Top R&B Male Singers of the Music Industry

 

Many exceptional R&B singers male emerged during this period of music, contributing to the genre's distinct identity. These artists are known for their powerful vocals, and they frequently incorporate jazz, blues, hip-hop, and soul elements into their performances. R&B has evolved over time as experts blend classic R&B with modern rhythms.

What is R&B music?

R&B is a colloquial term for the popular musical style known as "rhythm and blues," which originated in African-American communities in the 1940s. It refers to a post-World War II musical genre that combines elements of pop, gospel music, blues music, and jazz with a strong backbeat. The vocal arrangements are effortless and lush, and the music is produced in a unique way.

Best Male R&B Singers

Male R&B artists have unquestionably written some of music's most iconic songs. From classic R&B pioneers like Ray Charles and Lionel Richie to 1970s chart-toppers like Curtis Mayfield, this list of prominent figures in the genre includes well-known names. These icons transcended their genre roots to achieve super-stardom, establishing a standard for upcoming artists.

Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder, born Stevland Hardaway Judkins on May 13, 1950, in Saginaw, Michigan, demonstrated musical talent at a young age. His singing voice changed as he grew older, resulting in a brief hiatus in his music career. He pursued piano lessons at the University of Michigan School for the Blind after dropping "Little" from his stage name. His comeback album, "Uptight," was released in 1965, marking his transition to being widely known as "Stevie Wonder" and establishing himself as a seasoned musician.

Popular songs:

1962 – A Tribute to Uncle Ray

1972 – Talking Book

1973 – Innervisions

1974 – Fulfillingness’ First Finale

1976 – Songs in the Key of Life

1973 – Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing”

1970 – “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)”

Awards:

1977, 1975, 1974 – Grammy Award for Album of the Year

1985 – Academy Award for Best Music (Original Song)

1999- Kennedy Center Honors

1996 – Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award

1996, 1975, 1974 – Grammy Award for Best R&B Song

1985 – Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song

1987 – Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals

Grammy Award for Producer of the Year, Non-Classical – 1977

Marvin Gaye

Marvin Pentz Gay Jr., better known as Marvin Gaye, was a well-known American singer, songwriter, and record producer. Gaye, who was born on April 2, 1939, in Washington, D.C., rose to prominence in the Motown and R&B music scenes with his soulful voice and poignant lyrics. Gaye's music has resonated with audiences around the world for over two decades, making him an enduring legend in the realms of soul and R&B. Marvin Gaye died tragically on April 1, 1984, leaving behind a profound musical legacy.

Popular Songs

1973 – Let’s Get It On

1967 – United

1977 – Live at the London Palladium

1971 – What’s Going On

1968 – You’re All I Need

1968 – In the Groove

Awards

1996 – Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award

1988 – NAACP Image Award – Hall of Fame Award

1971 – NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Album

1983 – Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance

1983 – Grammy Award for Best R&B Instrumental Performance

1983 – American Music Award for Favorite Soul/R&B Single

Lionel Richie

Lionel Brockman is an Englishman. Richie Jr. was a multi-talented artist who excelled as a singer, composer, album producer, and media personality. He was skilled in a variety of musical genres, including funk, soul, rhythm and blues, and was especially skilled at blending them. Richie's education and unique background shaped his ability to write emotionally resonant pop songs and heartfelt ballads. He is regarded as a prominent figure among male R&B singer icons.

Popular songs:

1985 – We Are the World

1983 – Hello, Can’t Slow Down

1981 – Endless Love

1986 – Say You, Say Me

1978 – Three Times a Lady – Natural High

1977 – Easy – The Commodores

Awards:

1986 – Grammy Award for Song of the Year

2022 – American Music Awards Icon Award

1985 – Grammy Award for Producer of the Year, Non-Classical

1985 – Grammy Award for Album of the Year

1986 – Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song

2014 – BET Lifetime Achievement Award

Michael Jackson

Michael Joseph Jackson was a musician, composer, dancer, and humanitarian who broke records, challenged racial stereotypes, and revolutionized the music industry. He is widely regarded as the "King of Pop," and he is one of the most influential figures of the twentieth century. Michael Jackson's songs and innovative creativity fundamentally altered music production and promotion.

Popular songs:

1982 – Beat It – Thriller

1982 – Billie Jean

1982 – Thriller Megamix

1991 – Heal the World

1991 – Remember the Time

1979 – Rock With You

1991 – Will You Be There

Awards:

2010 – Lifetime Achievement Award

1996 – Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals

1983 – Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program

1994 – Performance in a Music Special or Series

1996 – Artist of a Generation Award

1989 – British Video of the Year

Steve Lacy

Steve Thomas Lacy-Moya is a singer, songwriter, musician, and recording composer who rose to prominence due to his online presence. He rose to prominence as a guitarist and is well-known for his solo work. Since its release on online streaming platforms, his song "Bad Habit," a melancholic, spacey song characterized by a subtly unconventional guitar, has skyrocketed in popularity.

