During this period of music, many exceptional male R&B singers emerged, contributing to the genre’s distinct identity. These artists, classified as R&B singers male, are known for their strong vocals, often infusing jazz, blues, hip-hop, and soul elements into their performances. Over time, R&B has evolved as experts blend classic R&B with modern rhythms.
What is R&B music?
R&B is a common name for the popular musical style known as “rhythm and blues,” which began in African-American neighborhoods in the 1940s. It speaks of a post-World War II musical genre that mixes aspects of pop, gospel tunes, blues music, and jazzy with a powerful backbeat. The vocal arrangements are effortless and lush, and the music has a particular recording production technique.
Top 20 Best Male R&B Singers
Male R&B artists have undeniably penned some of the most iconic songs in musical history. This list of prominent figures in the genre encompasses recognizable names, from classic R&B pioneers like Ray Charles and Lionel Richie to 1970s chart-toppers like Curtis Mayfield. These icons transcended their roots in the genre to achieve super-stardom, setting a benchmark for upcoming artists.
Stevie Wonder
Born as Stevland Hardaway Judkins on May 13, 1950, in Saginaw, Michigan, Stevie Wonder displayed musical talent from a young age. As he grew older, his singing voice changed, leading to a temporary hiatus in his music career. After dropping “Little” from his stage name, he pursued piano lessons at the University of Michigan School for the Blind. His comeback came in 1965 with the release of “Uptight,” 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., known professionally as Marvin Gaye, was an influential American singer, songwriter, and record producer. Born on April 2, 1939, in Washington, D.C., Gaye’s soulful voice and poignant lyrics earned him a prominent place in the Motown and R&B music scene. With a career spanning over two decades, Gaye’s music resonates with audiences worldwide, making him an enduring legend in the realm of soul and R&B. Tragically, Marvin Gaye passed away 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 Richie Jr. was a multi-talented artist known for his versatility as a singer, composer, album producer, and media personality. Proficient in various musical genres, including funk, soul, rhythm, and blues, he was particularly adept at seamlessly blending them. Richie’s education and unique background played a pivotal role in shaping his ability to craft emotionally resonant pop songs and heartfelt ballads. He stands as a prominent figure among the icons of male R&B singers.
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 challenged racial stereotypes, shattered records, and revolutionized the music industry. Often hailed as the “King of Pop,” he stands as one of the most influential figures of the 20th century. Michael Jackson’s songs and groundbreaking creativity fundamentally transformed the production and promotion of music.
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, lyricist, musician, and recording composer who gained fame through his online presence. He became well-known for his guitar skills and is celebrated for his solo work. His track “Bad Habit,” a melancholic, spacey song characterized by a subtly unconventional guitar, has skyrocketed in popularity since its release on online streaming platforms.
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 on June 7, 1958, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, was an iconic singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer. He was a prolific artist known for his innovative music style that blended various genres, including R&B, funk, rock, and pop. With hits like “Purple Rain,” “When Doves Cry,” and “Kiss,” Prince became a global sensation and a cultural icon. He was renowned for his virtuosic musical abilities, flamboyant stage presence, and boundary-pushing creativity. His contributions to music and his impact on the industry continue to be celebrated worldwide. Prince passed away on April 21, 2016, 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 music and jazz singer, composer, music producer, and former recording manager who has penned over 4,000 melodies, including numerous Top 40 hits. According to the celebrity wealth report, Smokey boasts a total assets value of $150 million.
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 – MusiCares 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
Ray Charles
Ray Charles Robinson Sr., known universally as “The Genius,” was a seminal figure in music history. Born in New York, he left an indelible mark as a singer, songwriter, and pianist. Ray Charles’s groundbreaking work spanned genres, seamlessly weaving jazz, blues, and gospel elements to create music that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. His innovative approach and unmistakable voice solidify his legacy as one of history’s most influential and powerful musicians.
