians across genres. Charles’ hits include “What’d I Say,” “Georgia on My Mind,” “Hit the Road Jack,” and “I Can’t Stop Loving You.” He overcame personal challenges, including blindness from childhood, to become a cultural icon and one of the most influential artists in American music history.
5. Sam Cooke
Sam Cooke, born on January 22, 1931, was a pioneering American singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur known for his smooth tenor voice and contributions to soul, R&B, and gospel music. Emerging in the 1950s as a member of The Soul Stirrers, Cooke’s distinctive voice and emotive delivery helped define the genre. As a solo artist, he achieved widespread success with hits like “You Send Me,” “Cupid,” and “A Change Is Gonna Come,” which became anthems of the civil rights movement. Cooke’s crossover appeal and innovative approach to music paved the way for future R&B and soul artists, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest vocalists and songwriters of his era. His influence continues to resonate, inspiring artists across genres and generations.
6. Otis Redding
Otis Redding, born on September 9, 1941, was an American singer, songwriter, and record producer known for his powerful voice, emotive delivery, and influential role in soul music. Emerging in the 1960s, Redding’s distinctive style combined raw emotion with smooth, soulful vocals. He gained widespread acclaim with hits like “Try a Little Tenderness,” “Respect” (later famously covered by Aretha Franklin), and his signature song “Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay.” Redding’s music captured themes of love, heartache, and social change, resonating deeply with audiences and influencing subsequent generations of soul and R&B artists. His untimely death in 1967 at the age of 26 cut short a promising career, but his impact on music endures, cementing his legacy as a soul music icon.
7. Al Green
Al Green, born Albert Leornes Greene on April 13, 1946, is a revered American singer, songwriter, and record producer known for his distinctive voice and influential contributions to soul and gospel music. Emerging in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Green’s smooth tenor voice and emotive delivery captivated audiences with hits like “Let’s Stay Together,” “Tired of Being Alone,” and “Love and Happiness.” His seamless blend of soul, R&B, and gospel elements defined his unique sound and earned him multiple Grammy Awards. Beyond his musical achievements, Green’s career transition to gospel music in the late 1970s reflected his spiritual journey, further solidifying his status as a musical icon and influential figure in soul music history.
8. James Brown
James Brown, born on May 3, 1933, was an American singer, songwriter, dancer, musician, and record producer known as “The Godfather of Soul.” He was a pivotal figure in the development of funk music and one of the most influential performers in the history of popular music. Brown’s energetic stage presence, electrifying dance moves, and powerful vocals revolutionized the music industry. His hits include “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag,” “I Got You (I Feel Good),” “Sex Machine,” and “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud.” Brown’s music often addressed social issues and celebrated African American pride, making him a cultural icon during the civil rights movement. His innovative rhythms and dynamic performances continue to inspire artists across genres, solidifying his legacy as a true pioneer and legend in music history.
9. Prince
Prince, born Prince Rogers Nelson on June 7, 1958, was an iconic American singer, songwriter, musician, and producer known for his innovative blend of funk, rock, R&B, and pop music. With a prolific career spanning several decades, Prince became renowned for his virtuosity on multiple instruments, electrifying stage presence, and provocative lyrics that explored themes of love, sexuality, and spirituality. Hits like “Purple Rain,” “Kiss,” “When Doves Cry,” and “Let’s Go Crazy” solidified his status as a pop culture phenomenon and one of the most influential artists of his generation. Prince’s boundary-pushing creativity, gender-fluid fashion sense, and commitment to artistic independence continue to inspire musicians and fans worldwide, cementing his legacy as a true musical genius.
10. Luther Vandross
Luther Vandross, born on April 20, 1951, was an American singer, songwriter, and record producer known for his smooth vocals, emotive ballads, and soulful R&B music. Emerging in the late 1970s, Vandross gained acclaim for his distinctive voice and romantic ballads that became synonymous with love and relationships. His hits include “Here and Now,” “Never Too Much,” “Power of Love/Love Power,” and “Dance with My Father.” Vandross’s music transcended genres, blending elements of soul, pop, and jazz, and earned him numerous awards, including eight Grammy Awards. He remains a beloved figure in R&B and pop music for his timeless songs and unparalleled vocal talent, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the music industry.
11. Smokey Robinson
Smokey Robinson, born William Robinson Jr. on February 19, 1940, is a legendary American singer, songwriter, and record producer known as a key figure in the development of Motown Records and the soul music genre. As the founder and frontman of The Miracles, Robinson’s smooth tenor voice and poetic songwriting defined hits like “Shop Around,” “The Tracks of My Tears,” and “Tears of a Clown.” Beyond his work with The Miracles, Robinson’s solo career produced classics such as “Being with You” and “Cruisin’.” His contributions to soul and R&B music, characterized by heartfelt lyrics and melodic sophistication, have earned him multiple awards and recognition as one of the greatest songwriters and performers of all time. Robinson’s influence continues to shape the landscape of popular music, inspiring generations of artists across genres.
12. Diana Ross
Diana Ross, born on March 26, 1944, is an American singer, actress, and record producer who rose to fame as the lead vocalist of The Supremes, one of Motown’s most successful acts in the 1960s. Known for her powerful voice, glamorous style, and captivating stage presence, Ross became a global icon. After leaving The Supremes in 1970, she embarked on a successful solo career, producing hits such as “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “Upside Down,” and “Endless Love” (a duet with Lionel Richie). Ross’s music spans multiple genres, including soul, pop, disco, and R&B, and her contributions to music and culture have earned her numerous accolades, including Grammy Awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She continues to be celebrated as a trailblazer and inspiration for generations of artists.
13. Chaka Khan
Chaka Khan, born Yvette Marie Stevens on March 23, 1953, is a powerhouse American singer, songwriter, and musician known for her versatile voice and dynamic presence in funk, R&B, and soul music. Rising to fame in the 1970s as the lead vocalist of the band Rufus, Khan’s soulful delivery and energetic performances brought hits like “Tell Me Something Good,” “Ain’t Nobody,” and “Sweet Thing” to international acclaim. Her solo career further solidified her status with hits like “I Feel for You” and “Through the Fire.” Khan’s vocal range, charisma, and distinctive style have earned her multiple Grammy Awards and cemented her legacy as a diva of contemporary music, influencing generations of artists with her powerful voice and timeless hits.
14. Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston, born on August 9, 1963, was an American singer, actress, and model known for her extraordinary vocal range, powerful voice, and influence in pop, soul, and R&B music. Houston’s career soared in the 1980s and 1990s with hits like “I Will Always Love You,” “Saving All My Love for You,” “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me),” and “The Greatest Love of All.” She achieved unprecedented success, including seven consecutive Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles, and is one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Beyond music, Houston starred in films like “The Bodyguard” and “Waiting to Exhale,” showcasing her versatility as an entertainer. Her legacy continues to inspire artists worldwide, and she remains revered as one of the greatest vocalists in music history.
15. Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson, born on August 29, 1958, was an iconic American singer, songwriter, dancer, and entertainer known as the “King of Pop.” Rising to fame as a child star with The Jackson 5, Michael Jackson’s solo career skyrocketed in the 1980s with groundbreaking albums like “Off the Wall,” “Thriller,” and “Bad.” His innovative music videos, including “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” and “Thriller,” revolutionized the music industry and solidified his status as a global superstar. Jackson’s unparalleled dance moves, distinct voice, and humanitarian efforts made him one of the most influential artists in pop culture history. Despite his untimely death in 2009, Jackson’s legacy continues to inspire countless artists and fans worldwide, marking him as a cultural icon and musical genius.