Terms | Privacy | Copyright | FAQ
©2005-2018 TheTopTens® All rights reserved.
Best R&B Singers
These are the most amazing RnB singers ever... take a look.The Top Ten
1 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.
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. No way is ugly overrated beyonce higher ranked than this legend. Luther has more talent and worth than beyonce's entire career! - IHaveGreatTaste
Beyonce above Luther is an insult to music. Beyonce not even r&b, pop is not r&b!
This is truly comical! Chris Brown above Luther? - RnBLover
Beyoncé and chris brown above Luther? Wow. They shouldn't even be in the top 50, there are so many better singers than overrated beyonce and chris brown! - DaWyteNight
2 Michael Jackson
Michael Joseph Jackson was an American singer, dancer, and songwriter born on August 29, 1958 in Gary, Indiana and passed away on June 25, 2009. He donated (at least) a remarkable 500,000,000 dollars to charity. Michael is also known as The King of Pop (a title given to him by Elizabeth Taylor) or under ...read more.
Michael Joseph Jackson was an American singer, dancer, and songwriter born on August 29, 1958 in Gary, Indiana and passed away on June 25, 2009. He donated (at least) a remarkable 500,000,000 dollars to charity. Michael is also known as The King of Pop (a title given to him by Elizabeth Taylor) or under ...read more. Putting a woman beater above the King of Pop is a crime. - 445956
The greatest of all time
3 Usher
Usher Terry Raymond IV is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor. Born in Dallas, but raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee was where he lived until moving to Atlanta, Georgia at the age of 12 where his mother put him in local singing competitions all over the city.
Usher Terry Raymond IV is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor. Born in Dallas, but raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee was where he lived until moving to Atlanta, Georgia at the age of 12 where his mother put him in local singing competitions all over the city. I think he's good, Confessions is one of my favorite r&b albums of all time and Here I Stand is great too, but he's definitely not better than Joe, Brian McKnight, Johnny Gill, Luther, Teddy, Marvin etc. - DaWyteNight
he is quite hot and perfect.. amazing dancing and voice
4 Brian McKnight
Brian McKnight, born June 5, 1969, is an American R&B singer-songwriter, arranger, producer, and musician. He is a multi-instrumentalist who plays eight instruments including piano, guitar, bass guitar, percussion, trombone, tuba, flugelhorn and trumpet. He is one of the very few leggiero tenors in ...read more.
Brian McKnight, born June 5, 1969, is an American R&B singer-songwriter, arranger, producer, and musician. He is a multi-instrumentalist who plays eight instruments including piano, guitar, bass guitar, percussion, trombone, tuba, flugelhorn and trumpet. He is one of the very few leggiero tenors in ...read more. I'm kinda okay with Luther Vandross or Michael Jackson (who let's be honest, inspired Brian himself in some way) being above him but I wouldn't put Usher, Akon or Nicole Scherzinger (who are good but not as legendary as Brian) above him, and I definitely would not put Chris Brown or Beyonce (who are very overrated) even near him! - IHaveGreatTaste
Half of the people above him shouldn't even be here. - RnBLover
Come on him and Joe are supposed to be in the top five not chris brown or beyonce - DaWyteNight
Love McKnight! His voice takes me to another dimension.
V 1 Comment
5 Nicole Scherzinger
Nicole Scherzinger, born Nicole Prescovia Elikolani Valiente on June 29, 1978, is an American singer, songwriter, actress, dancer, and television personality . She first rose to fame as the lead singer of the pop/r&b group The Pussycat Dolls. In fact, Nicole was pretty much the only girl in the group ...read more.
Nicole Scherzinger, born Nicole Prescovia Elikolani Valiente on June 29, 1978, is an American singer, songwriter, actress, dancer, and television personality . She first rose to fame as the lead singer of the pop/r&b group The Pussycat Dolls. In fact, Nicole was pretty much the only girl in the group ...read more. Hot girl, hot voice!
Shes good and deserves to be on the list but she definitely shouldn't be higher than Brian McKnight, Teddy Pendergrass, Johnny Gill, etc. - IHaveGreatTaste
Nicole Scherzinger! No doubt about this chick! - NicoleJohnnyLutherBrianFan
She has a great voice and I wish she had more true r&b songs to show it off. Plus, don't forget she fine!
