The 145+ Best R&B Artists Of All Time, Ranked
- 1Motown Sound, Rock music, Electronic music
The undisputed King of Pop, he began his career as a member of the iconic group The Jackson 5 before skyrocketing to solo superstardom. His groundbreaking fusion of R&B, pop, and rock elements paved the way for countless artists that followed, while his electrifying stage presence and innovative dance moves transformed live performances forever. Despite personal controversies, there's no denying the impact he had on not only R&B but popular music as a whole.
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- 2Pop music, Rock music, Rhythm and blues
Dubbed the Queen of Soul, her powerful voice and emotive delivery made her an unstoppable force in the world of R&B and beyond. With numerous chart-topping hits under her belt and 18 Grammy Awards to her name, she is undeniably one of the most successful female artists in history. Her immense influence can still be felt today as she continues to inspire countless singers across various genres.
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- 3Motown Sound, Psychedelic soul, Pop music
Blind since birth, this multi-instrumentalist prodigy defied all odds by becoming one of the most successful and beloved musicians in history. With a career spanning over six decades, his diverse discography includes timeless hits that continue to resonate with fans young and old. Notably, his advocacy for social justice issues has cemented him as an influential figure both on and offstage.
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- 4Doo-wop, Motown Sound, Rock music
A soulful crooner who revolutionized R&B with his distinctive voice and emotive lyrics, he also played a crucial role in the evolution of Motown Records. His socially conscious albums tackled themes such as love, spirituality, and political strife, making him an influential figure in both music and activism. Tragically, his life was cut short in 1984, but his legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike.
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- #9 of 556 onThe 250+ Best Singers Of All Time, Ranked
- 5Hip hop music, Synthpop, New Wave
A true musical genius known for his flamboyant style and unmatched versatility, he effortlessly blended R&B with funk, rock, and pop to create a sound uniquely his own. As a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer, his prolific output and constant reinvention kept fans captivated throughout his four-decade-long career. His untimely death in 2016 left a void in the music world, but his innovative spirit continues to inspire.
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- 6Pop music, Dance-pop, Contemporary R&B
Possessing one of the most powerful and recognizable voices in music history, she dominated the charts throughout the '80s and '90s with her emotive ballads and infectious dance hits. With over 200 million records sold worldwide and numerous accolades under her belt, she remains an enduring symbol of vocal excellence. Tragically, her life was plagued by personal struggles, but her musical legacy will never be forgotten.
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- 7Doo-wop, Rock music, Rhythm and blues
This legendary Motown group set the standard for male vocal harmonies with their smooth blend of R&B, soul, and doo-wop. Their iconic lineup changes over the years did nothing to diminish their impact on popular music as they continued to churn out chart-topping hits. Their influence can still be heard today in countless contemporary R&B groups.
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- 8Hip hop music, Doo-wop, Pop music
Known as the Godfather of Soul, he revolutionized R&B through his dynamic stage presence and innovative rhythmic arrangements that laid the groundwork for funk music. His relentless work ethic earned him the title "The Hardest Working Man in Show Business," while his larger-than-life persona made him an unforgettable figure in entertainment history. His influence on contemporary artists is undeniable as they continue to sample and draw inspiration from his extensive catalog.
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- 9Soul blues, Pop music, Rock music
A pioneer of soul music who seamlessly blended gospel, jazz, and blues elements into his unique sound. Despite losing his sight at a young age, he went on to become one of the most successful musicians of all time thanks to his incredible talent as a singer, pianist, and songwriter. Often referred to as "The Genius," his impact on R&B and popular music remains unparalleled.
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- 10Hip hop music, Adult contemporary music, Contemporary R&B
With a silky smooth voice that effortlessly conveyed raw emotion, he became the epitome of romantic R&B throughout the '80s and '90s. His undeniable talent as a singer, songwriter, and producer earned him numerous accolades and millions of devoted fans around the world. Though he passed away in 2005, his heartfelt ballads continue to serve as the soundtrack for countless love stories.
