The Best R&B Trios Of All Time

Ranker Music
Updated May 15, 2024 22.7K views 41 items
Ranked By
1.4K votes
311 voters
Voting Rules
Vote up your favorite three-member R&B groups.

Below we’re counting down the best trios in R&B music. There are a lot of iconic groups on this list of popular R&B trios. But which of these 3 piece R&B bands are your favorite?From Destiny’s Child to The Impressions, you’re sure to recognize at least some of these famous R&B music trios. Nineties fans are sure to recognize trios such as Blaque and 3LW.

Which of these R&B groups with three members do you think is the best? Vote up your favorite trio bands in R&B and if we’ve missed one, feel free to add it to the list.

Most divisive: The Velvelettes
Over 300 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best R&B Trios Of All Time
  • The Supremes
    1
    68 votes

    As Motown's premier female group, these ladies dominated the 1960s with their glamorous style, powerful vocals, and infectious melodies that transcended racial barriers. Their dynamic stage presence and ability to harmonize perfectly showcased their musical prowess, while their influence on pop culture resonated through generations. Each member brought a unique flavor to the group, elevating them to legendary status and solidifying their place among R&B royalty.

  • TLC
    2
    110 votes

    Fusing soulful R&B harmonies with hip-hop influences, this groundbreaking trio captivated audiences with their raw talent and unapologetic attitude. Their fearless approach to tackling social issues through their lyrics garnered widespread acclaim, while each member's distinct vocal style contributed to their signature sound. As one of the highest-selling girl groups in history, they left an indelible mark on popular music and continue to inspire future generations of artists.

  • Spanning multiple decades and genres, this iconic family group's influence on R&B is undeniable. With funky rhythms and soul-stirring vocals, they consistently pushed the boundaries of what was possible within the genre. Each member played a crucial role in crafting their unmistakable sound, blending elements of gospel, doo-wop, and rock to create a rich tapestry of timeless hits.

  • As one of the most successful girl groups of all time, this trio became synonymous with female empowerment and infectious R&B beats. Their flawless harmonies and unmatched stage presence showcased their incredible talent, while each member's individual star power contributed to the group's success. Their impact on pop culture is undeniable, inspiring countless artists and solidifying their place in music history.

  • The O'Jays
    5
    66 votes

    These pioneers of Philadelphia soul captivated audiences with their lush harmonies and socially conscious lyrics throughout the 1970s. Their innovative fusion of gospel, funk, and R&B showcased their incredible vocal abilities and broadened the genre's horizons. Each member's unique talents contributed to the group's success, making them a cornerstone of soul music history.

  • The Gap Band
    6
    44 votes

    As pioneers of 80s electro-funk, this sibling trio captivated audiences with their energetic performances and irresistible grooves. Their innovative fusion of funk, disco, and R&B showcased their creativity and musical prowess. Each brother played a vital role in crafting the group's signature sound, creating timeless dance floor anthems that continue to influence artists today.

  • Guy
    7
    43 votes

    With their fresh take on R&B and new jack swing, this trio took the late 80s and early 90s by storm. Their infectious beats and smooth harmonies showcased their musical prowess, while their trendsetting style made them pop culture icons. Each member brought something special to the table, elevating their sound and ensuring their lasting impact on the genre.

  • As pioneers of a genre-blending style that fused R&B, pop, disco, and rock, this talented sister act broke boundaries throughout the 70s and 80s. Their energetic performances and powerful vocals showcased their musical prowess, while their eclectic fashion sense made them pop culture icons. Each sibling brought her own distinct flair to the group, elevating them to legendary status and leaving a lasting impact on popular music.

  • SWV
    9
    66 votes

    This 90s R&B powerhouse captivated fans with their sultry harmonies, smooth melodies, and heartfelt lyrics. Their ability to effortlessly blend elements of soul, gospel, and hip-hop showcased their versatility and immense talent. Each member's unique voice added depth to the group's sound, making them one of the most beloved acts of their era.

  • En Vogue
    10
    45 votes

    This powerhouse female vocal group redefined R&B with their sultry harmonies, fierce attitude, and empowering messages during the 90s. Their ability to seamlessly blend elements of pop, hip-hop, and soul showcased their versatility and immense talent. The individual strengths of each member elevated the group to legendary status as they became one of the most successful acts of their era.

  • As one of Motown's premier female groups in the 1960s, these ladies captivated audiences with their energetic performances and infectious melodies that transcended racial barriers. Their powerful vocals and tight harmonies showcased their incredible talent while each member brought a unique flavor to the group. They remain an essential part of R&B history, inspiring countless artists throughout the years.

  • Boyz II Men
    12
    71 votes

    With smooth harmonies and heartfelt ballads, this group became synonymous with 90s R&B excellence. Their impeccable vocal range and intricate arrangements showcased their technical prowess, while their emotional performances resonated with fans worldwide. Each member's distinctive voice complemented one another perfectly, creating a timeless and unforgettable sound that has solidified their reputation as one of the most successful acts in music history.

  • Bell Biv DeVoe
    13

    As pioneers of the new jack swing movement in the early 90s, this dynamic trio blended elements of R&B, hip-hop, funk, and pop to create an unforgettable sound. Their infectious hooks and streetwise attitude resonated with fans worldwide while showcasing their undeniable chemistry as a group. Each member brought something special to the table, ensuring their lasting influence on the genre.

  • Commodores
    14
    40 votes

    This talented group of musicians made a significant impact on the R&B scene in the 70s and 80s with their infectious grooves, soulful ballads, and funky rhythms. Their versatile sound showcased their impressive instrumental abilities, while their tight-knit harmonies demonstrated their exceptional vocal prowess. Each member played an essential role in shaping the group's unique sound, solidifying them as one of the most influential acts of their time.

