Top 10 Best Black Singers

The Top Ten

Michael Jackson

Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 - June 25, 2009) was an American singer, dancer, and songwriter. He passed away from cardiac arrest caused by acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication, which was ruled a homicide. Jackson is widely regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures... read more

He is the most wonderful, talented, handsome, and kindest man that has ever lived as a black artist. He inspired so many people to be what they want, thanks to his words and his music. He is a legend that will never die, even if it means that he is not here with us (if you know what I mean).
RIP "King of Pop."

He was number one in fame, charisma, best albums, best dance, you name it. No one has come along yet that can top him off.
Name anyone you know, if possible, that could have stood next to Michael Jackson and be as good as he was for just 50 seconds. Anyone!
Whitney Houston

Whitney Elizabeth Houston was an American singer, actress, producer, and model. She holds the Guinness World Record as the most awarded female artist of all time, with over 400 career awards as of 2006, and was named the most awarded female act in 2009.... read more

It's one thing to have the ability to sing and another thing to know how to sing. Whitney Houston knew how to sing. It's not so much about her vocal range as it is about her natural musical gift.
To paraphrase her Cinderella soundtrack, there is music in her!

She is so inspiring. She has died, but she still lives in my heart. I love her, and I still wish her the best. There is not a day that I go without listening to her beautiful voice. She is my icon, and I hope to be like her someday.

Whitney is the best! No other female singers of this era are worthy of even shining her high heels. Her matchless voice will be greatly missed! Beyonce only wishes she had a voice like "The Voice."
Aretha Franklin

Aretha Louise Franklin (March 25, 1942 - August 16, 2018) was an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. She began her career as a child singing gospel at New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan, where her father, C. L. Franklin, was minister.... read more

Queen of Soul, she has been active for more than 60 years. Her music has been copied and carried on by millions of women and men around the world. Her legacy will live forever, just like Tina Turner's will.
For a legend who was born into a family of powerful singers, she really is one of the world's most powerful living music legends.

These people were the foundation of music. Had it not been for them, where would music be? These people like Aretha, Ella, and Gladys really have made an impact.
I only have a simple question for you: Which set of music had soul? (Listen to Common - I Used to Love H.E.R.)
Stevie Wonder

Stevland Hardaway Morris, known by his stage name Stevie Wonder, is an American musician, singer, songwriter, record producer, and multi-instrumentalist. He was a child prodigy and signed with Motown's Tamla label at age 11. Wonder has won 25 Grammy Awards and is known for hits like Superstition and... read more

Stevie Wonder is the most prestigious black star ever, for he's endowed with qualities rarely found despite his impairment. I consider him above the other four stars: Michael Jackson, Bob Marley, Ray Charles, and Jimi Hendrix.
Improvisor, multilingual, cheerful, and modest, there can't be a better singer in the whole world of black music. For me, he's the one, the only one.

Beyonce and Aretha, I understand, but Rihanna or Chris Brown (and I'm 19, I should like them) being ranked higher than him is ridiculous. All his songs are so uplifting and have so much music. Stevie can do absolutely anything with his voice. This is sad.
Tina Turner

Tina Turner, née Anna Mae Bullock, was a singer, dancer, actress, and author, whose career spanned more than half a century, earning her widespread recognition and numerous awards. She was known as the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll. Turner sold over 100 million records worldwide and won eight Grammy Awards... read more

She is an awesome woman! Strong-willed. Great singer. I love all her songs! That woman can dance! Up in age, but still kicking butt!

Tina Turner is a legend. When she covers a song, she makes it her own. She has a great voice and energy.

The most beautiful voice and great songs. Tina Turner speaks for herself.
Beyoncé

Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter is an American singer, songwriter, and actress who began her career as lead singer of Destiny's Child. The group scored multiple Billboard No. 1 hits including "Say My Name," "Bills, Bills, Bills," "Survivor," "Independent Women," and "Bootylicious." After their split,... read more

Probably one of the most humble artists in the industry to date. Beyoncé writes her songs and places her hooks and melodies. She is always present when it comes to the creation of her music, videos, performances, and documentaries.
People may go on and on saying that she is fake, etc., but Beyoncé is one of the most iconic and legendary voices and figures in the music industry, period. Not just in the black community, but in the human race.