Popular Songs
1958 – Get on the Right Track Baby
1978 – Give The Poor Man A Break
1959 – Rockhouse
1959 – What’d I Say, PART 1
1980 – Kissa Me Baby
1961 – I’ve Got News for You
1966 – Crying Time
Awards
2005 – Grammy Award for Album of the Year
2005 – Grammy Award for Record of the Year
2005 – Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album
1987 – Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
1991 – Rhythm and Blues Foundation Pioneer Award
1994 – World Music Legend Award for Outstanding contribution
1961 – Grammy Award for Best Vocal Performance
Babyface
Babyface, the stage name used by singer-songwriter-record producer Kenneth Brian Edmonds, originates from the United States. During his entire career, he wrote and recorded more than 26 R&B hits that reached the top of the charts. He has also received 12 Grammy Nominations.
Popular songs:
1987 – Two Occasions
1993 – Never Keeping Secrets
1997 – I Care About You
1989 – Where Will You Go
1996 – Every Time I Close My Eyes
1989 – Whip Appeal
1993 – For the Cool in You
Awards:
1998 – American Music Award for Favorite Male Pop Artist
1998 – NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Album
1994 – Grammy Award for Album of the Year
1995 – Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal
1998, 1995 – American Music Award for Favorite Male
1997, 1995, 1993 – Grammy Award for Best R&B Song
R. Kelly
Robert Sylvester Kelly, known as R. Kelly, is a transformative American artist. Born on January 8, 1967, in Chicago, Illinois, Kelly earned the moniker “the King of R&B” for his groundbreaking work in blending hip-hop and R&B. He is not only a remarkable singer but also a prolific songwriter and accomplished music producer with a collection of over 200 songs for himself and other artists. However, Kelly’s career is also marked by controversy and legal issues, sparking crucial conversations about art, artists, and personal conduct.
Popular songs:
2013 – Legs Shakin’
2003 – Step In the Name of Love
2005 – Trapped in the Closet
1993 – It Seems Like You’re Ready
1993 – Your Body’s Callin’
1993 – Bump n’ Grind
1998 – I’m Your Angel
Awards:
1998 – Grammy Award for Best R&B Song
2001 – Billboard Music Award for Top R&B Song
1998 – Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media
2003 – BET Award for Best Male R&B/Pop Artist
2000 – Soul Train Music Award for Best Album of the Year
2001 – Billboard Music Award for Top R&B Album artist
Curtis Mayfield
Curtis Lee Mayfield, born on June 3, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois, was an influential American singer, songwriter, guitarist, and music composer. He rose to prominence as a member of the R&B vocal group The Impressions, where his distinctive falsetto and socially conscious lyrics symbolized the civil rights movement in the 1960s.
Mayfield’s innovative songwriting and production techniques paved the way for a new era of soul music. His solo career flourished with albums like “Curtis” and “Super Fly,” showcasing his remarkable musical talent and addressing pertinent social issues of the time. His enduring legacy lies in his musical contributions and his dedication to using his art as a vehicle for positive change.
Popular songs:
1970 – Move On Up
1972 – Freddie’s Dead
1971 – Superfly
1972 – Pusherman
1970 – If There’s a Hell Below We’re All
1971 – Keep on Keeping On
Awards:
Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award – 1995
Grammy Legend Award – 1995
Rhythm and Blues Foundation Pioneer Award for Individual Artist – 1991
Soul Train Music Award for Heritage Award for Career Achievement – 1997
Luther Vandross
Luther Ronzoni Vandross Jr. was an accomplished American jazz and R&B musician celebrated for his songwriting and record production. Luther Vandross is an iconic figure in American music history known for his mastery of blues and rock. His rich, velvety voice and emotionally charged performances garnered him numerous awards and a devoted fan base. Vandross’s music resonates with audiences worldwide, solidifying his legacy as a true R&B legend.
