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Top 10 R&B Singers Male: Iconic Voices and Rising Talents

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r&b singers male
31 Dec, 2024

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R&B, or Rhythm and Blues, has been a driving force in the music industry since its emergence in the 1940s. With roots in jazz, blues, and gospel, the genre has continuously evolved, profoundly influencing countless artists and reshaping the musical landscape. Known for its soulful melodies, emotive vocals, and captivating rhythms, R&B draws listeners in with its deep emotional resonance. Over the decades, legendary artists have defined the genre while rising talents continue to push its boundaries.

Let’s list down the top 10 male R&B singers showcasing iconic voices and emerging stars who have made their mark, leaving us mesmerized.

List of R&B Singers Male

1: Marvin Gaye

 Marvin Gaye
An image credit example from a Rolling Stone

Date of Birth: April 2, 1939, Washington, D.C., U.S.

Date of Death: April 1, 1984, Los Angeles, California, U.S.

Best Songs:

  • Let’s Get It On
  • What’s Going On
  • I Heard It Through the Grapevine
  • Trouble Man

Accolades:

  • Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
  • Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
  • Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame
  • Songwriters Hall of Fame

Marvin Gaye’s musical journey began in church, where he honed his vocal skills, which was influenced by his minister father. Gaye’s distinctive style blended soul, R&B, and pop showcasing his smooth tenor and emotional delivery. His fame skyrocketed during the Motown era, marked by heartfelt lyrics and socially conscious themes, especially in albums like What’s Going On, which addressed pressing social issues.

Gaye’s influence extended into the 1980s with hits like “Sexual Healing,” reflecting a shift towards a more intimate, sensual sound. Gaye’s music often explored themes of love, social justice, and personal struggle, making him not just a performer but also a poignant storyteller whose work resonates through generations.

2: Bryson Tiller

Bryson Tiller
An image credit example from a Bryson Tiller

Date of Birth: January 2, 1993, Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.

Best Songs:

  • Don’t
  • Exchange
  • Sorry Not Sorry
  • Overtime

Accolades:

  • BET Awards
  • Grammy nominations

Bryson Tiller is a renowned name among R&B singers male. His musical journey began at 15, influenced by his upbringing and a desire to express his emotions. His style, characterized by a fusion of R&B and hip-hop, has captivated audiences with its authenticity and relatability.

Tiller gained widespread recognition with his 2015 debut single, “Don’t,” which showcased his smooth vocal delivery and heartfelt lyrics and propelled him into the mainstream music scene. His debut album, Trapsoul, further solidified his presence, earning triple platinum certification.

Tiller’s collaborations, notably with DJ Khaled and Rihanna on “Wild Thoughts,” have showcased his versatility and ability to blend seamlessly with other artists.

3: Stevie Wonder

 Stevie Wonder
An image credit example from a Discover Music

Date of Birth: May 13, 1950, Saginaw, Michigan, U.S.

Best Songs:

  • Isn’t She Lovely
  • I Just Called To Say I Love You
  • Happy Birthday
  • Master Blaster

Accolades:

  • Grammy Awards
  • Academy Award for Best Original Song
  • Presidential Medal of Freedom

Stevland Hardaway Morris, professionally known as Stevie Wonder, is a trailblazing American singer-songwriter and musician whose impact on music is unparalleled. He started signing with Motown’s Tamla label at just 11 years old.

Wonder’s innovative use of synthesizers in the 1970s reshaped R&B, creating a distinct sound that combined elements of pop, soul, and funk. His groundbreaking albums during this period, like Talking Book and Songs in the Key of Life, made him a musical genius, with hits such as “Superstition” and “Isn’t She Lovely.” He is known for selling over 100 million records worldwide.

4: Brent Faiyaz

Brent Faiyaz
An image credit example from a Bryson Tiller

Date of Birth: September 19, 1995, Columbia, Maryland

Best Songs:

  • Trust
  • Dead Man Walking
  • All Mine
  • Crew

Accolades:

  • Grammy Award Nomination

Brent Faiyaz’s foray into music began at age 12, leading to the release of his first EP, Black Child, on SoundCloud in 2013. His distinctive style combines smooth R&B melodies with elements of hip-hop, showcasing his versatility as both a singer and rapper.

Faiyaz gained widespread recognition as one of the best R&B Singers male after featuring in GoldLink’s hit “Crew,” which peaked at number 45 on the Billboard Hot 100 and achieved sextuple platinum status. His singles like “Wasting Time,” featuring Drake, and “Gravity” further established him as a prominent figure in contemporary R&B. With a unique sound and heartfelt lyricism, Faiyaz continues to make waves in the music industry.

5: Chris Brown

Chris Brown
An image credit example from a Los Angeles Times

Date of Birth: May 5, 1989, Tappahannock, Virginia, U.S.

Best Songs:

  • No Guidance
  • Loyal
  • Go Crazy
  • Yo (Excuse Me Miss)

Accolades:

  • Grammy Award for Best R&B Album for F.A.M.E. (2012)

Christopher Maurice Brown’s foray into singing began in his childhood when he honed his skills by mimicking the iconic Michael Jackson. His dedication led him to sign with Jive Records at just 15 years old, resulting in his self-titled debut album.

Brown’s musical style blends R&B with hip-hop and pop, characterized by emotionally charged lyrics and dynamic performances. His stage presence and dance skills have drawn comparisons to Jackson, enhancing his reputation as a top performer.

With over 140 million sales records, he holds numerous Billboard records, including the maximum entries on the Billboard Hot 100 by any male artist. Despite facing controversies, his music remains influential, and he continues to captivate audiences globally and make a mark among famous R&B singers male.