I LOVE BEYONCÉ very much because she has a unique voice. She is a talented singer, and that's why I like her very much. She is a huge inspiration for me. Not like Mariah Carey, who is only dependent on her whistle. She is not really showing her real voice, so I can't judge if she can hit high notes.
Like BEYONCÉ, Charice, Celine, etc., I love Beyoncé when she is singing songs like Listen and others. Sorry, fans of Mariah, I just want to show Mariah her real voice, not whistle. Good luck. I LOVE YOU BEYONCÉ KNOWLES.
Rihanna

Robyn Rihanna Fenty is a Barbadian-American singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur born in Saint Michael and raised in Bridgetown, Barbados. She began her music career in 2003 by recording demo tapes with producer Evan Rogers and eventually signed with Def Jam Records after an audition for Jay-Z. Rihanna... read more

She has been crowned the best-selling black female artist, selling over 200 million records within ten years! She definitely deserves a place here.

Man, I love Rihanna. I am a big fan! I wish I could see her in real life. She has a uniqueness about her, and I like it!

Rihanna should be at least in the top ten. She is way better than Beyoncé!
Luther Vandross

Luther Ronzoni Vandross Jr. was an American singer, songwriter, and record producer. Throughout his career, Vandross was an in-demand background vocalist for several different artists. He later gained fame as a solo artist, releasing successful albums such as Never Too Much and winning eight Grammy Awards... read more

Luther Vandross has the strongest male vocals of any black male singer. Whitney Houston once said, "No one can hold a note like Luther can." That pretty much sums it up.
Luther had the soul, the groove, the voice, and the passion. Luther for Life! Rest in paradise, brother.

Luther's voice is just one in a million. It gets you emotional. Beautiful voice and beautiful man!

No one beats Luther, believe you me. The rest are screaming cats. Luther, you were the man.
Ella Fitzgerald

Ella Jane Fitzgerald was an American jazz singer often referred to as the First Lady of Song, Queen of Jazz, and Lady Ella. She was known for her purity of tone, impeccable diction, phrasing, and improvisational ability. Fitzgerald won 13 Grammy Awards during her career.

Anybody wanting to learn how to become a vocalist should listen to The First Lady of Song.

She is the first lady of music. She is just the best and a truly humble lady.
Tupac Shakur

Tupac Amaru Shakur, also known as 2Pac, was an American rapper and actor born on June 16, 1971, in East Harlem, New York. Tupac sold over 75 million records worldwide and has been referred to in multiple major publications such as Rolling Stone as one of the greatest music artists of all time. 2Pac was... read more

Tupac was a legend along with everything he stood for. He had a good flow and lyrics that spoke to you.

Tupac Shakur is the best black singer after MJ! He should be placed second, after all. If you agree, vote then! Jay-Z and Ne-Yo aren't better than 2PAC!

He is supposed to be number one!

The Newcomers

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Fats Domino

Antoine "Fats" Domino, Jr. was a French Creole pianist and singer-songwriter. He released five gold records before 1955 and had 35 hit records in the U.S. Top 40. Fats Domino died on October 24, 2017, at the age of 89.
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George Clinton

The Contenders

Usher

Usher Terry Raymond IV (born October 14, 1978, in Dallas, Texas) is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor. He was raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he sang in church choirs before moving with his mother and brother to Atlanta, Georgia, at age twelve, securing a recording contract with... read more

I'm 57 years old, and I think Usher is such a great man. He loves and respects his mother, is a father to his boy, and has a beautiful smile. No matter what he goes through, God is there for him. He just has to go to that quiet place.
I have a son his age. Mommy, good job.

Usher rules! Especially his song "More."
Gladys Knight

Gladys Maria Knight, known as the "Empress of Soul", is an American singer, songwriter, actress, businesswoman, humanitarian, and author. She is best known for her work with her group Gladys Knight & the Pips. She has won multiple Grammy Awards over the course of her career.