Popular songs:
2003 – Dance with My Father
1981 – Never Too Much
1981 – A House Is Not a Home
1994 – Endless Love
1979 – Good Times
1978 – I Want Your Love
Awards:
1992 – Grammy Award for Best R&B Song
2004 – Grammy Award for Best R&B Album
1992, 2003 – American Music Award for Favorite Album
2003, 2002, 1996 – American Music Award for Favorite Male Artist Soul/R&B
1970, 2011 – Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance
James Brown
James Joseph Brown, often hailed as “the Hardest-Working Man in Show Business,” was an American musical trailblazer known for pioneering funk genre contributions. He revolutionized the live performance experience in American music, leaving an indelible mark on 20th-century entertainment. His electrifying stage presence set new standards and continues influencing generations of performers. James Brown’s groundbreaking music and dynamic stage presence earned him the enduring title of the “Godfather of Soul,” solidifying his legacy as an icon in the history of popular music.
Popular songs:
1964 – I Got You
1976 – Get Up Offa That Thing
1970 – Get Up Sex Machine
1973 – The Payback
1958 – Please, Please, Please
1973 – The Boss
1958 – Try Me!
Awards:
2003 – Kennedy Center Honors
1966 – Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance
1992 – Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
1992 – American Music Award of Merit
1987 – Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance
2003 – BET Lifetime Achievement Award
Aaron Neville
Aaron Joseph Neville, a distinguished R&B and soul vocalist, has achieved remarkable success with four platinum records and four U.S. top-ten hits. His 1966 single “Tell It Like It Is” not only secured the top spot on the Adult Current list on Billboard but also dominated the Soul list for an impressive five weeks.
Popular songs:
1966 – Tell It Like It Is
1993 – The Grand Tour
1996 – Yellow Moon
1993 – Don’t Take Away My Heaven
1991 – Everybody Plays the Fool
1986 – Pledging My Love
Awards:
Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo/Group with Vocals – 1991, 1990
Grammy Award for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals – 1995
Grammy Award for Best American Roots Performance – 2023
NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Gospel Artist – 2001
Chris Brown
Christopher Maurice Brown, an American musician, songwriter, rap artist, dancer, and filmmaker, is also recognized for his acting prowess. Among his peers, he is hailed as the “King of R&B,” solidifying his status as one of the finest male R&B singers of all time. With a career spanning over two decades, Chris Brown has consistently delivered chart-topping hits, showcasing his exceptional talent and versatility.
Popular songs:
2019 – Under The Influence
2011 – Look at Me Now
2021 – Go Crazy
2023 – Summer Too Hot
2022 – Superhero
2023 – How We Roll
2005 – Gimme That
Awards:
2012 – Grammy Award for Best R&B Album
2011 – BET Award for Video of the Year
2008 – American Music Award for Artist of the Year
2011, 2020 – BET Award for Best Collaboration
2006, 2008 – Billboard Music Award for Top Artist
2012 – MTV Video Music Award for Best Choreography TheDemoStop, now join the community!
Usher
Usher Raymond IV, a versatile artist from the United States, has left an indelible mark on the R&B music scene. His eponymous debut album catapulted him to fame, and releases like “My Way” solidified his position as a prominent figure in the late 1990s music landscape.
Popular songs:
2014 – I Don’t Mind
2010 – DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love
2001 – U Got It Bad
2004 – My Boo
2004 – Superstar
2008 – Love in this Club
Awards:
2005 – Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance
2005 – Kids’ Choice Award for Favorite Song
2005 – Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo/Group with Vocals
2013 – Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance
2004 – Billboard Music Award for Top Hot 100 Song
2004 – American Music Award for Favorite Pop Album
Bruno Mars
Bruno Mars, born Peter Gene Hernandez, is a versatile American artist known for his prowess in various musical genres, including R&B, reggae, disco, soul, pop, and rock. His live performances are renowned for their electrifying energy and classic showmanship
Popular songs:
2010 – Talking to the Moon
2012 – Locked Out of Heaven
2010 – Just the Way You Are
2016 – That’s What I Like
2012 – When I Was Your Man
2012 – Treasure
Awards:
2018 – Grammy Award for Album of the Year
2014 – Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album
2018, 2012 – Grammy Award for Song of the Year
2013 – MTV Europe Music Award for Best Song
2018, 2022 – Grammy Award for Best R&B Song
2017 – American Music Award for Artist of the Year
The Weeknd
The Weeknd, born Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, is a Canadian musician, songwriter, and artist celebrated for his innovative musical style, boundary-pushing reinventions, and unique utilization of the operatic vocal range. He has become a trailblazer in contemporary music with a string of chart-topping hits.