V 2 Comments
6 Beyonce Knowles
Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter, is an American singer and actress, who started out in the popular pop/r&b girl group Destiny's Child. They had multiple top 5 hits such as "No, No, No", "Say My Name", "Bills, Bills, Bills", "Survivor", "Independent Women", "Bootylicious", and "Jumpin', Jumpin" from ...read more.
Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter, is an American singer and actress, who started out in the popular pop/r&b girl group Destiny's Child. They had multiple top 5 hits such as "No, No, No", "Say My Name", "Bills, Bills, Bills", "Survivor", "Independent Women", "Bootylicious", and "Jumpin', Jumpin" from ...read more. Um, this ugly piece of crap should be nowhere on this list. She is so overrated and makes horrible songs like 711 and single ladies, doesn't even write any of her songs and is just all around a joke. The most ugly overrated waste of space to ever be called a "legend." - RnBLover
Her? Best r&b artist? Hell no! Where is the best? She sucks. - RnBLover
Hell no she should not be here - DaWyteNight
Single Ladies is one of the biggest pieces of crap I've ever heard. - IHaveGreatTaste
V 2 Comments
7 Johnny Gill
Johnny Gill started out as a solo artist in the 1980s, releasing two albums that didn't garner much attention. It was not until later, when Gill became a member of the r&b/pop group New Edition, that people started to take notice of his music and his talent. He went on to release his most successful ...read more.
Johnny Gill started out as a solo artist in the 1980s, releasing two albums that didn't garner much attention. It was not until later, when Gill became a member of the r&b/pop group New Edition, that people started to take notice of his music and his talent. He went on to release his most successful ...read more. He has one of the best voices I've ever heard! It's upsetting that people with so little talent are more famous than him. - IHaveGreatTaste
This guy really has a gift from God - NicoleJohnnyLutherBrianFan
He needs to be higher! He should be above Beyoncé the pretentious mainstream artist and Chris Brown who is no where as good as Johnny is and uses auto-tune on every song! - DaWyteNight
8 Akon
Aliaume Damala Badara Akon Thiam, better known as Akon, is an American-Senegalese singer, rapper, songwriter, businessman, record producer and actor.
Aliaume Damala Badara Akon Thiam, better known as Akon, is an American-Senegalese singer, rapper, songwriter, businessman, record producer and actor. He's good but definitely shouldn't be higher than Brian McKnight, Teddy Pendergrass etc. - IHaveGreatTaste
We love you so much akon
The greatest ever!
Move akon sir up...whole world loves him..
V 2 Comments
9 Teddy Pendergrass
Theodore DeReese Pendergrass was an American singer–songwriter and composer. He first rose to fame as lead singer of Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes in the 1970s before a successful solo career at the end of the decade.
Theodore DeReese Pendergrass was an American singer–songwriter and composer. He first rose to fame as lead singer of Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes in the 1970s before a successful solo career at the end of the decade. This list is just sad. How is the man who inspired all of these people not even in the top five, let alone the top 10! And to make it worse, he is under beyonce, chris brown, rihanna, drake, Eminem and the weekend as well as some singers who are good but are not as legendary as than Teddy. - RnBLover
Best singer of all time
Love me some Teddy P! Even if the production of the song is not that good, anything Teddy sings is magical! Luther too! He can make any song good, even if the production is meh. Wish we still had him today. If it wasn't for him we might not have Johnny Gill. Wish it was chris brown or b. smith who died and not Teddy or Luther. - DaWyteNight
10 Drake
Aubrey Drake Graham, known professionally as Drake, is a Canadian rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer and actor, born on October 24, 1986 in Toronto, Canada. He started his career on Canadian reality show "Degrassi: The Next Generation".
