40 Most Talented RnB Singers

Whitney Houston by Nisakorn Keanmepol from Wikimedia Commons

40 Most Talented RnB Singers

Any discussion of a “best” list, regardless of its format, sparks a raucous discussion right away. Marvin Gaye, Beyonce, Ray Charles, and Alicia Keys are a force to reckon with.

Rihanna, whose resounding success is more strongly entrenched in pop than R&B, will undoubtedly be promptly noted by naysayers as a missing player. Additionally, artists whose fame came more from leading bands than performing alone were left out. Aspects like game-changing influence, sales, impact, and enduring musical legacy are also taken into account.

More than others, some singers have made a statement. With your help, let’s take a look at this list of the most talented R&B performers ever, presented in no particular order.

1. Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin by Atlantic Records from Wikimedia Commons

No one could belt it like the “Queen of Soul.” She has frequently been hailed as one of the greatest musical artists. In addition to singing, she also played the piano and wrote. In her lifetime, Aretha Franklin sold more than 75 million CDs, making her one of the best-selling artists in music history.

2. Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston’s close friends and family were able to see her talent at a young age because they all had musical backgrounds. Her incredible vocal range and extraordinary talent quickly earned her the nickname “The Voice” after her 1980s television debut. With over 200 million records sold, she is not only one of the best-selling R&B musicians of all time but is also considered to be among the greatest singers in history.

3. Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson by Images Alight from Wikimedia Commons

When the “King of Pop” was a little child, he began performing after seeing his father try to assemble his brothers into a singing group. Beyond his voice, Michael Jackson was well-known. In addition, he was a songwriter, dancer, and charitable individual. He is one of the most influential cultural icons of the 20th century due to his 47 songs that made the top 100 list and 750 million albums sold.

4. Usher

Usher had been singing for a while before making his debut in the mid-’90s. His mother enrolled him as a preteen in a singing competition. Major record industry figures were drawn to that appealing voice, and the rest is history. He is currently one of the most successful music artists with over 100 million albums sold.

5. Donna Summer

Donna Summer by Casablanca Records from Wikimedia Commons

In the 1970s, when disco was only beginning to catch on, the “Queen of Disco” became popular. In spite of everyone’s expectations, Donna Summer assisted in propelling the genre forward. With her songs, she did, however, also rule the R&B charts. Her fourteen albums became gold or multi-platinum thanks to the adoration of dance music fans throughout the globe. Six American Music Awards and five Grammys were also won by Donna.

6. Etta James

Etta James first gained notoriety in 1955 with the R&B chart-topper “The Wallflower,” but she is best recognised for her iconic 1961 rendition of the wedding classic “At Last.” Everything from blues and R&B/soul to rock ‘n’ roll, jazz, and the gospel was colourfully rendered by her fearless, take-no-prisoners vocals.

The songs “If I Can’t Have You,” “Tell Mama,” and “I’d Rather Go Blind” are important additions to the collection. James, who was portrayed by Beyoncé in the 2008 film Cadillac Records, released her final album in 2011 (The Dreamer), the same year DJ Avicii (“Levels”) and Flo Rida (“Good Feeling”) sampled her 1962 hit song “Something’s Got a Hold on Me.” 2012. James’ passing year

7. Jill Scott

With a distinctive sound that combines R&B, jazz, hip-hop, spoken word, opera, country, and other elements, Philadelphia native Jill Scott uses her soaring soprano to add colour to tales of female empowerment and love. Who Is Jill Scott? her platinum-selling debut album was released in 2000. Words and Sounds Vol. 1, the singer/songwriter/actress kept the R&B flames burning with back-to-back No. 1 albums The Light of the Sun and Woman.

8. Mariah Carey

The R&B and pop charts have been ruled by the “Songbird Supreme” since her debut in 1990. The most well-known Christmas song of all time, “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” by Mariah Carey, may have cemented her immortality despite her string of huge hits. Having released 15 albums, the “Queen of Christmas” has amassed a global sales total of 220 million copies.

9. Diana Ross

DRoss by Raph_PH from Wikimedia Commons

The Supremes were the most popular group on Motown Records when Diana Ross began her career as their lead singer. She developed a fan base and then pursued acting and a solo music career. As a member of The Supremes and independently, Diana has long been regarded as one of the top 20 R&B performers.

