R&B music offers songs about love, family and daily struggles that are relatable and danceable – with rhythms designed for easy dancing.
Singers such as Luther Vandross and Whitney Houston popularized vocal virtuosity within their genre; contemporary artists like Jill Scott and Jazmine Sullivan use their powerful voices to tell captivating tales with soul.
Aaron Neville
Aaron Neville is an esteemed R&B singer who has achieved great success in America. His achievements include four platinum records and four top 10 hits nationwide – with “Tell It Like It Is” reaching number one on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart in 1966. Additionally, Aaron recorded with Art, Charles and Cyril Neville as The Neville Brothers before performing at numerous television, movie and sports events across his lifetime – while becoming father to singer/keyboardist Ivan Neville (Ivan was his son).
New Orleans native JJ Grey possesses a voice that will leave audiences swooning with desire. His clear and resonant tenor boasts near-soprano vibrato that makes romantic ballads sound unforgettable. Additionally, his performances showcase his extensive knowledge of classic soul music while his captivating performances never fail to mesmerize his audiences – not to mention an infectious stage presence!
Over his long career, he has collaborated with an eclectic array of artists. This includes recording with iconic jazz guitarist Joe Pass, Grammy-winning country music star Trisha Yearwood and Elton John (as a singer/songwriter/musician). Additionally, he has written and recorded music for television shows, commercials and WWE wrestling events such as SummerSlam 1993 and SpringStampde 1994 where he performed the national anthem as part of an impressive array of projects including WWF SummerSlam 1993 and WCW Spring Stampede 1994 where he performed the national anthem at events like WWF SummerSlam 1993 and WCW Spring Stampede 1994!
He possesses the distinct talent of switching up styles and genres without losing his distinct, soulful sound – as evidenced by his work with pop singer/songwriter Patti LaBelle on her song, “Windy City”, as well as on Trisha Yearwood’s album Rhythm Country Blues.
Neville’s musical interests can often be split up between his work with his bandmates and solo work; one way he does this is through Apache, his latest project which makes a compelling case that Neville is one of the most well-rounded soul men today.
Jackie Wilson
Jackie Wilson was one of the most iconic R&B singers of the ’50s and ’60s, becoming one of the most celebrated R&B singers ever with his dynamic stage performances that combined electric dance moves with his unique sound and dynamic stage presence. A former boxer himself, his distinctive sound made him a household name; known as Mr. Excitement due to his energetic R&B, pop, rock styles that inspired performers like Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson.
Wilson began his singing career singing nightclubs in Detroit before joining vocal group Billy Ward and the Dominoes as their replacement lead singer, replacing Clyde McPhatter in 1953. Wilson recorded several minor hits with these vocal groups including “Reet Petite,” cowritten by future Motown founder Berry Gordy in 1956, which reached No.2 on US R&B charts in 1958.
Wilson was an immensely prolific songwriter. In addition to writing music for several movies and television shows – such as Shake, Rattle & Roll from 1972 – his hits continued to resonate throughout his career and inspired many emerging artists.
R&B music is an eclectic blend of pop, gospel, and blues with its own recording production technique. Originating in African-American neighborhoods during World War II and making its mark today through sensual beats and sensual lyrics that draw in an audience worldwide – as well as inspiring other genres such as jazz and hip-hop – R&B has long been an essential element of American popular culture.
R&B artists are celebrated for their emotive vocals, often mixing jazz, blues and hip-hop into their compositions. These singers can easily connect with audiences while creating timeless melodies that touch hearts. R&B also boasts an abundance of female musicians who have contributed some iconic songs over its history.
Jazmine Sullivan’s 2021 song Pick Up Your Feelings serves as an anthem for healing after a breakup, featuring powerful vocal gymnastics from Philly-bred singer Jazmine Sullivan herself and showing that she can stand out in such a competitive genre as pop.
Jodeci
Jodeci was an R&B legend of the 90’s, dominating the scene with their powerful sound and emotive lyrics. Composed of two sets of brothers: Cedric (K-Ci) and Joel Hailey (known as K-Ci and JoJo), as well as Donald Degrate’s (known as Mr Dalvin and DeVante Swing) who collectively comprised Jodeci, their success is proof of music’s power to unite people and foster change – they inspired contemporary R&B artists like Ginuwine, Dru Hill and Drake to follow in their footsteps, while their platinum selling records during New Jack swing era as well as iconic singles like “Freek’n You” and “Cry For You” made them one of R&B history’s biggest acts ever seen!
Their success has enabled them to reach an immense global audience with their timeless music, winning multiple awards and nominations including one Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals as well as two Billboard Music Awards for Top R&B/Soul Album Artist of the Year. Their album The Show, The After Party, The Hotel produced hit songs like “Freek’n You” & “Cry for You”, both which have since become fan favourites over time.
After Jodeci disbanded in 1996, each member continued their careers individually. K-Ci and JoJo both released solo albums while Mr. Dalvin and DeVante Swing launched a production company which produced music for acts like Missy Elliott, SWV and 702. Furthermore they engaged in some charitable initiatives as well as appearing at special events to show support for each other.
Jodeci has managed to remain relevant with their world-famous live performances despite being separated for some time now. Reunited several times for reunion tours and special appearances, their music continues to influence musicians of today.
Jodeci’s groundbreaking production techniques have inspired artists to push the limits of genre blending, often featuring bits from old Jodeci songs in new hits by emerging talent. Their legacy serves as a reminder that hard work and commitment will pay off no matter your background or background is.
Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston was one of the most iconic singers in R&B history, selling over 200 million albums worldwide. Known for her four-octave mezzo-soprano voice and iconic status as an R&B and pop icon, Whitney inspired generations of female singers who would follow in her footsteps – she would eventually be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020 and her impressive career would span nearly 30 years.
Houston was born into music royalty – her mother, Cissy Houston was a Grammy Award-winning gospel and soul singer and first cousin to Dionne Warwick – making her professional singing debut at age 12. Initially performing her mother’s cabaret shows in New York City cabaret clubs at first before later backing vocalisting for artists like Chaka Khan, Lou Rawls, Jermaine Jackson and Paul Jabara before breaking through with I Look to You (1992).
“Million Dollar Bill,” which peaked at #1 in both the U.S. and several other countries, established Houston as one of R&B music’s foremost artists. She would repeat this success again with The Bodyguard soundtrack in 1992 before going on to release My Love Is Your Love album three years later.
Though her album didn’t quite live up to its predecessors, it still generated hits such as “It’s Not Right, But It’s Okay,” earning her another Grammy. Additionally, she appeared in musical film Sparkle (2012) and co-starred alongside Bobby Brown from R&B singer-singer in The Preacher’s Wife for an entertaining viewing experience.
Houston was known to struggle with substance abuse and personal issues in her final years, ultimately succumbing to a drug overdose on February 11th 2012 at Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, less than a week after attending one of Clive Davis’ pre-Grammy parties.
Toni Braxton’s 2000 single, “He Wasn’t Man Enough,” made a powerful feminist statement about self-preservation. This dance-R&B song serves as an important reminder that women don’t depend on men for emotional or physical fulfillment and should instead pass this knowledge along to subsequent women in line.