The Best Gospel Singers and Groups

Coley Reed
Updated April 1, 2024 994.8K views
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55.4K votes
14.2K voters
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Vote up or down for the greatest gospel music artists of all time

Gospel music is one of the oldest forms of music. With its origins being traced back as far as the 17th century, Gospel singers have preached the words of the good book for centuries and are making some of the best gospel and Christian songs of 2018. Gospel singers for a long time had to sing without musical accompaniment outside of clapping and stomping - Black gospel music has a strong tradition of using the human hands and feet as instruments. More recently, these hymns and songs feature the same strong harmonies, but also organs to tambourines to electric guitars. Beginning in the 1920s and 1930s, gospel artists became some of the most popular singers in the world. The best gospel singers are wildly popular in the Christian community are closely associated with other Christian singers. Today, within the Christian community, gospel singers are as, if not more popular than Christian rock bands, which is saying a lot.

So, who are the best gospel singers? Any list of gospel artists has to include male gospel singers like Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp, BeBe Winans, and Fred Hammond, as well as female Christian singers like CeCe Winans, Yalonda Adams and Shirley Caesar. These gospel singers are considered some of the best in the genre and it's with good reason that they're at or near the top of this poll. The best gospel artists are well represented on this list and with good reason. When you think of Christian singers and gospel artists, you should be able to use this list as a great point of reference.

That said, it's up to you to determine who are the best gospel singers. If you notice that a gospel singer is missing, feel free to add them. This list answers the questions "who are the best gospel music bands of all time?" and "who is the greatest gospel musician ever?" If you know enough about the genre, please vote based on the quality of the band's music instead of just voting for the most popular gospel music bands that you might've heard of.

Most divisive: Kathy Troccoli
Over 14.2K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Greatest Gospel Singers & Groups
  • CeCe Winans
    1
    1,634 votes

    A shining gem in the storied Winans family, CeCe Winans has made her mark as an extraordinary solo artist in the gospel world. Her angelic voice and heartfelt lyrics have resonated deeply with fans for more than three decades. Besides her impressive collection of Grammy Awards and Dove Awards, Winans' philanthropic efforts further exemplify her commitment to spreading the message of love and faith through music.

  • Kirk Franklin
    2
    1,831 votes

    Blending contemporary urban sounds with the unmistakable spirit of gospel music, Kirk Franklin has been a trailblazer in the industry for decades. As a choir director, singer, and songwriter, his ability to bridge generational gaps and appeal to diverse audiences is unparalleled. With numerous Grammy Awards under his belt and collaborations with powerhouse artists like Mary J. Blige and Bono, Franklin's contribution to modernizing gospel music without losing its essence is undeniable.

  • Yolanda Adams
    3
    1,441 votes

    Yolanda Adams has been a beacon of inspiration for countless listeners with her powerful vocals and unwavering faith. Often referred to as the "Queen of Contemporary Gospel Music," she has captivated audiences worldwide with her moving performances and uplifting messages. Not only has Adams earned numerous awards throughout her career, but she also uses her platform to advocate for education reform and children's health initiatives.

  • Marvin Sapp
    4
    1,470 votes

    As a pastor, singer, and songwriter, Marvin Sapp's spiritual journey has undeniably shaped his soul-stirring music. His emotive vocal delivery combined with his ability to craft deeply personal songs has resonated with fans across generations. Sapp's resilience in the face of adversity serves as a testament to his faith and commitment to sharing hope through his artistry.

  • Donnie McClurkin
    5
    1,897 votes

    A true testament to the transformative power of faith, Donnie McClurkin's journey from personal struggle to gospel stardom is nothing short of inspiring. His soulful vocals and heartfelt lyrics have resonated with fans around the world, earning him numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. As both a pastor and an artist, McClurkin continues to use his platform to uplift others through his music.

  • Mahalia Jackson
    6

    Often hailed as the "Queen of Gospel," Mahalia Jackson's indelible impact on gospel music remains unmatched. With her rich, emotive voice and unwavering devotion to her faith, Jackson paved the way for countless artists who followed in her footsteps. Her legendary performances at historic events like the March on Washington further solidified her status as a cultural icon.

  • Fred Hammond
    7
    1,232 votes

    Fred Hammond's distinctive voice and musical versatility have solidified him as a beloved figure in gospel music history. With roots in both traditional gospel choirs and contemporary Christian groups, Hammond's ability to bridge the gap between genres is a testament to his talent and dedication. His work as a singer, songwriter, and producer has not only earned him numerous accolades but also inspired countless up-and-coming artists in the gospel community.