  • The Delfonics
    15

    This influential soul trio captivated audiences throughout the late 60s and early 70s with their smooth harmonies and romantic ballads. Their innovative use of falsetto vocals and lush orchestration showcased their unique approach to R&B music. Each member played a crucial role in crafting the group's signature sound, which continues to inspire artists today.

  • This talented trio burst onto the scene in the late 80s with a unique blend of R&B, funk, and soul that resonated with fans worldwide. Their catchy hooks and playful lyrics showcased their undeniable chemistry as a group, while each member's distinct voice added depth to their dynamic sound. As one of the most influential acts of their time, they left an indelible mark on the history of popular music.

  • Total
    17
    25 votes

    As one of the premier female groups of the 90s R&B scene, this trio captured fans' hearts with their sultry harmonies and edgy attitude. Their ability to effortlessly blend elements of hip-hop, soul, and pop showcased their versatility and immense talent. Each member brought something special to the group, elevating their sound and solidifying their place in music history.

  • Brownstone
    18
    32 votes

    This powerhouse female vocal group rose to fame in the mid-90s with their stirring harmonies and emotive performances. Their ability to convey raw emotion through their music showcased their immense talent, while each member's distinct vocal style added depth to the group's sound. As one of the most revered acts of their time, they continue to inspire future generations of artists.

  • Blaque
    19
    38 votes

    This talented female trio made a lasting impression on the late 90s and early 2000s R&B scene with their smooth harmonies, catchy hooks, and empowering messages. Their ability to seamlessly blend elements of pop, hip-hop, and soul showcased their versatility and musical prowess. Each member's unique voice added depth to the group's sound, making them one of the most beloved acts of their era.

  • 702
    20
    42 votes

    This Las Vegas-based trio took the R&B world by storm in the late 90s with their sultry vocals, catchy melodies, and chic style. Their ability to effortlessly blend elements of hip-hop, soul, and pop showcased their versatility and immense talent while each member's distinct voice contributed to their unforgettable sound. As one of the most successful acts of their time, they continue to inspire future generations of artists.

  • Jade
    21
    20 votes

    This powerhouse female vocal group rose to fame in the early 90s with their smooth harmonies, danceable beats, and heartfelt lyrics that resonated with fans worldwide. Their innovative approach to R&B fused elements of pop, funk, and hip-hop showcasing their creativity and musical prowess. Each member's unique voice added depth to the group's sound while elevating them to legendary status within the genre.

  • Next
    22
    31 votes

    With smooth vocals and sultry lyrics, this trio captivated audiences throughout the late 90s and early 2000s as they pushed the boundaries of contemporary R&B. Their innovative approach to songwriting showcased their creativity and musical versatility, while each member's unique voice contributed to their signature sound. As one of the most successful groups of their era, they left a lasting impression on popular music.

  • The Ronettes
    23
    34 votes

    As one of the most iconic girl groups of the 1960s, this trio's distinctive style and powerful vocals left an indelible mark on popular music. Their unique blend of R&B, pop, and rock showcased their versatility and immense talent while each member's distinct voice contributed to their timeless sound. They continue to inspire artists today, solidifying their place in music history.

  • H-Town
    24
    24 votes

    This Houston-based trio made waves in the early 90s with their soulful harmonies and smooth production that blended elements of R&B, hip-hop, and funk. Their innovative approach to songwriting showcased their creativity and musical prowess, while each member's distinct voice contributed to their unforgettable sound. They remain a cherished act within the genre and continue to inspire artists today.

  • This influential soul group captivated audiences throughout the late 50s and early 60s with their smooth harmonies, innovative songwriting, and socially conscious lyrics. Their fusion of gospel, doo-wop, and R&B showcased their incredible vocal abilities while each member played a crucial role in crafting their unmistakable sound. Their impact on popular music is undeniable, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire artists today.

  • The Velvelettes
    26

    As one of Motown's hidden gems in the 1960s, this female vocal group captivated fans with their tight harmonies, infectious melodies, and spirited performances. Their blend of R&B, pop, and soul showcased their immense talent while each member brought a unique flavor to the group. Though often overlooked in music history, they continue to inspire future generations of artists.

  • TGT
    27

    TGT

    13 votes

    Comprised of three established solo artists, this supergroup made waves in the 2010s with their lush harmonies and passionate performances that showcased their incredible vocal talents. Their fusion of traditional R&B with modern production techniques demonstrated their versatility while each member's unique voice contributed to their signature sound. They remain a cherished act within the genre, inspiring countless artists today.

  • Labelle
    28
    13 votes

    As trailblazers in the fusion of rock, soul, and funk throughout the 70s, this dynamic female trio pushed boundaries with their eclectic style and powerful vocal performances. Their innovative approach to songwriting showcased their creativity and musical prowess while each member's unique voice contributed to their groundbreaking sound. They continue to inspire future generations of artists, solidifying their place in music history.

  • Allure
    29
    14 votes

    This talented female trio captured hearts in the late 90s with their sultry harmonies, emotive lyrics, and undeniable chemistry as a group. Their ability to effortlessly blend elements of R&B, pop, and hip-hop showcased their versatility and musical prowess. Each member's distinct voice added depth to the group's sound, making them one of the most beloved acts of their era.

  • Kut Klose
    30
    17 votes

    This sultry female trio emerged in the mid-90s with a unique blend of R&B harmonies, seductive lyrics, and captivating performances that resonated with fans worldwide. Their innovative approach to songwriting showcased their creativity and musical prowess while each member's distinct voice added depth to their unforgettable sound. As one of the most influential acts of their time, they left an indelible mark on popular music.