Aaron Neville

Although Aaron Neville is often compared to singer Sam Cooke in terms of sheer vocal refinement, he has a voice and style uniquely his own. He is well known as part of the New Orleans sound of the Neville Brothers. Yet, aside from the 1967 number one R&B hit "Tell It Like It Is," few have heard his incredible early solo recordings. Many of the first recordings of Neville, in the early and mid-'60s, were arranged, produced, and often written by the brilliant Allen Toussaint -- another talent only later being really appreciated. Most of these sides were cut for the Minit and, later, Parlo labels. Songs like "She Took You for a Ride" and "You Think You're So Smart" on Parlo are masterpieces. While his more recent work, including that with Linda Ronstadt, makes for pleasant listening, it lacks the sheer persuasion of his early songs. Neville has re-recorded his early work often, and it is important to hear the originals. The early sides are just waiting to be heard. Neville has ventured more into other waters besides R&B. 1993's The Grand Tour included a remake of a George Jones song that got Neville a little country attention, and he announced plans in 1994 to do a complete country album. He was also one of several R&B artists who teamed with country stars for the Rhythm Country and Blues session. Neville was paired with Trisha Yearwood, and the duo also performed together in a benefit concert for the LP held in Los Angeles in April 1994. The LP made history by debuting in the Top Ten on the pop, R&B, and country charts. 

Adele

Adele is an English soul and pop singer who has made a name for herself after her debut album “19” went 4x Platinum. Her second album “21” went 9x Platinum, helping her earn six Grammy Awards. Her hit singles are “Chasing Pavements,” “Rolling in the Deep,” “Someone Like You,” “Set Fire to the Rain,” and “Rumour Has It.” Adel has won three American Music Awards, twelve Billboard Music Awards, three BRIT Awards, and six Grammy Awards. Adel is the first female to have three singles in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 at the same time, and VH1 ranked her at number five on the list of the “100 Greatest Women In Music.” 

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Al Green

Al Green has had thirteen Top Forty hits that helped keep the sound of soul pure and alive in the Seventies. Green has sold over 20 million records and is known to be one of the most talented voices in soul music. In 1972 and 1973, Green had six singles in the Top Ten list including, "Look What You Done for Me," "Let's Stay Together," "You Ought to Be With Me," "I'm Still in Love With You," "Call Me" and "Here I Am." "Let's Stay Together" peaked the R&B charts for nine weeks and the pop charts for one week. Al Green set a standard for soul music and created a new kind of soul which incorporated a Memphis based Stax-Volt sound with a sweeter delivery of Motown. 

Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys exploded on the music scene in June 2001 with her debut single, Songs In A Minor. It sold over 10 million copies worldwide, making her a household name. Alicia followed her debut album with The Diary of Alicia Keys. The album sold over 618,000 copies in its first week and was highly praised by critics. Alicia has won 9 Grammy Awards, 3 American Music Awards, 11 Billboard Music Awards, and 2 MTV Video Music Awards. Alicia's unmistakable blend of soul, hip-hop, and jazz music combined with classical elements, sets her apart from any other artist to date.

Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin is an American soul singer who shot onto the scene in 1965 and has had a music career that has extended over half a century. She has released an astonishing 40 records throughout her career. Some of the most popular include, “I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You,” and “Aretha Now.” Her hit songs include, “I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You), “Respect,” “Baby I Love You,” “Chain of Fools,” “Something He Can Feel,” and “Spanish Harlem.” Rolling Stone magazine named Franklin “The Greatest Singer of All Time.” She has also won 18 Grammy Awards and two honorary Grammy Awards. Franklin has the most million selling singles out of any female artist of all time and she became the first female to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Billy Ocean

Billy Ocean is a British R&B and pop recording artist that hit the big time in the 1970s. Ocean has released nine studio albums starting with “Billy Ocean” which was released in 1976. His debut album was followed by, “City Limit,” “Nights,” “Inner Feelings,” “Suddenly,” “Love Zone,” “Tear Down These Walls,” “Time to Move On,” and “Because I Love You.” His chart topping singles are, “Caribbean Queen,” “Loverboy,” “There’ll Be Sad Songs,” and “Get Outta My Dreams.” Ocean has won a Grammy Award for his worldwide hit, “Caribbean Queen,” and a Lifetime Achievement Award for his lasting influence in the music industry.

