-
Louis Jordan
Saxophonist Louis Jordan co-composed the 1944 hit "Is You Is or Is You Ain't My Baby." He used elements that would come to define R&B. These elements were the shuffle rhythm, "boogie-woogie" base lines, and short horn patterns and riffs. Jordan is considered the founding father of R&B for laying down the foundation of the sound of R&B now. -
Aretha Franklin
In the late 1960s, the world came to know and love Aretha Franklin as the “Queen of Soul Music.” Her hit recording “Respect” became an anthem of the civil rights struggle and of the nascent women's movement. She blended gospel with jazz, blues and R&B. Franklin influenced countless soul, R&B, and pop artists over the past several decades with her blended style. -
Diana Ross
Diana Ross got most famous from her songs "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and "I'm Coming Out." During the 1960s, she became one of Motown's most successful artists being the lead singer of "the Supremes." Ross regularly paid tribute to the Black musicians who influenced her sound. -
Marvin Gaye
During the 1970s, Gaye recorded the albums 'What's Going On" and "Let's Get It On."He became one of the first artists in Motown to break away from the reins of a production company. His later recordings influenced several contemporary R&B sub genres, such as quiet storm and neo soul. -
Stevie Wonder
Stevie signed to Motown Records at the age of 11, becoming a teenage soul sensation billed as "Little Stevie." In the 1970s, he created a string of classic records: "Talking Book", "Inner visions" and "Songs in the Key of Life." Wonder's use of synthesizers and other electronic musical instruments during the 1970s reshaped the conventions of R&B. -
Luther Vandross
As a featured vocalist on the album "The Glow of Love" in 1980, by the disco group Change, Vandross came to the attention of record executives and signed with Epic, which allowed him to write and produce his own material. His unique blend of soul, jazz, and pop music created a sound that was all his own and he quickly became an icon in the industry. He popularized many styles of singing including background vocals, lush harmonies, and falsetto runs pushing the boundaries of contemporary R&B. -
Whitney Houston
After being a featured vocalist and backup singer for years, young Whitney finally got her big break in the 80s when she drew the attention of major record labels. She earned the longest reigning #1 single on the Hot 100 with “I Will Always Love You.” Whitney Houston influenced successful R&B singers such as Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, and Beyonce. -
Boyz II Men
The group gained international success in 1991, beginning with the release of top 5 singles "Motownphilly" and "It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday." Their number one single "End of the Road" was released in 1992, and topped music charts across the globe. Their combination of hip hop and R&B beats succeed with mainstream audiences in "putting harmony over the hip-hop tracks" that helped usher in the near-total dominance of the R&B genre on the pop charts in the 2000s and 2010. -
Mary J. Blige
In 1992, Blige released her debut album, What's the 411?, which is credited for introducing the mix of R&B and hip hop into mainstream pop culture. -
Usher
The album “My Way” sold over five million copies and broadened Usher’s appeal beyond the R&B field.This album was a success and sparked his fame. He is one of the best selling artists in the world and he has drawn so much attention to the genre from his biggest singles, vocals, and dance moves. -
Beyoncé
Beyoncé achieved fame in the late 1990s as the lead singer of the R&B group Destiny's Child and then launched a hugely successful solo career. "Crazy in Love,” which featured rapper Jay-Z, topped charts around the world. With her having the ability to have a lot of different vocal styles is her impact in R&B. -
Alicia Keys
In 2001, Keys released "Songs in A Minor" a hugely successful debut album that featured a number one hit with “Fallin'” and that went on to sell more than 10 million copies worldwide. Her music combines elements of R&B, hip-hop, jazz, and classical music. She can also play the piano. Her style of blending soul and R&B together influenced others. -
Ella Mai
Ella Mai rose to stardom, thanks to her massive hit “Boo'd Up" (2018). With quite a catalog of songs to perform on shows, she hit the road for a tour with pop star Kehlani where she opened for her. Her music styles come from her biggest icon "Lauryn Hill."