  • Shirley Caesar
    8
    1,235 votes

    Affectionately known as the "First Lady of Gospel Music," Shirley Caesar's illustrious career has spanned over half a century. Her powerful voice and commanding stage presence have made her an enduring icon in the genre. Caesar's unwavering commitment to spreading the gospel through music has earned her countless awards, including multiple Grammy Awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

  • As part of the legendary Winans family dynasty, siblings BeBe and CeCe Winans have left an indelible mark on gospel music history. Their seamless harmonies and captivating stage presence have endeared them to fans across generations. The duo's chart-topping hits and numerous awards serve as a testament to their undeniable talent and influence within the genre.

  • Andraé Crouch
    10

    A pioneer in contemporary gospel music, Andraé Crouch's indelible impact on the genre can still be felt today. As a singer, songwriter, arranger, and producer, Crouch was instrumental in bridging the gap between traditional gospel and modern Christian music. His work with iconic artists like Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones further solidified his status as a trailblazer within the industry.

  • John P. Kee
    11
    760 votes

    John P. Kee's fusion of traditional gospel with contemporary sounds has made him a standout artist in the gospel music community. As a singer, songwriter, and producer, he has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry and earned numerous awards for his innovative contributions. His passion for mentoring young artists and fostering their talents further exemplifies his dedication to preserving the future of gospel music.

  • As a member of the legendary Clark Sisters and an accomplished solo artist, Karen Clark Sheard has been captivating audiences with her powerful vocals for decades. Her ability to effortlessly transition between traditional gospel and contemporary Christian music styles showcases her immense talent and versatility. With numerous awards to her name, Sheard's influence on both gospel and mainstream music is undeniable.

  • Marvin Winans
    13
    783 votes

    Another shining star from the illustrious Winans family, Marvin Winans has been leaving his mark on gospel music since the 1980s as part of The Winans group and as a solo artist. Known for his smooth vocals and heartfelt lyrics, Winans' contributions to both traditional and contemporary gospel have earned him numerous accolades throughout his career. In addition to his musical success, Winans also serves as a pastor at Perfecting Faith Church in Detroit.

  • Tasha Cobbs
    14

    Tasha Cobbs

    478 votes

    Tasha Cobbs has quickly become one of the most recognizable voices in modern gospel music since her debut album release in 2010. Her soulful voice combined with her passionate delivery has resonated with fans across generations, earning her numerous awards and chart-topping hits. Cobbs' commitment to using her platform to inspire and uplift others is a testament to her dedication to her faith.

  • Israel Houghton
    15

    Israel Houghton's unique blend of gospel, jazz, and rock has made him a standout artist in the contemporary Christian music scene. As a singer, songwriter, and worship leader, Houghton's passion for his faith is evident in every aspect of his work. With multiple Grammy Awards and chart-topping albums to his name, Houghton's influence on modern worship music is undeniable.

  • Twinkie Clark
    16
    385 votes

    As a member of the legendary Clark Sisters and an accomplished solo artist in her own right, Elbernita "Twinkie" Clark has been an influential figure in gospel music for decades. Known for her powerful voice and impressive piano skills, Clark's contributions to both traditional and contemporary gospel have left an indelible mark on the genre. Her work as a singer, songwriter, and producer further showcases her immense talent and dedication to preserving the legacy of gospel music.

  • As one of gospel music's most dynamic ensembles, Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers have been captivating audiences with their harmonious vocals and uplifting messages since the 1990s. Under the direction of renowned producer and songwriter Donald Lawrence, the group has earned numerous accolades for their innovative contributions to the genre. Their seamless fusion of traditional gospel elements with contemporary sounds has solidified their status as an influential force within the industry.

  • BeBe Winans
    18
    507 votes

    As part of the iconic Winans family dynasty, BeBe Winans has carved out a successful career as both a member of duet BeBe & CeCe Winans and as a solo artist. His smooth vocals and heartfelt lyrics have resonated with fans across generations, earning him numerous awards and chart-topping hits. Winans' dedication to using his platform to inspire and uplift others is a testament to his commitment to his faith.