Brian Mcknight

Brian McKnight is an American R&B musician possibly most acknowledged for his strong falsetto range. In 1992, Brian’s McKnight’s self titled album was released and was followed by “I Remember You,” “Anytime,” “Bethlehem,” “Back at One,” “Superhero,” “U Turn,” “Gemini,” “Ten,” “Evolution of a Man,” and “Just Me.” His hit songs include, “Anytime,” “Still,” “What We Do Here," and "Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda.” McKnight has been nominated for 16 Grammy Awards and has won a Soul Train Award for Best R&B/Soul Male Album.  

Chaka Khan

Best known for her superb 1984 cover of Prince's "I Feel for You," R&B singer Chaka Khan enjoyed solo success as well as popularity as a member of the group Rufus. Born Yvette Marie Stevens in Great Lakes, Illinois on March 23, 1953, she was raised on Chicago's South Side, and at the age of 11 formed her first group, the Crystalettes. While still in high school, she joined the Afro-Arts Theater, a group which toured with Motown great Mary Wells; a few years later, she adopted the African name Chaka Khan while working on the Black Panthers' breakfast program. After quitting high school in 1969, Khan joined the group Lyfe, soon exiting to join another dance band, the Babysitters; neither was on the fast track to success, but her fortunes changed when she teamed with ex-American Breed member Kevin Murphy and Andre Fisher to form Rufus. 

Earth, Wind & Fire

Earth, Wind & Fire was one of the most critically acclaimed and commercially popular funk bands of the '70s. The single "Mighty Mighty" became EWF's first Top Ten hit on the R&B charts. They have released a total of 19 studio albums with 5 debuting at number one on the U.S. R&B charts. Their songs “Shinning Star,” “September,” and “Let’s Groove,” have all became some of the most well known songs in music history. EWF has won 6 Grammy Awards, 4 American Music Awards, and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Erykah Badu

Born Erica Wright on February 26, 1971 in Dallas, Texas, Erykah Badu inherited a taste for music from her mother who introduced her to multiple genres of music (Joni Mitchell, Parliament-Funkadelic, Pink Floyd, Phoebe Snow, Chaka Khan). NY Times describes Badu’s groundbreaking debut, Baduizm, as “traditional soul vocals, staccato hip-hop rhythms and laid-back jazzy grooves.” The music evoked speakeasies, incense, head wraps, and boho coffee shop culture all in one easy breath. Propelled by the lead single “On & On,” the album went multi-platinum, winning her 2 Grammys for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B Album. Het hits include "On and On", "Bag Lady", "Love of My Life (An Ode to Hip Hop)" and "Next Lifetime" to name a few. (temporary excerpt from Erykah Badu's website)

James Ingram

In the 1980's, Ohio native, James Ingram sang on a demo cut "Just Once", a Barry Mann/Cynthia Weil composition that was being delivered to Quincy Jones for possible inclusion on Jones's landmark "The Dude" album. Jones not only liked the song, he liked the singer on the tape and invited Ingram to provide the vocals to both "Just Once" and "One Hundred Ways" on The Dude. Of course, The Dude became an international smash and both Ingram cuts rocketed up the pop, soul and adult contemporary charts, ultimately landing Ingram a Grammy Award for best R&B vocal performance. His hits include I Believe I Can Fly, Baby Come To Me, Yah Mo Be There, and Just Once to name a few.