10. Ray Charles

Not everyone can experiment with numerous genres and still be successful. Ray Charles fought against the racial limitations of his day as well as his own music. He once postponed a concert while playing in Georgia due to how he and the other band members were treated. Ray wasn’t the type to give in easily. He earned the title “The Genius” due to his talent, and he used it to become one of the greatest R&B performers of all time.

11. Tina Turner

Tina Turner by Les Zg from Wikimedia Commons

It didn’t take long for listeners to realise who the real star was behind the music, beginning with the late 1950s band Kings of Rhythm. Before becoming a solo star years later, Tina Turner assisted them in gaining followers all over the world. One of the most important women in music, the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll” rose to fame.

12. Barry White

Barry White’s voice was particularly deep, which contributed to his 1970s rise to superstardom. While the disco era was at its height, he scored hit after success, and he continued to make music for another 40 years. With the subjects, he wrote about and his easygoing manner, Barry had an impact on R&B. He marketed more than 100 million albums.

13. Maxwell

In 1996, Maxwell released his ground-shaking debut Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite, which included the songs “Ascension” and “Sumthin’ Sumthin’) with songwriter/producer Leon Ware (Marvin Gaye). Maxwell brought a classy, sophisticated, and seductive swagger to his role as a pioneering member of the neo-soul movement, whether he was performing R. Kelly’s “Fortunate” from the movie Life or Kate Bush’s “This Woman’s Work” on the piano.

After taking an eight-year gap after releasing the third album Now in 2001, the singer successfully sparked a soul renaissance with 2009’s BLACKsummers’night, building on the success of the singles “Pretty Wings,” “Bad Habits,” and “Fistful of Tears.”

14. D’Angelo

D’Angelo by Roquai from Wikimedia Commons

With his dazzling first album Brown Sugar (including the title track “Lady” and “Cruisin'”), D’Angelo, who is regarded as one of the primary pioneers of neo-soul with Erykah Badu, Maxwell, and Lauryn Hill, stunned both critics and fans in 1995.

The singer-songwriter-musician has subsequently evolved into Haley’s Comet of music, drawing inspiration from artists like Prince, Al Green, and Raphael Saadiq. The seductive crooner made a triumphant comeback in 2005 with Voodoo (“Untitled [How Does It Feel]”) before delaying the release of Black Messiah for nine years. These protracted absences haven’t diminished D’Angelo’s strong reputation as a creative powerhouse that has influenced artists like Frank Ocean and the next generation.

15. Erykah Badu

R&B, hip-hop, jazz, and other genres were creatively rearranged in Erykah Badu’s early 1997 debut, Baduizm, to create a distinctive sound dubbed neo-soul. The No. 1 songs “On & On,” “Next Lifetime,” and “Tyrone” from Badu’s live album later that year were propelled by her perceptive lyrics and rich vocals.

The Dallas native, whose discography includes the singles “Bag Lady,” “Love of My Life” (co-written by Common), and “Window Seat,” has worked with Janelle Monae, another pioneer of alt-R&B, and has even recorded a remix of Drake’s “Hotline Bling.”

16. Sam Cooke

Sam Cooke by RCA Victor Records from Wikimedia Commons

With the R&B/pop crossover song “You Send Me,” former gospel performer Sam Cooke made history. Cooke’s silky, lyrical tenor was a perfect fit for such iconic tunes as “Chain Gang,” “Cupid,” “Having a Party,” and “Another Saturday Night,” setting the ground for later soul devotees like Aretha Franklin, Al Green, Bobby Womack, and Curtis Mayfield. As the creator of a record label and publishing company, his pioneering attitude also extended to the boardroom. The understated protest song “A Change Is Gonna Come” was produced as a result of his civil rights activities.

17. Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys’ illustrious career was launched by the breakthrough singles “Fallin'” and “A Woman’s Worth” from her self-titled debut album released in 2001. In addition to “You Don’t Know My Name,” “If I Ain’t Got You,” “like You’ll Never See Me Again,” “No One,” and a guest appearance on Jay Z’s “Empire State of Mind,” the skilled pianist and singer-songwriter has amassed further hits under Clive Davis’ tutelage. Passionate vocals and a musical style that draws from Donny Hathaway, Nina Simone, and Prince are among Keys’ defining characteristics.