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- 11Doo-wop, Rock music, Rhythm and blues
A family group with a career spanning over six decades, they have consistently reinvented themselves while remaining true to their R&B roots. Their diverse discography includes everything from gospel-tinged doo-wop to psychedelic funk jams, showcasing their ability to adapt to changing musical trends. Their enduring appeal is a testament to their immense talent and unwavering dedication to their craft.
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- 12Southern soul, Soul blues, Rock music
Known as the King of Soul, his raw, emotional performances and heartfelt lyrics have made him an enduring figure in the world of R&B. Though his life was tragically cut short at just 26 years old, he left behind a string of timeless hits that continue to captivate listeners. His influence can be felt not only in contemporary R&B but also in genres such as rock and hip-hop.
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- 13Pop music, Rhythm and blues, Jazz
Often referred to as the King of Soul, his smooth vocal style and poignant lyrics made him one of the most influential singers of all time. As an artist who bridged the gap between gospel and secular music, he paved the way for future soul stars while remaining true to his spiritual roots. Tragically, his life was cut short at just 33 years old, but his timeless songs continue to resonate with new generations of fans.
- 14Smooth soul, Rhythm and blues, Soul music
With a voice that could simultaneously soothe and electrify listeners, this soul legend became synonymous with sensuality in the '70s thanks to his sultry ballads and passionate performances. After experiencing a religious awakening later in his career, he successfully transitioned into gospel music without losing any of his signature charm or vocal prowess. His ongoing influence can be heard in countless contemporary artists who continue to draw inspiration from his unmistakable style.
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- 15Bubblegum pop, Motown Sound, Disco
This iconic family group, featuring a young Michael Jackson as their lead singer, took the world by storm with their infectious blend of pop and R&B. Their energetic performances and tight harmonies helped define the sound of Motown in the early '70s and paved the way for countless future boy bands. Although they eventually disbanded, their impact on popular music is still felt today as each member pursued successful solo careers.
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A versatile group that effortlessly blended R&B, funk, and jazz elements into their infectious dance hits throughout the '70s and '80s. Their ability to adapt to changing musical trends while maintaining their signature sound earned them legions of dedicated fans around the world. With over 50 years in the business, their influence on popular music is undeniable.
- 17Rhythm and blues, Jazz, Soul music
With a voice that oozed charisma and sensuality, he became one of the most successful R&B artists of the '70s and '80s. After initially finding fame as the lead singer of Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, he went on to enjoy a prolific solo career that solidified his status as a sex symbol. Despite facing numerous personal challenges throughout his life, his music remains synonymous with passion and romance.
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- 18Disco, Rhythm and blues, Soul music
Originally formed as a college band, this group went on to achieve international success thanks to their infectious blend of funk, soul, and pop. With Lionel Richie as their lead vocalist, they scored numerous chart-topping hits throughout the '70s before eventually parting ways to pursue solo careers. Their influence on popular music remains evident today as countless artists continue to sample and cover their timeless tracks.
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- 19Adult contemporary music, Pop music, Rhythm and blues
A key figure in the development of Motown Records, this multi-talented artist not only found success as a singer but also as a songwriter and producer for numerous other acts. His smooth vocals and heartfelt lyrics made him a beloved figure in the world of R&B, while his work behind the scenes helped shape the careers of countless future stars. Even today, he remains an active and influential presence in the music industry.
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- 20Hip hop music, Pop music, Contemporary R&B
This quartet from Philadelphia took the world by storm in the early '90s with their smooth harmonies and emotive ballads, redefining the sound of contemporary R&B. With numerous chart-topping hits and record-breaking sales under their belt, they remain one of the most successful vocal groups in history. Their influence can still be heard in today's R&B acts, who continue to draw inspiration from their timeless sound.