Janet Jackson

Singer, songwriter, and actress, Janet Jackson was the youngest of nine children. Jackson grew up as a part of one of the most famous show business families ever. Her five brothers, Tito, Jackie, Marlon, Jermaine, and Michael, signed a contract with Motown Records in 1968 and went on to conquer the music charts as The Jackson Five. The band had hits such as "ABC," "I Want You Back," "Stop, the Love You Save," and "Dancing Machine." Janet Jackson first appeared on stage in 1974, singing alongside her brother Randy. In 1976, she appeared on The Jackson’s, a television show. Her performance gained the attention of a producer who hired her to play Penny, on the TV comedy series Good Times. With the guidance of her brother Michael, Janet Jackson released her debut album Janet Jackson, in the year 1982. It reached number 84 on the pop charts and included three hit singles, including "Give Your Love to Me,” and "Young Love." Her self-titled album sold 250,000 copies, as well as her follow-up album, Dream Street. She earned her first major success in with Control in 1986. Control sold eight million copies worldwide and included two number one singles. Janet Jackson was nominated for three Grammy Awards and nine American Music Awards. Her stage presence and dancing ability combined, has made her a star. 

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson is an American R&B and soul singer who rose to stardom in 2004 as a finalist on the third season of American Idol. She has been named one of the most successful American Idol contestants to date. Her debut album “Jennifer Hudson” won her a Grammy Award and sold over 800,000 copies in the U.S. Her hits are “Spotlight,” “If This Isn’t Love,” and “Where You At.” Hudson is the winner of a Grammy Award, two BET Awards, and two NAACP Image Awards.

John Legend

John Legend demonstrates a rare ability to fuse the "feel" and vibe of old school soul music with edgy flavors of hip-hop. He has the sensuality of Marvin Gaye and the sincerity of Stevie Wonder with the directness of Snoop Dogg and the wit of Kanye West. Yet, John Legend is very much his own artist. Both his hits, "Ordinary People" and "Used To Love U" was co-produced with his buddy Kanye West. The two musicians collaborated on Legend's debut album, 2004's Get Lifted, went platinum thanks in part to the hit single "Ordinary People," a song he originally penned for the Black Eyed Peas. He has received a number of Grammy awards. Even before the launch of Legend's debut album, he has gained recognition because of his successful work with several famous performers like Kanye West, Lauryn Hill, Alicia Keys, and many more.

John Mayer

John Mayer is an American pop rock and blues singer who released his debut 4x Platinum album, “Room for Squares” in 2001. Following his debut album he released four other platinum albums, “Heavier Things,” “Continuum,” “Battle Studies,” and “Born and Raised.” He is well known for his singles “Waiting on the World to Change,” “Free Fallin,” and “Heartbreak Warfare.” Mayer has won 7 Grammy Awards and one MTV Video Music Award.

Joss Stone

Joss Stone is an English soul singer who rose to fame in 2003 with her album, “The Soul Sessions,” which went multi-platinum. Her second album also went multi-platinum and generated the top ten hit, “You Had Me,” and was nominated for a Grammy Award. In 2009, Stone released her fourth album and it reached number ten on the Billboard album charts. Throughout her music career she has sold over 11 million albums worldwide and has won one Grammy Award and two BRIT Awards.

Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake is an American pop singer who first rose to fame as apart of the boy band ‘N Sync. In 2002 he embarked on a solo career, releasing his debut album “Justified,” which successfully sold over 7 million copies. His number one singles are “Sexy Back,” “Cry Me a River,” “My Love,” and “What Goes Around…Comes Around.” Justin Timberlake has won six Grammy Awards, three American Music Awards, one BET Award, and three BRIT Awards.

Kool and the Gang

Kool and the Gang was started in 1964 by five high school friends who achieved massive R&B success in 1969. Two of the bands original members, Robert Bell and Ronald Bell, are still with the group. The rest of the bands’ current members include George Brown, Dennis Thomas, Clifford Adams, Sonnie Martin, Shawn McQuiller, Rodney Ellis, Jirmad Gordon, Curtis Williams, and Sir Earl Toon. The bands’ albums that were within the top five on the U.S R&B charts were “Ladies’ Night,” “Something Special,” “Celebrate!,” “Emergency,” “As One,” and “In the Heart.” Their hits include, “Jungle Boogie,” “Celebration,” and “Get Down on it.” Kool and the Gang has won five American Music Awards and has sold over 70 million albums worldwide.