18. Anita Baker

Anita Baker by MC2 Erica R. Gardner from Wikimedia Commons

Anita Baker’s expressive contralto was a mainstay on the radio from the mid-80s through the mid-90s. The singer/1983 songwriter’s first album, The Songstress, featured “Angel” and was fittingly named. Rapture, her platinum-selling sophomore album, and a string of smash songs, including “Sweet Love,” “No One in the World,” “Giving You the Best That I Got,” and “Body & Soul,” followed. Her early role as the lead vocalist for the band Chapter 8 and thus solidified the former waitress’ place in R&B history.

19. Donny Hathaway

Donny Hathaway continues to be regarded as a significant influence on both established and up-and-coming performers, from Stevie Wonder and R. Kelly to India, decades after his untimely death. Both Alicia Keys and Arie.

With the release of “The Ghetto – Part 1,” Hathaway’s supple vocals and accomplished musicianship gained widespread recognition. Following a series of duets (“Where is the Love,” “The Closer I Get to You”) with labelmate Roberta Flack, his career took off. His 1972 Live album is regarded as one of the most important live albums ever made. Additionally, he co-wrote the Christmas classic “This Christmas” and sang it.

20. The Weeknd

The Weeknd is renowned for his wide-ranging subject matter, even if his Super Bowl performance leaned more toward a pop, high-energy approach. In the making of his albums, he investigated a wide range of subjects. One of the reasons he has such a large following is the variety of his interests. Similar to how his sounds can convey a variety of moods, The Weeknd’s songwriting is varied and distinctive.

21. James Brown

If you’re not tempted to exclaim “I feel good” when someone asks how you are, you should return to your playlist. After becoming well-known in the 1950s and maintaining his career for six decades, James Brown made his mark on music. He was interested in R&B, and he is known as the “Godfather of Funk.”

22. Mary J. Blige

Mary J. Blige has unquestionably established herself as the “Queen of Hip-Hop Soul” after winning nine Grammy Awards, four American Music Awards, and ten Billboard Music Awards. Since she first entered the music industry in 1992, she has released 14 albums and sold 75 million copies.

23. Marvin Gaye

Marvin Gaye is responsible for the mood that engulfed Motown in the 1960s. He initially performed for other artists on the label. He eventually went his own way and began his own career. Numerous other genre performers praised the “Prince of Motown.” Marvin recorded 25 albums over the course of his brief career.

24. Prince

Typically, a musician will specialise in one instrument. Prince was a proficient player of a variety of instruments. In addition, he had a history of penning popular songs for other musicians as well as himself. There were a lot of people who liked Prince because of his distinctive stage demeanour. He is regarded as possibly the greatest of his generation thanks to that voice and his exhilarating performances.

25. Patti LaBelle

Patti LaBelle by David from Wikimedia Commons

The 1960s and 1970s saw the rise to fame of Patti LaBelle, often known as the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Soul, thanks to her work with the Bluebelles and Labelle (famous for the song “Lady Marmalade”). In 1977, LaBelle, who possessed a three-octave soprano, made her solo debut. She explored R&B, gospel, dance, and pop genres over the course of the following two decades with songs like “If Only You Knew,” “You Are My Friend,” “New Attitude,” “Stir It Up,” and “On My Own,” in addition to an exhilarating rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”

26. Isaac Hayes

By the middle of the 1960s, Isaac Hayes was already a future member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame thanks to songs he and his writing partner David Porter had produced for Sam & Dave (“Soul Man”) and other artists. However, the in-demand Stax Records session musician continued on.

With the release of his landmark debut album Hot Buttered Soul in 1969, his thunderous bass, shaved head, and gold chains upended the R&B status quo. By forgoing the typical three-minute single in favour of 12-minute symphonic treatises (“Walk on By”) and equally long monologues (“By the Time I Get to Phoenix”), Hayes helped to establish disco and rap. His greatest accomplishment was the Oscar-winning score for the 1971 film Shaft.

27. Lionel Richie

Lionel Richie by U.S. State Department from Wikimedia Commons

Lionel Richie got attention by giving the ladies exactly what they wanted to hear. That began when he performed as the lead vocalist for the funk group Commodores. With over 100 million records sold and a long list of accolades, he quickly established himself as one of music’s most successful musicians.