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- 21Hip hop music, Old-school hip hop, New Wave
Formed in Boston in 1978, this pioneering boy band laid the groundwork for future R&B groups with their tight harmonies and polished choreography. Despite numerous lineup changes over the years, they continued to churn out hit after hit throughout the '80s and '90s. Their enduring popularity is a testament to their undeniable talent and impact on the genre.
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- 22Girl group, Doo-wop, Psychedelic soul
As Motown's most successful act during the '60s, this female trio set the standard for girl groups with their glamorous image and catchy tunes. With Diana Ross at the helm, they became international superstars whose influence extended far beyond the world of R&B. Though lineup changes eventually led to their disbandment, their legacy lives on through generations of female artists who continue to be inspired by their iconic sound and style.
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- 23Disco, Rhythm and blues, Soul music
Known as "The Maestro," this deep-voiced crooner became synonymous with romantic R&B during the '70s thanks to his sensual ballads and orchestral arrangements. With numerous chart-topping hits under his belt, he remains an enduring symbol of love and seduction in popular music. His influence can still be felt today as countless artists continue to draw inspiration from his unmistakable sound.
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- 24Philadelphia soul, Disco, Quiet storm
This Philadelphia-based group rose to fame in the '70s with their infectious blend of soul, funk, and R&B, earning them legions of devoted fans around the world. Their socially conscious lyrics and tight harmonies set them apart from other acts at the time, helping to define the sound of a generation. Though their lineup has changed over the years, their impact on popular music remains evident today as countless artists continue to draw inspiration from their timeless sound.
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- 25Psychedelic soul, Chicago soul, Rhythm and blues
A multi-talented artist who made his mark as a singer, songwriter, and producer, he was also an influential figure in the world of R&B and soul music. With his socially conscious lyrics and innovative arrangements, he helped define the sound of the '70s while also addressing important issues such as civil rights and poverty. His impact on popular music remains evident today as countless artists continue to draw inspiration from his groundbreaking work.
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- 26Doo-wop, Girl group, Ballad
With a career spanning over six decades, this powerhouse vocalist has earned her place among R&B royalty thanks to her incredible range and emotive delivery. Known as the "Godmother of Soul," she has released numerous chart-topping hits and received countless accolades for her contributions to the world of music. Her influence can still be felt today as she continues to inspire new generations of singers with her undeniable talent and timeless appeal.
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- 27
As the lead singer of the British band Sade, this Nigerian-British singer-songwriter captivated audiences with her sultry voice and smooth fusion of R&B, jazz, and soul elements. With numerous chart-topping hits under her belt, she has established herself as one of the most successful female artists in history. Her unique sound continues to inspire contemporary musicians who strive to emulate her effortless elegance and timeless appeal.
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- 28Adult contemporary music, Pop music, Rock music
After achieving success as a member of the Commodores, he embarked on a wildly successful solo career that saw him dominate the charts throughout the '80s with his infectious blend of R&B and pop. His heartfelt ballads and feel-good dance tunes earned him numerous accolades, solidifying his status as a true musical icon. Even today, his influence on popular music can be heard in countless contemporary artists who continue to draw inspiration from his timeless sound.
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- 29Blues-rock, Pop music, Chicago soul
A gifted singer-songwriter known for his emotive delivery and poignant lyrics, he became an influential figure in the world of soul music during the '70s. Despite facing personal struggles throughout his life, his music continues to resonate with fans young and old thanks to its timeless beauty and raw emotion. His legacy lives on through the countless artists who have been inspired by his incredible talent and unforgettable voice.
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- 30Blues-rock, Soul blues, Rock music
Though primarily known as a blues guitarist, his soulful vocals and emotive performances have also made him an influential figure in the world of R&B. With a career spanning over six decades, he earned countless accolades for his contributions to popular music, solidifying his status as a true icon. His impact on contemporary artists can be heard in countless genres, proving his enduring appeal and lasting influence.
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