6: Ronald Isley

Ron Isley
An image credit example from a Ronald Isley

Date of Birth: May 21, 1941, Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.

Best Songs:

  • Tears
  • Spend The Night
  • Down Low
  • Floatin’ On Your Love
  • Smokein’ Me Out

Accolades:

  • Legend Award (2010, Soul Train Music Awards)
  • Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1992)

Ronald Isley started singing in church at the age of two, winning early recognition. His unique vocal style, blending soul, R&B, and funk, shaped his career as the lead singer of The Isley Brothers, a group that revolutionized the genre. Isley’s smooth delivery, emotive vocals, and versatility made him famous, allowing him to collaborate with diverse artists and achieve success across six decades.

7: Bruno Mars

Bruno Mars
An image credit example from a The Guardian

Date of Birth: October 8, 1985, Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.

Best Songs:

  • Uptown Funk
  • Just the Way You Are
  • Grenade
  • When I Was Your Man

Accolades:

  • Grammy Awards
  • Brit Awards
  • American Music Awards
  • Soul Train Awards
  • Guinness World Records

Bruno Mars’ entry into the music scene began after he relocated to Los Angeles in 2003. His early foray into songwriting and production with the Smeezingtons set the stage for his rise. Mars’ style is defined by its genre-blending versatility, effortlessly incorporating pop, R&B, funk, reggae, and rock. His retro-inspired performances, coupled with energetic showmanship, make him stand out.

Beyond music, his band, the Hooligans, brings depth to his live performances, enhancing his retro sound and stage presence. His contribution to the industry is highlighted by his ability to adapt to different styles while retaining a unique flair and cementing his position among R&B singers male.

8: Daniel Caesar

Daniel Caesar
An image credit example from a Daniel Caesar

Date of Birth: April 5, 1995, Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Best Songs:

  • Peaches
  • Best Part
  • Get You
  • Do You Like Me?

Accolades:

  • Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance (2019) for “Best Part”

Daniel Caesar, born Ashton Simmonds, was raised in a religious household where gospel music and soul heavily influenced his early musical exposure. His breakthrough came with his critically acclaimed EP Praise Break in 2014, which led to his follow-up, Pilgrim’s Paradise, in 2015, cementing his place in the R&B world.

Caesar’s emotionally rich and deeply introspective songwriting and smooth, gospel-infused vocals set him apart. His debut album Freudian in 2017 brought international fame, particularly the tracks “Get You” and “Best Part”.

Caesar’s sound fuses modern R&B with classical soul influences, delivering a unique blend that has earned over 68 million streams on Spotify and millions of monthly listeners worldwide.

9: Al Green

Al Green
An image credit example from a Al-Green

Date of Birth: April 13, 1946, Forrest City, Arkansas, U.S.

Best Songs:

  • Let’s Stay Together
  • Take Me to the River
  • Tired of Being Alone
  • Love and Happiness
  • I’m Still in Love with You

Accolades:

  • Grammy Awards
  • Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
  • Kennedy Center Honors recipient
  • BMI Icon Award

Al Green’s entry into singing began in childhood when he performed with his siblings in the group Greene Brothers. His soulful voice, blending gospel, R&B, and smooth falsetto, captivated audiences and earned him a place as one of the pioneers of soul music in the 1970s.

Green’s collaboration with producer Willie Mitchell at Hi Records propelled his career, leading to his signature hit, “Let’s Stay Together.” Later, after a personal tragedy, he transitioned to gospel music but maintained his influence on secular music, leaving a lasting legacy in both genres.

10: Usher

Usher
An image credit example from a UPI

Date of Birth: October 14, 1978, Dallas, Texas, U.S.

Best Songs:

  • U Remind Me
  • My Way
  • Good Kisser
  • Throwback
  • Yeah!

Accolades:

  • Grammy Awards
  • Soul Train Music Awards
  • Billboard Music Awards

Making a mark among renowned R&B singers male, Usher’s talent gave him immense success in the R&B genre. He was quickly recognized, which led him to participate in talent shows. Spotted by Bryant Reid, Usher secured a record deal at 14 years old.

Known for his smooth vocals and electric stage presence, Usher carved out a unique style blending classic R&B with modern pop elements. His breakout album My Way catapulted him to fame, with its hit singles cementing him as a leading figure in R&B.

Usher also revolutionized live performances and remained a powerful force in shaping contemporary R&B trends.

FAQs

Who are the top 10 R&B male singers?

The top 10 R&B male singers are:

  • Marvin Gaye
  • Bryson Tiller
  • Stevie Wonder
  • Brent Faiyaz
  • Chris Brown
  • Ronald Isley
  • Bruno Mars
  • Daniel Caesar
  • Al Green
  • Usher

Who is the greatest male R&B singer?

The title of the greatest male R&B singer is often attributed to Marvin Gaye due to his influential music, emotional depth, and timeless classics like “What’s Going On” and “Let’s Get It On.”

Who is recognized as the king of R&B?

Many refer to Usher as the “King of R&B.” He is known for his extensive influence on the genre, numerous chart-topping hits, and significant contributions to R&B music over the years.

Who is the highest-selling R&B male artist?

Chris Brown is often recognized as the highest-selling R&B male artist, having sold over 140 million records worldwide, which includes numerous chart-topping singles and albums.

Who is a white R&B singer?

When it comes to white R&B singers, some standout names include Michael McDonald, George Michael, Justin Timberlake, Robin Thicke, and Jon B., each bringing unique soulfulness to the genre.

Author

As the Marketing Manager for TheDemoStop, I’m deeply passionate about music and the joy of sharing it with others. With a background in Musicology and a deep love for the industry, I’ve dedicate… Read more