Lionel Richie

Lionel Richie has become one of the most successful solo artists of the 1980s after leaving the Commodores. His 1982 self-titled album included three hit singles including the number one hit, "Truly," and the top five hits, "My Love," and "You Are." Richie's second album sold millions of copies, contained the number one hit, "All Night Long," and earned him two Grammy Awards including Album of the Year. Richie has released nine studio albums and has won an Academy Award and Golden Globe. 

Macy Gray

Macy Gray is a soul and R&B singer-songwriter who came onto the scene in 1999. She gained fame with her debut album “On How Life Is,” which launched her to the top by going 3x Platinum. Gray has released six studio albums and has sold million of copies worldwide. Her most well known singles are, “I Try” “Beauty in the World,” and “Sexual Revolution.” Gray has won two BRIT Awards, a MTV Video Music Award, and a Grammy Award.

Mary J. Blige

Mary J. Blige is an American R&B and hip-hop singer who has recorded eight multi-platinum albums. Her albums, “My Life,” “Share My World,” “No More Drama,” and “The Breakthrough,” have all gone 3x Platinum. She has had numerous number one singles on the R&B and Dance charts including, “You Remind Me,” “Real Love,” “Not Gon’ Cry,” “Love Is All We Need,” and “I Love You.” Blidge is the recipient of nine Grammy Awards, ten Billboard Music Awards, and is the only artist to win Grammy Awards in Rap, Gospel, R&B, and Pop.

Patti LaBelle

Patti LaBelle is a R&B and soul singer who has spent over 50 years in the music industry. She has released 18 studio albums, with “Patti LaBelle,” “Tasty,” “It’s Alright with Me,” “Winner in You,” and “Be Yourself,” all going Platinum. She is known for her hits “If I Only Knew You,” “New Attitude,” “On My Own,” and “The Right Kind of Lover.” LaBelle has won a number of awards including, two Grammy Awards, an American Music Award, and a BET Award. She has also been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and the BET Walk of Fame.

Pointer Sisters

The Pointer Sisters are an American R&B group originating from Oakland, CA, who attained mainstream fame during the 1970s and 1980s. The group was originally made up of Bonnie Pointer, June Pointer, and Anita Pointer. The current members are Issa Pointer, Ruth Pointer, and Sadako Johnson. Their breakthrough albums are “The Pointer Sisters,” “Steppin’,” “Energy,” and “Break Out.” The groups’ most successful singles are, “Fire,” “He’s So Shy,” “Slow Hand,” “Automatic,” and “Jump (For My Love).” The Pointer Sisters have won three Grammy Awards and three American Music Awards.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah is a highly acclaimed television and film actress, a label president, an artist manager, and soon-to-be talk show host. She first started a rap group called ladies Fresh as a young teen. Their music fell into the hands of Tommy Boy Music employee Dante Ross, who instantly signed Latifah, and in 1988 distributed her first single, "Wrath of My Madness." The song had a positive response, which granted her the chance to launch a European tour, and a performance at Harlem's Apollo Theater. The following year Latifah released her first album, All Hail to the Queen, which sold more than one million copies. In 1991, Latifah became executive officer of Flavor Unit Records and Management Company in Jersey City, New Jersey. By the year 1993, the company signed seventeen rap groups. That same year she recorded a jazz and reggae album titled Black Reign. The album sold 500,000 copies, and the single "U.N.I.T.Y." gained Latifah her first Grammy Award in 1995. Shortly after, Latifah's fame morphed into film appearances, such as roles in Spike Lee's Jungle Fever ,House Party II , and Set It Off. Queen Latifah has grown into a one-woman entertainment corporation, proclaimed by the industry as a force to be reckoned with raw talent with no sign of slowing down. 

