Hi, people who like music! Prepare to enter the smooth and soulful world of R&B. There’s something for everyone. There are a lot of great R&B acts, but let’s look at the newest and best ones.
The Greatest R&B Singers of All Time
A lot of great talents have come from R&B over the years. But who really stands out as the best?
Who is the best male R&B singer of all time?
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. Along his colorful journey, the Motown mainstay churned out a series of pioneering and still influential albums, including his signature masterpiece Songs in the Key of Life.
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Now this is a tough question, but a lot of people would say that the winner is Stevie Wonder. He changed R&B and music in general with his soulful singing, huge vocal range, and amazing songwriting skills. Hits from the past like “Superstition” and “Isn’t She Lovely” are still huge hits today.
Marvin Gaye’s sensuous tenor had already left an impressive imprint during a ‘60s run that included engaging duets with Tammi Terrell and a spirited revamp of “I Heard It Through the Grapevine.” Then the preacher’s kid answered his true calling — and redefined R&B/soul — with the socially themed 1971 landmark album What’s Going On.
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But don’t forget about other greats like Luther Vandross, Sam Cooke, and Marvin Gaye. R&B as we know it got its start with these guys. And of course, we can’t forget about current stars like Usher and R. Kelly, whose legacy is, to say the least, complicated.
Who is considered the queen of R&B?
Beyoncé is the name that comes to mind when you think of the queen of R&B. From her time with Destiny’s Child to her work as a single artist, Queen Bey has had hit after hit. She is a powerful artist because of her mesmerizing shows, strong voice, and influence on culture.
Mariah Carey is one of the best-selling and most-awarded female artists in the music industry. Known for her five-octave vocal range and use of the whistle register, Carey has won five Grammy Awards from 34 nominations.
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But at different times, other divas have also claimed the throne. Just think of Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, and Whitney Houston. With their beautiful voices and powerful shows, these women have all changed R&B.
Top R&B Artists Right Now
R&B is still going strong, and a new group of acts is pushing the style forward. Who is making waves in R&B right now?
Rising Stars and Chart-Toppers
Her debut compilation, H.E.R., was published in 2017. It was critically acclaimed, winning the Grammy Award for Best R&B Album and the Soul Train Music Award for Album of the Year, while the lead single “Best Part” with Daniel Caesar was recognized with the Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance. Her second collection, I Used to Know Her (2019), contains the single “Hard Place”, which earns the singer her first BET Awards. The same year she was recognized for Outstanding Female Artist at the NAACP Image Awards.
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Nowadays, some of the most popular R&B acts are:
- The Weeknd: This Canadian superstar’s unique mix of R&B and pop has been taking over the charts.
- H.E.R.: Best known for her soulful singing and guitar skills, H.E.R. gives modern R&B a new sound.
- Daniel Caesar: Daniel is making people all over the world fall in love with his smooth singing and deep lyrics.
- SZA is one of the most exciting R&B acts right now because she sings in a real and honest way.
- When Jhené Aiko mixes R&B with hip-hop and soul, she makes a sound that is dreamy and airy.
Not only are these artists keeping R&B alive, they’re also making it better and getting new fans all the time.
From Classic to Modern, R&B Has Changed Over Time
From its beginnings in the 1940s and 1950s, R&B has come a long way. The main parts of rhythm and blues are still there, but modern R&B often has hip-hop, pop, and even computerized music in it.
Frank Ocean, Janelle Monáe, and Tyler, the Creator are artists who are pushing the limits of what R&B can be. They’re exploring difficult ideas, trying new production techniques, and making music that speaks to a new age.
Which R&B singer is the best? That question doesn’t have a clear answer. Which is more important to you: singing skills, cultural effect, songwriting skills, or artistry as a whole? In terms of acts, R&B has given us some of the best and most important ones in music history.
There is something for everyone in R&B, whether you like old hits or new artists. Enjoy your favorite music by playing R&B music. It’s unclear. There could be a new R&B artist out there right now, ready to blow us all away with their voice and style.