Popular songs:

2018 – Hold On, Hive Mind

2022 – Bad Habit

2020 – Infrunami

2017 – Dark Red

2022 – Static

2015 – C U Girl

2022 – Give You the World

2015 – Special Affair

2023 – Grammy Award for Best Progressive R&B Album

2023 – Grammy Award for Best Progressive R&B Album

2022 – New Artist of the Year

2023 – Outstanding Breakthrough Music Artist

2023 – UK Music Video Awards for Best R&B/Soul Video – International

2023 – Grammy Award for Best Pop Solo Performance

Prince

Prince, born Prince Rogers Nelson in Minneapolis, Minnesota on June 7, 1958, was an iconic singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer. He was a prolific artist known for his innovative music style, which fused various genres such as R&B, funk, rock, and pop. With hits like "Purple Rain," "When Doves cry," and "Kiss," Prince became a worldwide sensation and cultural icon. He was known for his virtuosic musical abilities, flamboyant stage presence, and out-of-the-box thinking. His contributions to music and impact on the industry are still celebrated around the world. On April 21, 2016, Prince died, leaving behind a legacy of timeless music.

Popular songs:

1984 – Purple Rain

1979 – I Wanna Be Your Lover

1999 – Little Red Corvette

1986 – Kiss

1984 – When Doves Cry

1995 – The Most Beautiful Girl in the World

1987 – U Got the Look

Awards:

1991 – ASCAP Film and Television Music Awards

2010 – BET Award

2016 – Boston Society of Film Critics Awards

1996 – Brit Awards

2017 – Grammy Award for Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical

2008 – Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance

2006 – Webby Lifetime Achievement

Smokey Robinson

William "Smokey" Robinson Jr. is an American R&B and jazz singer, composer, music producer, and former record label executive who has written over 4,000 songs, including several Top 40 hits. Smokey has a total asset value of $150 million, according to the celebrity wealth report.

Popular Songs

1965 – Tracks of My Tears

1975 – The Agony and the Ecstasy

1981 – Being with You

1987 – Just to See Her

1967 – The Tears of A Clown

1973 – Baby Come Close

1978 – Daylight & Darkness

Awards:

2023 – Musicales Person of the Year

1999 – Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award

2015 – BET Lifetime Achievement Award

1997 – Rhythm and Blues Foundation Pioneer Award

1988 – Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal

1991 – Soul Train Music Award for Heritage Award

1991 – Grammy Legend Award

 

Top 5 Male Lead Singers in R&B Groups

Ralph Tresvant – New Edition

Ralph Edward Tresvant is a versatile American musician and composer best known as the lead vocalist of the renowned R&B group New Edition. Tresvant's platinum-certified album "Ralph Tresvant" marked his transition into a solo career. He continues to captivate audiences with his exceptional talent and musical contributions despite a four-decade career as a prominent member of New Edition and a successful solo artist.

Aaron Hall – Guy

Aaron Robin Hall III, a Caribbean-born singer-songwriter, rose to prominence in 1988 as a member of Guy, an influential R&B and modern jack swing group he co-founded in the late 1980s with Teddy Riley and Timmy Gatling. Later, Damion Hall, Hall's brother, joined the group. Aaron Hall, a notable R&B male artist of the 1980s, launched his solo career with the release of "The Truth" in 1993.

Teddy Riley – Blackstreet

Edward Theodore Riley, an American musician, songwriter, and album composer, is credited with inventing modern jack swing, a fusion of R&B and hip hop. He founded Guy and Blackstreet's musical groups and was the lead singer for both. Riley formed a second band, Blackstreet, in late 1991.

Raphael Saadiq – Tony! Toni! Toné!

Tony! Toni! Toné!, an American soul and R&B group from Oakland, California, rose to prominence in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Raphael Saadiq is a musician, lyricist, multi-instrumentalist, and music composer from the United States who rose to prominence as a member of the platinum-selling trio Tony Toni Toné! Saadiq was the beloved R&B group's lead singer and guitarist, and he was instrumental in their success.

Jason “Jase” – Soul For Real

Jason "Jase" Oliver Dalyrimple, formerly Jase4Real, is still active in the R&B music scene. He is preparing to release another single as a key member of the platinum-selling R&B group Soul For Real. Notably, Soul For Real's single "Love Again" and Jase's self-titled track "If You Feelin' Like Me" were both released in 2016.