The Empress of Soul is still great, better than all of her contemporaries, Aretha, Diana, etc.

Gladys has never gotten her due. She should definitely be in the top three with Aretha and Ella.
Teddy Pendergrass

Theodore DeReese Pendergrass was an American singer, songwriter, and composer. He first rose to fame as the lead singer of Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes in the 1970s. He later launched a successful solo career beginning in the late 1970s and became one of the most prominent figures in R&B music.

Teddy, during his Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes and first solo years, will probably never be topped when it comes to sheer power, sexiness, and soul. In my humble opinion, his debut solo album is the best soul album of all time.

He should be ranked higher than Beyoncé!
Marvin Gaye

Marvin Gaye (born Marvin Pentz Gay Jr.. April 2, 1939 - April 1, 1984) was an American singer and songwriter. He helped shape the sound of Motown in the 1960s, initially as an in-house session musician and later as a solo artist with a series of hits, earning him the nicknames "Prince of Motown" and... read more

People who have heard of Marvin Gaye would have made sure he would be ranked above Chris Brown. He wrote meaningful songs that opened up difficult questions about society and the African American struggle for equality.
And what does Chris Brown write about? Sex, girlfriends, being a gangster. Does he even write his own songs?

Having Rihanna and Beyonce above him is just insulting! I guess 12-year-olds vote the most on this list!

Marvin should be in the top three, definitely the best black male singer of all time.
Louis Armstrong

Louis Armstrong, nicknamed Satchmo or Pops, was an American trumpeter, composer, and singer who was one of the most influential figures in jazz. He is known for songs like What a Wonderful World and Hello, Dolly! Armstrong's innovative playing and distinctive voice helped shape the development of modern... read more

I love Louis Armstrong. I found out about him in my music class. I wish I had known earlier who he was. He's a great trumpet player and an awesome man.

Louis Armstrong should be number 1. There never has been nor will there ever be another one like him.
Chris Brown

Christopher Maurice "Chris" Brown (born May 5, 1989) is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor. Born in Tappahannock, Virginia, he participated in his church choir and several local talent shows from a young age. He gained international notoriety in 2009 for his physical assault of singer... read more

He is the best ever. I don't care what others were saying. Anyway, it's their choice. But it wasn't a nice thing to hate Chris Brown for what he had done to Rihanna. Hey, he was just nineteen at that time. He was still young, so he could still change his attitude.
You know, just forgive and forget. I love Chris Brown.

Chris Brown is really inspiring. I can't imagine my life without him. I adore this man. I know he hit Rihanna, but that was years ago. However, that still doesn't mean it's okay. It was an accident. Stop all the hate! I love you, Chris.
Al Green

Albert Leornes Greene, often known as The Reverend Al Green, is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer, best known for recording a series of soul hit singles in the early 1970s. His most famous songs include Let's Stay Together and Tired of Being Alone. Green was inducted into the Rock and... read more

The hottest male R&B voice ever. Even a simple pop song like "Sha La La (Make Me Happy)" turns into a lovemaking, heartbreaking emotional turmoil.
Janet Jackson

Janet Jackson is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and dancer known for her innovative music, socially conscious lyrics, and elaborate stage shows. She gained prominence with her third album, Control (1986), and has since sold over 100 million records worldwide. Jackson is also recognized as... read more

Janet Jackson is a legend and idol. She can dance and sing and always was such a hit with her voice and moves. She needs to be number 2 because, without her, there ain't no Beyonce.

Janet Jackson is an idol. She should be on top. Without her, there would be no Rihanna, Pink, or Beyonce. Plus, she is a Jackson. Oh yeah, this is number one.

She should be No. 3 behind Michael and Whitney. Why the hell are Beyonce and Rihanna above her?
Ne-Yo

Shaffer Chimere Smith, better known by his stage name Ne‑Yo, is an American R&B singer, songwriter, record producer, dancer, and actor. He has released multiple hit albums and won several Grammy Awards. In addition to his music career he has acted in films and produced songs for other artists.