28. Stevie Wonder 

Only the greats are capable of dominating multiple genres. The ground-breaking and gifted Stevie Wonder is on that list. He performs incredible concerts and does a variety of things, like singing, songwriting, playing the piano, and performing. R&B, pop, jazz, funk, soul, and gospel have all been indelibly altered by Stevie. With over 100 million sold, record sales may attest to it.

29. Beyoncé

Beyoncé began her career in the late 1990s as a member of the girl group Destiny’s Child after performing in such a capacity since she was a young child. Since then, she has appeared on albums with total sales of over 220 million. Beyoncé is always experimenting, so in 2016 she surprised everyone by releasing a visual album, and other artists were moved by the idea.

30. Aaliyah

Aaliyah’s exquisite voice was sought at an early age, and she was fortunate enough to have contacts with people who could boost her career. Big-name musicians joined her cause after she drew their attention, and soon she began producing her own music. Although the “Princess of R&B” didn’t stay with us long enough for us to witness all that she was capable of, she did leave us with three albums and a number of top songs.

31. Otis Redding

Otis Redding by Stax Records from Wikimedia Commons

The “King of Soul” was revered for both having the best singing voice and being the best R&B performer. His deep tone is preserved on six studio albums, making him another prematurely deceased person.

32. Sisqó

Sisqó was a member of a group named Dru Hill before becoming famous at the turn of the century. By collaborating with Will Smith on a project, the R&B singer was launched into the spotlight. Sisqo released his debut solo album after writing the lyrics to “Wild Wild West.” It became so popular that he eventually refused to play his debut song, “The Thong Song.”

33. Monica

At age 10, Monica distinguished herself from her colleagues by touring with a gospel choir. She has gained a reputation as one of the most popular urban singers of the late 1990s since she debuted on the R&B scene in 1993. Monica is also the youngest artist to simultaneously have two singles on the R&B and Singles lists. She is also known for being the first female R&B performer to have three consecutive decades of success on the Billboard charts.

34.Brandy

Brandy’s layering approach has earned her the title “Vocal Bible.” She sang solos at church when she was just two years old, which is probably helpful. In the early 1990s, she received a job offer as a backup vocalist after experiencing great success in competitions. She holds dual roles as an actress and singer. Seven studio albums that Brandy has released to date.

35. Chaka Khan

Having a career spanning five decades is quite uncommon for artists. Nevertheless, Chaka Khan has adapted to the ups and downs of the genre to keep releasing timeless music. She joined the funk band Rufus in the 1970s, but she had no idea what a fantastic career awaited her. She has over 70 million albums in circulation and has received 10 Grammy awards.

36. Curtis Mayfield

It has been said that Curtis Mayfield is the inspiration behind African American music. He produced multiple CDs, penned moving lyrics, and played the guitar. After he was a member of The Impressions in the 1950s, this happened. In 1990, Curtis suffered a stroke that left him immobile from the neck down, although he spent years producing music. He was recognised for both his work with The Impressions and as a solo artist by being inducted into four distinct halls of fame.

37. Monica

When Monica was ten years old, travelling with a gospel choir helped set her apart from her classmates. She entered the R&B industry in 1993 and has since gained a reputation as one of the most popular urban vocalists of the late 1990s. Monica is also the youngest musical talent to simultaneously have two songs on the R&B and Singles charts. She is also known for being the first female R&B performer to have success on the Billboard charts for three consecutive decades.

38. Janet Jackson

Janet Jackson by Rich Esteban from Wikimedia Commons

It’s uncommon for young actors to go on to become hugely popular musicians. However, Janet Jackson has always taken an independent route. She keeps expanding the frontiers of R&B and music in general, whether it be through extravagant performances or sexually explicit tunes. She’s sold more than 160 million albums as of this writing.

39. Ne-Yo

Ne-Yo puts in the effort despite being one of the most well-known R&B performers. He has gained admiration for his dancing and acting in addition to singing the songs he writes. In fact, he also writes popular songs for a number of other successful musicians. He has won the Grammy three times out of his fourteen Grammy nominations.

40. Smokey Robinson

Smokey Robinson, who got his start with the band The Miracles, spent his free time honing his abilities. During the time the group was together, he was the primary songwriter and did much of the producing. He was able to acquire six gold records thanks to Motown’s utilisation of his seductive sounds to win over the ladies.