Popular songs:
2020 – Blinding Lights
2016 – Die for You
2020 – Save Your Tears
2018 – I Was Never There
2016 – Starboy
2022 – Is There Someone Else?
Awards:
Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance – 2022
Grammy Award for Best Progressive R&B Album – 2018, 2016
MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year – 2020
Billboard Music Award for Top Artist – 2021
Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance – 2016
John Legend
John Legend, the stage name of American singer-songwriter John Roger Stephens, initially entered the music scene as a studio musician, providing piano accompaniment for Lauryn Hill’s “Everything Is Everything” and making uncredited cameo appearances on Jay-Z’s “Encore.” His musical prowess would later propel him to international stardom.
Popular songs:
2022- On Time
2013 – All of Me
2017 – Beauty and the Beast
2022 – Nervous
2021 – In My Mind
2012 – Who Did That to You?
2022 – Minefields
Awards:
2015 – Academy Award for Best Music (Original Song)
2020 – Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance
2011 – Grammy Award for Best R&B Song
2015 – Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song
2015 – BET Award for Best Collaboration
2016 – Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media
2006, 2011, 2021 – Grammy Award for Best R&B Album
Trey Songz
Trey Songz, born Tremaine Aldon Neverson, emerged as a prominent new R&B male artist when he signed with Atlantic Recordings in 2005. His debut studio album, “I Gotta Make It,” was introduced to the world by music producer Troy Taylor in July of that same year, marking the beginning of his influential musical journey.
Popular songs:
2010 – Bottoms Up
2012 – Heart Attack
2009 – I Invented Sex
2014 – Slow Motion
2014 – Mr. Steal Your Girl
2007 – Can’t Help but Wait
Awards:
BET Award for Best Male R&B/Pop Artist – 2010
Soul Train Music Award for Best R&B/Soul Male Artist – 2014, 2010
MuchMusic Video Award for Best Hip Hop Video – 2010
Top 5 Male Lead Singers in R&B Groups
Ralph Tresvant – New Edition
Ralph Edward Tresvant, known for being the lead vocalist of the renowned R&B group New Edition, is a versatile American musician and composer. Transitioning into a solo career, Tresvant achieved platinum-certified sales with his album “Ralph Tresvant.” With a career spanning four decades as a prominent member of New Edition and a successful solo artist, he continues to captivate audiences with his exceptional talent and musical contributions.
Aaron Hall – Guy
Aaron Robin Hall III, a singer-songwriter of Caribbean heritage, rose to prominence in 1988 as a member of Guy, an influential R&B and modern jack swing group he co-founded alongside Teddy Riley and Timmy Gatling in the late 1980s. Later, Hall’s brother Damion Hall joined the group alongside them. Aaron Hall, distinguished among 80s R&B male artists, embarked on his solo career with the release of “The Truth” in 1993.
Teddy Riley – Blackstreet
The genre of modern jack swing, a fusion of R&B and hip hop, is credited to American musician, songwriter, and album composer Edward Theodore Riley. He founded Guy and Blackstreet’s musical groups and served as their lead singer. In late 1991, Riley initiated a second band called Blackstreet.
Raphael Saadiq – Tony! Toni! Toné!
The American soul and R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné! gained popularity in the late 1980s and early 1990s, hailing from Oakland, California. Raphael Saadiq, an American musician, lyricist, multi-instrumentalist, and music composer, rose to prominence as a member of the platinum-selling trio Tony Toni Toné! As the cherished R&B group’s lead singer and guitarist, Saadiq played a pivotal role in their success.
Jason “Jase” – Soul For Real
Jason “Jase” Oliver Dalyrimple, formerly known as Jase4Real, remains an active figure in the R&B music scene. As the key member of the platinum-selling R&B group Soul For Real, he is gearing up for the release of another single record. Notably, both the single “Love Again” by Soul For Real and the self-titled track “If You Feelin’ Like Me” by Jase were released in 2016.