Rihanna

Singer, Robyn Rihanna Fenty was born on February 20, 1988 on the Caribbean island of Barbados. As a teen, Rihanna turned to singing for liberation from troubles at home and she formed a girl group at age 15. They auditioned with music producer Evan Rodgers, while he was in Barbados during a vacation with his wife. Rogers was awed with Rihanna's raw talent. When Rihanna was 16 years old, she left Barbados and moved in with Rogers to started recording a demo album. In 2005, Rogers got Rihanna an audition with Def Jam Records. She was immediately signed and eight months later she released her first single, "Pon de Replay," which appeared at number two on the Billboard Singles Chart. Her first album, Music of the Sun, reached number ten on the Billboard Albums Chart which also featured the single, "If It's Lovin' That You Want." Rihanna released her second album, A Girl Like Me, a year later, and generated her first number one single, “SOS.” Since when she first came on the scene, Rihanna has had multiple hit singles and has won four Grammy Awards, and five People’s Choice Awards. She has sold 15 million albums and 45 million singles, making her one of the best selling artists of all time. 

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Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder is an American soul, R&B, pop, and jazz singer who has become a music icon due to his extreme success and his contribution to music. Wonder has released 23 studio albums, with “Fulfillingness’ First Finale,” “Songs in the Key of Life,” “Taking Book,” Innervisions,” and “Hotter than July,” all certified multi-platinum or Diamond. Some of his worldwide hits are “Superstition,” “Sir Duke,” “I Wish,” and “I Just Called to Say I Love You.” Stevie Wonder has won 22 Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The Spinners

The Spinners is a soul music group with a 50-year run in music starting with a number of R&B and pop hits in the 1970s. They originated from Detroit, Michigan and the band’s members are Henry Fambrough, Bobbie Smith, Charlton Washington, Marvin Taylor, and Jessie Robert Peck. Their albums “Spinners,” “Mighty Love,” and “New and Improved,” all peaked at number one on the U.S R&B charts. Some of their hit songs are “The Rubberband man,” “Working My Way Back To You,” and “Cupid.” The Spinners have been nominated for five Grammy awards.

The Temptations

The Temptations are an American band who play an eclectic mix of R&B, funk, disco, and soul music. The band’s current members include Otis Williams, Ron Tyson, Terry Weeks, Joe Herndon, and Bruce Williamson. Throughout their five-decade career, they have released 36 albums with 14 peaking at number one on the U.S R&B charts. Three classic Temptations songs. “My Girl,” “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” and “Pappa Was a Rollin’ Stone,” are included in The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll.

Tina Turner

Tina Turner is an American soul, R&B, and pop singer whose career has extended more than 50 years. Her multi-platinum albums include “Private Dancer,” “Break Every Rule,” “Foreign Affair,” “Wildest Dreams,” and “Twenty Four Seven.” Her most well known songs are “What’s Love Got to Do With It,” “Let’s Stay Together,” “We Don’t Need Another Hero,” and “Typical Male.” Tina Turner has won three American Music Awards, seven Billboard Music Awards, nine Grammy Awards, and was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1986.

Toni Braxton

Toni Braxton has developed a devoted fan base since she came onto the contemporary music scene in 1991. Braxton was the first Lady of LaFace Records and has yielded an ongoing run of multiplatinum albums. Braxton has attained hit singles including "Breathe Again," "Un-Break My Heart," "You're Makin' Me High" and "He Wasn't Man Enough." She also won the Grammy Award for "Best R&B Vocal Performance," Best New Artist," and another "Best R&B Vocal Performance " award in 1994, and once again in 1997. In 2005, Braxton headlined her own show at the Flamingo Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The was scheduled for a three month run, however its success stimulated an extension through April of 2008. August of 2008, Braxton competed on the popular ABC show, Dancing with Stars and went on the Dancing with the Stars tour. She has since signed with Atlantic Records and released another album in 2010. 

Usher

Usher is an American R&B and pop singer who rose to fame in the late 1990s with his second album, “My Way” which was certified 6x platinum. He has released seven studio albums with five going platinum. Usher has had 13 number one singles on the U.S singles charts. Some of the most famous are, “Nice & Slow,” “U Remind Me,” “U Got It Bad,” “Yeah!,” “Burn,” “Confessions Part 2,” and “My Boo.” Usher has won seven American Music Awards, twenty Billboard Music Awards, and six Grammy Awards. The RIAA ranks Usher as one of the best-selling artists in American Music history, selling over 65 million records worldwide.