R&B has given us some of music’s most iconic voices and unforgettable songs. From the smooth crooning of Marvin Gaye to the powerhouse vocals of Aretha Franklin, these legendary artists have left an indelible mark on the genre and continue to inspire generations of musicians.
Here are the 15 R&B legends who shaped the sound of soul and redefined what it means to be a vocal virtuoso.
1. Marvin Gaye
Marvin Gaye revolutionized R&B in the 1970s with his silky, smooth voice and socially conscious lyrics. His album “What’s Going On” tackled issues like war, poverty, and racial injustice, while hits like “Let’s Get It On” and “Sexual Healing” showcased his sensual side.
Gaye’s influence can be heard in the work of countless artists who followed in his footsteps.
Tragically, Gaye’s life was cut short in 1984 when he was shot and killed by his father. Despite his untimely death, his legacy lives on through his music, inspiring and moving listeners.
2. Aretha Franklin
Known as the “Queen of Soul,” Aretha Franklin possessed one of music’s most powerful and expressive voices. Her signature song, “Respect,” became an anthem for the civil rights and women’s movements.
At the same time, her gospel-infused performances on tracks like “Think” and “Chain of Fools” showcased her unparalleled vocal range and emotional depth.
Franklin’s impact extended far beyond the world of music. She was a trailblazer for women in the industry and a vocal advocate for civil rights. When she passed away in 2018, the world mourned the loss of a true icon.
3. Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder’s innovative blend of R&B, soul, and pop has made him one of the most influential musicians ever.
With hits like “Superstition,” “I Just Called to Say I Love You,” and “Isn’t She Lovely,” Wonder’s music is characterized by its infectious melodies, socially conscious lyrics, and virtuosic musicianship.
Despite being blind since birth, Wonder has never let his disability hold him back.
He has won 25 Grammy Awards, sold over 100 million records worldwide, and been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
4. Ray Charles
Often referred to as “The Genius,” Ray Charles was a pioneer of soul music who blended R&B, gospel, and blues to create a sound all his own. His hits, such as “Georgia on My Mind,” “Hit the Road Jack,” and “I Got a Woman,” showcased his emotive vocals and piano playing.
Charles’ influence can be heard in the work of countless artists who followed in his footsteps, from Aretha Franklin to Stevie Wonder.
He was also a trailblazer for black musicians in the segregated music industry of the 1950s and 60s.
5. Sam Cooke
With his smooth, velvety voice and impeccable phrasing, Sam Cooke was one of the most influential soul singers of the 1950s and 1960s. His hits, such as “You Send Me,” “Chain Gang,” and “A Change Is Gonna Come,” showcased his ability to convey deep emotion through his vocals. (ref)
Tragically, Cooke’s life was cut short in 1964 when he was shot and killed at the age of 33.
Despite his untimely death, his influence can still be heard in the work of countless R&B and soul artists who followed in his footsteps.
6. James Brown
Known as the “Godfather of Soul,” James Brown was a dynamic performer whose high-energy shows and funky grooves helped define the sound of R&B in the 1960s and 70s.
His hits like “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag,” “I Got You (I Feel Good),” and “Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine” are still beloved by fans today.
Brown was also a major influence on the development of funk music. His signature dance moves and flashy stage presence made him one of the most electrifying live performers ever.
His impact on popular music cannot be overstated.
7. Otis Redding
With his raw, powerful vocals and passionate performances, Otis Redding was one of the most influential soul singers of the 1960s. His hits, such as “Try a Little Tenderness,” “These Arms of Mine,” and “Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay,” showcased his ability to convey deep feelings through his music.
Tragically, Redding died in a plane crash in 1967 at the age of 26.
Despite his short career, he left an indelible mark on the world of R&B and soul music, and his influence can still be heard in the work of countless artists today.
8. Al Green
With his smooth, soulful voice and romantic lyrics, Al Green was one of the most successful R&B singers of the 1970s. His hits, such as “Let’s Stay Together,” “Tired of Being Alone,” and “Love and Happiness,” are still beloved by fans today.
In addition to his musical success, Green is also known for his spiritual journey. In the late 1970s, he became an ordained pastor and recorded gospel music.
Despite this shift in focus, he continued to be a major influence on R&B and soul music.
9. Smokey Robinson
As the frontman of The Miracles and a successful solo artist, Smokey Robinson was one of the most influential figures in Motown Records’ history. His hits, such as “The Tracks of My Tears,” “Cruisin’,” and “Being with You,” showcased his smooth, velvety voice and poetic lyrics.
Robinson was also a talented songwriter, penning hits for other Motown artists like The Temptations and Marvin Gaye.
His influence on the sound of R&B and soul music cannot be overstated, and he continues to be revered as one of the greatest vocalists of all time.
10. Luther Vandross
With his silky smooth voice and romantic ballads, Luther Vandross was one of the most successful R&B singers of the 1980s and 90s. His hits, such as “Never Too Much,” “Here and Now,” and “Dance with My Father,” showcased his incredible vocal range and emotional depth.
Vandross was also a talented songwriter and producer, working with artists like Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, and Mariah Carey.
His influence on the sound of contemporary R&B is still felt today.
11. Prince
While he is often remembered for his flamboyant stage presence and genre-defying music, Prince was also an incredible vocalist with unmatched range and power. His hits, such as “Purple Rain,” “When Doves Cry,” and “Kiss,” showcased his ability to convey emotion through his vocals.
Prince was also a talented multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, penning hits for other artists like Sinead O’Connor and The Bangles.
His influence on popular music is immeasurable, and he continues to be revered as one of the greatest artists ever.
12. Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston was among the most successful female artists with her powerful, soaring vocals and passionate performances. Her hits, such as “I Will Always Love You,” “Greatest Love of All,” and “I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” showcased her incredible range and ability to connect with audiences.
Houston’s influence extended far beyond the world of music. She was a trailblazer for women in the industry and a vocal advocate for various charitable causes.
When she passed away in 2012, the world mourned the loss of a true icon.
13. Michael Jackson
Known as the “King of Pop,” Michael Jackson was also an incredible R&B vocalist whose smooth, soulful voice helped define the genre’s sound in the 1970s and 80s. His solo hits, such as “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” and “Man in the Mirror,” showcased his vocal range and ability to convey emotion through his music.
Jackson’s influence on popular music and culture is immeasurable. He broke down barriers for black artists in the music industry and paved the way for countless performers who followed in his footsteps.
His legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians.
14. Chaka Khan
With her powerful, soulful voice and dynamic stage presence, Chaka Khan has been a force in the world of R&B for over five decades. Her hits with the band Rufus, like “Tell Me Something Good” and “Sweet Thing,” as well as her solo tracks like “I’m Every Woman” and “Ain’t Nobody,” have become classics of the genre.
Khan’s influence can be heard in the work of countless artists who followed in her footsteps, from Mary J. Blige to Erykah Badu.
She continues to be celebrated as one of the greatest vocalists ever.
15. Beyoncé
As the most successful female artist of the 21st century, Beyoncé has redefined what it means to be an R&B vocalist. Her hits, such as “Crazy in Love,” “Irreplaceable,” and “Formation,” showcase her incredible range, power, and emotional depth.
But Beyoncé’s influence extends far beyond her music. She is a vocal advocate for women’s rights and racial justice, using her platform to raise awareness about important social issues.
Her talent, charisma, and fearless spirit cemented her place as one of the greatest R&B artists ever.
As we look to the future of R&B, their influence will undoubtedly keep shaping the sound and spirit of this beloved genre for years to come.
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Nancy Maffia
Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.
