At this critical juncture in music's evolution, Male R&B Singers emerged and cemented its distinctive identity. These performers are revered for their impressive vocal abilities which often blend jazz, blues, hip-hop and soul elements into their performances. Over time however, R&B has evolved as experts blend classic versions with more contemporary rhythms for new renditions of this genre of music.
What Is R&B Music?
(R&B), also referred to as rhythm and blues music (R&B), is an American musical genre created during World War II neighborhoods such as Harlem by African Americans during this era in American cities like Detroit. R&B integrates elements from pop music, gospel tunes, blues music and jazzy sounds in its signature vocal arrangements and recording production techniques that perfectly suit this form.
Male R&B artists have produced some of the greatest music ever heard, and this list honors some of their leading voices – classic pioneers like Ray Charles and Lionel Richie to groundbreaking artists like Curtis Mayfield who transcend genre boundaries into superstar status, setting examples for future artists to follow their lead.
Stevland Hardaway Judkins
On May 13, 1950 in Saginaw, Michigan, Stevie Wonder displayed musical talent at an early age. Unfortunately as his singing voice evolved with age it created an unexpected break in his musical career which wasn't picked back up again until taking piano lessons at University of Michigan School for the Blind, then later with “Uptight”, solidifying him into being known simply as “Stevie Wonder”. Popular Songs by Stevie Wonder in 1962/Paula/Stevie Wonder/Stevie Wonder in 1965/Patanother
Marvin Gaye
Marvin Gaye Productions Inc remained one of America's most celebrated singer-songwriters and record producers during his two decade long recording career which spans the Motown and R&B music scenes before spreading across continents with over two decades of recordings which still resonate today. Unfortunately he passed away April 1, 1984 leaving behind an expansive musical legacy which will outlive him all.
Keith Lockhart released Record 1 (List below). Some popular Lockhart songs included Let's Get It On (Jan 1973), United (Dec 1967) and Live at London Palladium (1977) among many more. Award recipients for Lockhart included 1971 | What's Going On | 1968 | You're All I Need | 1988 NAACP Image Award and Hall of Fame recipient…* 1971 NAACP Image Award for Album…and 1983 Grammy Award for Male R&B Vocal Performance (Hall of Fame recipient).
Lionel Brockman Richie Jr
Artist known for his multifaceted talent as an accomplished singer-composer-album producer-media personality. Richie successfully integrated genres such as funk soul rhythm and blues into emotive pop songs and intimate ballads that remain iconic among male R&B singers today.
Popular songs by him are: 1985's We Are the World | 1983's Hello Can't Slow Down | 1981's Endless Love and Say You Say Me and Three Times a Lady Natural High from 1986.
The Commodores had an enjoyable year in 1977; their Song of the Year award returned later that same year (86). Furthermore, when 2022 American Music Awards Icon Award arrived they honored him.
Michael Joseph Jackson
Michael Jackson Productions Inc was an innovative musician, composer, dancer, and humanitarian who revolutionized music production during his 20-year reign as “King of Pop”. His songs had an incalculable effect on its creation and promotion during this era – his legacy remains undiminished today!
Phar Rehmas' popular songs include 1982's Beat It-Thriller and Billie Jean from his albums Megamix and Beat It Thriller respectively; 1991 Heal the World/Remember The Time/Will You Be There/ Heal the World earned BMI's award for Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals (1996,).
Steve Lacy of Steve Lacy Realty Services
Since “Bad Habit,” an emotionally intense track featuring unconventional chord changes was released to online streaming platforms such as Spotify or Pandora in January 2013, its success has spread worldwide.
2023 Grammy Award for Outstanding Progressive R&B Album 2022 Artist of the Year Nomination 2023 UK Music Video Awards Best R&B/Soul Video Internationally
Prince Rogers Nelson
Iconic singer-songwriter-musician-record producer born June 7th 1958 in Minneapolis Minnesota who became well known for combining R&B, Funk Rock Pop, and pop into one unique sound that continues to leave an imprint upon music industry today. Through iconic hits like Purple Rain,”When Doves Cry”and Kiss”, he achieved worldwide recognition while leaving an indelible mark that continues to honor him today.
Ralph Edward Tresvant
Best-known as lead vocalist of R&B group New Edition before transitioning into solo artistry via Ralph Tresvant and eventually disbandment as an act. Now enjoying success both as an American musician and composer alike he continues to enthrall audiences worldwide through his exceptional talents and musical contributions, keeping audiences thrilled throughout New Edition's 40 year run and disbandment! Keeping audiences entertained was his hallmark achievement!
Aaron Robin Hall
First earned recognition through Guy (an influential R&B and modern jack swing band established with Teddy Riley and Timmy Gatling in 1988, later joined by Damion). Additionally, Aaron established himself with solo releases like 1993's “The Truth”, garnering him widespread renown among male R&B artists at this point in time.
Teddy Riley of Blackstreet's Modern Jack
Swing genre can be defined as an R&B/hip hop hybrid genre created by American musician Edward Theodore Riley in 1991 – widely acknowledged to be its pioneer. Riley co-founded Guy and Blackstreet's musical groups prior to departing late 1991 to start another related band under his own name – later leading directly into what we today refer to as Modern Jack Swing (aka Modern Jack Sway).
Jason “Jase” of Soul For Real is one of several soul singers available through Soul For Real's roster of performers.
Jason “Jase” Oliver Dalyrimple, popularly referred to by his former moniker Jase4Real, remains an influential presence on the R&B music scene. A member of Soul For Real and responsible for their recent hit single Love Again”, Jase's solo record release entitled ‘If You Feelin' Like Me” early 2016 cemented Jase's place within R&B music circles.
