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- Michael Jackson. A dynamic force as the pre-teen frontman of chart-topping family group The Jackson 5, Michael Jackson moonwalked his way into solo superstardom.
- Stevie Wonder. Over the course of his five-decade career, Steveland Morris has often been dubbed the eighth wonder of the world. Blind since birth but blessed with natural gifts as a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Stevie Wonder is one of the few artists able to successfully transition from teen to adult stardom.
- Smokey Robinson. With his piercing green eyes, sweet falsetto and prolific pen, William “Smokey” Robinson has kept females swooning since the ‘60s when he and his group The Miracles helped put Motown on the map with such love-charged hits as “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me” and “Ooo Baby Baby.”
- Ray Charles. Nicknamed “The Genius” for his skills as a singer, songwriter, musician and composer, Ray Charles set off a firestorm in 1955. That’s when he scored his first No. 1 single, “I’ve Got a Woman” — and simultaneously pioneered the soul genre with his game-changing combination of R&B, gospel and blues.
- Michael Jackson. Motown Sound, Rock music, Electronic music. 1,450 votes. The undisputed King of Pop, he began his career as a member of the iconic group The Jackson 5 before skyrocketing to solo superstardom.
- Stevie Wonder. Motown Sound, Psychedelic soul, Pop music. 1,060 votes. Blind since birth, this multi-instrumentalist prodigy defied all odds by becoming one of the most successful and beloved musicians in history.
- Marvin Gaye. Doo-wop, Motown Sound, Rock music. 1,033 votes. 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.
- Aretha Franklin. Pop music, Rock music, Rhythm and blues. 804 votes. Dubbed the Queen of Soul, her powerful voice and emotive delivery made her an unstoppable force in the world of R&B and beyond.
- Beyoncé. Top Song: "Crazy in Love" (2003) Beyoncé, often hailed as the "Queen B," is arguably the epitome of a modern R&B legend. "Crazy in Love," her debut solo single, was a cultural reset - a horn-driven, hip-hop-flavored R&B anthem that showcases her dynamic vocals and commanding stage presence.
- Michael Jackson. Top Song: "Billie Jean" (1982) The "King of Pop," Michael Jackson, infused R&B with pop, rock, and disco, creating a sound that's entirely his own.
- Whitney Houston. Top Song: "I Will Always Love You" (1992) With a voice that's nothing short of legendary, Whitney Houston's rendition of "I Will Always Love You" is one of the best-selling singles of all time.
- Stevie Wonder. Top Song: "Superstition" (1972) A musical prodigy, Stevie Wonder has been delivering iconic hits across genres for decades. "Superstition" sets the standard for funk-infused R&B with its clavinet-driven groove and irresistible melody, solidifying Wonder's status as one of the best R&B artists ever.
During the same time as the album's release, Wonder began touring with the Rolling Stones to alleviate the negative effects from being pigeonholed as an R&B artist in America. [17] His touring with the Stones was also a factor behind the success of both "Superstition" and "You Are the Sunshine of My Life".
Sep 12, 2024 · It wasn’t a massive hit, reaching only Number 11 on R&B charts — but the yearning vocal (which earned Wonder a Grammy for male R&B performance) and lush melody have made it a durable favorite...
- Michaelangelo Matos
Dec 26, 2023 · I’ve put together an essential list of the best R&B artists of all time, celebrating the voices and talents that have defined and evolved the rhythm and blues genre. This collection highlights the timeless music and influential legacies that continue to inspire fans and musicians alike.
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May 15, 2020 · Stevie Wonder is one of the most commercially and critically successful pop artists of the last century, with a peerless career and countless hit singles. Few artists have had such a diverse...