  • Albertina Walker
    19

    Affectionately known as the "Queen of Gospel Music," Albertina Walker's illustrious career spanned more than six decades. As the founder of the legendary Caravans gospel group, her powerful voice and unwavering devotion to her faith inspired countless artists who followed in her footsteps. Walker's numerous awards and accolades serve as a testament to her enduring influence within the genre.

  • Kurt Carr
    20
    515 votes

    As a singer, songwriter, and producer, Kurt Carr has been an influential figure in contemporary gospel music for more than two decades. Known for his innovative arrangements and ability to blend traditional gospel elements with modern sounds, Carr has earned numerous awards for his contributions to the genre. His work with some of the industry's biggest names further solidifies his status as an essential force within gospel music.

  • Youthful Praise
    21

    Youthful Praise

    412 votes

    Led by renowned choir director James "J.J." Hairston, Youthful Praise has become one of the most celebrated gospel choirs in recent years. Their dynamic performances and powerful vocals have endeared them to fans around the world, earning them numerous awards and chart-topping hits. With their innovative approach to traditional gospel music, Youthful Praise continues to inspire a new generation of worshippers.

  • Deitrick Haddon
    22

    Deitrick Haddon's unique fusion of gospel, R&B, and hip-hop has made him a standout artist in the contemporary Christian music scene. As a singer, songwriter, producer, and actor, Haddon's immense talent and versatility have earned him numerous accolades throughout his career. His commitment to using his platform to share his faith with new audiences further exemplifies his dedication to preserving the future of gospel music.

  • Chris Tomlin
    23
    588 votes

    As one of the most recognizable voices in modern worship music, Chris Tomlin's heartfelt lyrics and passionate delivery have resonated with fans around the world. With numerous chart-topping hits and Grammy Awards to his name, Tomlin's influence on contemporary Christian music is undeniable. His dedication to using his platform to inspire others and share his faith further solidifies his status as an essential figure within the genre.

  • Kim Burrell
    24
    481 votes

    Kim Burrell's unique fusion of jazz, R&B, and traditional gospel elements has made her a standout artist in the contemporary gospel scene. Known for her incredible vocal range and emotive performances, Burrell's contributions to the genre have earned her numerous awards and critical acclaim. Her work as a singer, songwriter, and mentor further showcases her dedication to preserving the future of gospel music.

  • William McDowell
    25

    William McDowell

    259 votes

    As a singer, songwriter, and worship leader, William McDowell has quickly become one of the most recognizable voices in modern gospel music. His heartfelt lyrics and passionate delivery have resonated with fans around the world, earning him numerous awards and chart-topping hits. McDowell's dedication to using his platform to inspire others and share his faith further solidifies his status as an influential figure within the genre.

  • As one of the longest-running groups in gospel music history, the Five Blind Boys of Alabama have been captivating audiences with their harmonious vocals and stirring performances for over seven decades. Their ability to seamlessly blend traditional gospel elements with contemporary sounds has earned them numerous awards and a lasting legacy within the genre. The group's unwavering commitment to sharing their faith through music serves as an inspiration to artists and fans alike.

  • Dottie Peoples
    27

    With a career spanning over four decades, Dottie Peoples has solidified her status as an icon within the gospel music community. Her soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics have touched countless listeners, earning her numerous awards and accolades throughout her career. As both a singer and a songwriter, Peoples continues to use her platform to uplift others through her inspiring music.

  • Don Moen
    28
    598 votes

    As a singer, songwriter, and worship leader, Don Moen has been an influential figure in contemporary Christian music for decades. His heartfelt lyrics and passionate delivery have resonated with fans around the world, earning him numerous awards and chart-topping hits. Moen's dedication to using his platform to inspire others and share his faith is a testament to his commitment to preserving the essence of gospel music.

  • Daryl Coley
    29
    279 votes

    With a career spanning more than three decades, Daryl Coley's contributions to gospel music are undeniable. Known for his smooth vocals and ability to effortlessly transition between traditional gospel and contemporary Christian styles, Coley has left an indelible mark on the genre. His numerous awards and collaborations with some of the industry's biggest names further showcase his immense talent and influence within gospel music.

  • Sinach
    30
    570 votes

    Hailing from Nigeria, Sinach has become one of the most celebrated gospel artists in recent years. Her powerful vocals and uplifting lyrics have resonated with fans around the world, transcending cultural barriers and uniting listeners through their shared faith. With numerous awards and chart-topping hits to her name, Sinach's influence on global gospel music is undeniable.