This guy should be the best love singer of all time. He can really inspire you. His songs are lyrical compared to other love singers nowadays. He is like "The Apprentice of Michael Jackson."

He is talented and smart-looking, and he is like a young, handsome man! His voice flows like a melody without music. His classic rapping songs are always engraved in your heart.

Definitely, he should be in the top 3 because he's just amazing with all the songs he has sung!
Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Kate Hudson is an American singer, actress, and spokesperson. She rose to fame in 2004 as a finalist on the third season of American Idol, coming in seventh place. Hudson went on to win an Academy Award for her role in Dreamgirls and has since earned an Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award, becoming... read more

She is the closest thing to Whitney, hands down. She is absolutely awesome, and I have followed her since the American Idol days. I hope Simon has eaten so much "crow" that he has choked on it. I bet he kicks himself each time he hears her sing.

She is the best. Her voice is so soulful, and she always puts her heart and soul into her music. Jennifer Hudson will always be my role model. I want to be her someday!

Amazing voice. She should be top three! What is she doing at number 33? She is amazing with high notes. Love you, Jennifer Hudson.
Donny Hathaway

Donny Edward Hathaway was an American jazz, blues, soul, and gospel singer, songwriter, arranger, and pianist. He gained recognition in the 1970s for hits like A Song for You and duets with Roberta Flack such as Where Is the Love. Hathaway is widely regarded as one of the greatest soul artists of all... read more

Why is this amazing man not in the top 5, or at least the top 10? To make it worse, he is ranked below Beyonce, the pretentious mainstream artist, Rihanna, who can't sing, and Chris Brown, who objectifies women in most of his songs.
Usher, Ne-Yo, and other good singers are good but not as great as Donny was. R.I.P.
Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey, born March 27, 1970, is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. She's one of the best-selling female artists in music history, with 19 number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100.
She's often regarded as a sex symbol through her songs and videos, and has been noted in the press... read more

I don't understand why this beautiful talent is not in the top 3 of this list. Her voice is beyond amazing. Her talent is equivalent to Whitney's, and I know damn well that Mariah has way better vocals than Beyonce and Rihanna combined. They wish they could sing like her.
Besides Mimi's voice, she is also a highly acclaimed songwriter. All of her hits are written by her. Mariah's music is a true work of art and has inspired thousands of people to cultivate their own style of music similar to Mariah's.
She, Whitney, Michael, Prince, and Janet are the creators of today's contemporary music. Stevie Wonder needs to be on this list as well. I have nothing against Rihanna, Chris Brown, and Beyonce. I actually love them, but they are not true geniuses of music like Michael, Whitney, Mariah, Prince, Janet, and Stevie Wonder.
Bruno Mars

Peter Gene Hernandez, professionally known as Bruno Mars, is an American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer, and choreographer.
Mars rose to fame in 2010 through his collaborations on the hits "Nothin' on You" by B.o.B and "Billionaire" by Travie McCoy, both of which featured... read more

I love him, and I know that when he sings with so much soul, you might think he is black, but he actually isn't. When I first heard him sing, I thought he was black, and I was very surprised to find out that he wasn't.

You all better be moving Bruno up to the top 5, and ASAP! 93!? Craziness. Chop chop, get this man moved up!
Alicia Keys

Alicia Augello Cook (born January 25, 1981), known professionally as Alicia Keys, is an American singer, songwriter, pianist, record producer, and actress. A classically trained pianist, she began composing music at age 12 and released her debut album, Songs in A Minor, in 2001. To date, Keys has sold... read more

Alicia Keys is amazing and deserves to be up in the top 10 at least. I bet more than 3/4 of the people who voted are white.

She has grown on me in the last couple of years.
The Weeknd

Abęl Makkonen Tesfaye, known professionally by his stage name The Weeknd, is a Canadian singer, songwriter, and record producer. He was born on February 16, 1990, in Toronto, Ontario. He began uploading music to YouTube in 2010 and later released several studio albums, including Kiss Land, Beauty Behind... read more