Aubrey Drake Graham, known professionally as Drake, is a Canadian rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer and actor, born on October 24, 1986 in Toronto, Canada. He started his career on Canadian reality show "Degrassi: The Next Generation". He has some r&b songs here and there, but he's more of a rapper to be honest. But I do think he's a better r&b singer than he is as a rapper. As an r&b singer he's kind of like a better version of The-Dream. - IHaveGreatTaste
WHAT? He's no where near R&B who put this generic rapper on this list lol you know nothing about R&B. - TheMainReason
The Contenders
11 The Weeknd
Abęl Makkonen Tesfaye, known professionally by his stage name The Weeknd, is a Canadian singer, songwriter, and record producer.
Abęl Makkonen Tesfaye, known professionally by his stage name The Weeknd, is a Canadian singer, songwriter, and record producer. He's not that good, Zayn Malik is so much better than him! - IHaveGreatTaste
He has amazing vocals. Listen to "Wicked Games." "Starboy" is awesome and sincere. Just like Beyonce's "Hold Up", his "The Hills" and "Party Monster" reveals his darker persona. He should be at least 10 on the list
He is the best!
Most of his music is so garbage. He is not a real alternative RnB singer. Also, Bryson Tiller, August Alsina, Tory Lanez, PARTYNEXTDOOR, they sing songs are mostly dirty.
12 Chris Brown
Christopher Maurice "Chris" Brown (born May 5, 1989) is an American singer, songwriter, dancer and actor. Born in Tappahannock, Virginia, he was involved in his church choir and several local talent shows from a young age. He is most well known for his physical assault towards the singer Rihanna in ...read more.
Christopher Maurice "Chris" Brown (born May 5, 1989) is an American singer, songwriter, dancer and actor. Born in Tappahannock, Virginia, he was involved in his church choir and several local talent shows from a young age. He is most well known for his physical assault towards the singer Rihanna in ...read more. He is a disgrace to the genre r&b. He is just disgusting and vulgar in all his songs now. It's not even r&b anymore, now it's trap/hip hop. He can't sing that well, he uses auto-tune, and sings about stupid crap. His songs aren't even catchy either, how can people even like him. - DaWyteNight
How can anybody still like him he's a woman beater and makes crappy auto-tuned songs - NicoleJohnnyLutherBrianFan
The fact that he is this high on this list is just embarrassing! - NicoleJohnnyLutherBrianFan
To me r&b is about uplifting music that speaks to lovers, not objectifying women. Therefore, this guy doesn't deserve to be on the list.
V 11 Comments
13 Zayn Malik
Zain Javadd Malik, born on 12 January 1993, who records mononymously as ZAYN, is a British singer and songwriter. Born and raised in Bradford, ZAYN aspired to pursue a career in music from a young age leading him to audition as a solo artist for the British reality television music competition The X ...read more.
Zain Javadd Malik, born on 12 January 1993, who records mononymously as ZAYN, is a British singer and songwriter. Born and raised in Bradford, ZAYN aspired to pursue a career in music from a young age leading him to audition as a solo artist for the British reality television music competition The X ...read more. For a 2010's artist, he's one of the few good ones. - DaWyteNight
He's much better than the weeknd and frank ocean, him and BJ the Chicago Kid are the best doing it right now! - IHaveGreatTaste
Pillow talk - adarshjeet
14 Charlie Wilson
Charles Kent "Charlie" Wilson, also known as Uncle Charlie, is an American R&B singer, songwriter, producer and the former lead vocalist for The Gap Band.
Charles Kent "Charlie" Wilson, also known as Uncle Charlie, is an American R&B singer, songwriter, producer and the former lead vocalist for The Gap Band.
15 Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey, born March 27, 1970, is an American singer, songwriter and actress. She is one of the biggest best-selling women in the music industry, with 18 number 1 records to her name. She is regarded as a sex symbol through her songs and music videos, and she is "well known" for her over-the-top ...read more.
Mariah Carey, born March 27, 1970, is an American singer, songwriter and actress. She is one of the biggest best-selling women in the music industry, with 18 number 1 records to her name. She is regarded as a sex symbol through her songs and music videos, and she is "well known" for her over-the-top ...read more. Her voice now is so annoying. In the 90's she was a good singer but now I'd even go as far as calling her one of the worst singers - RnBLover
She is the breast singer! - NicoleJohnnyLutherBrianFan
Hell no she should not be here, she's wack! - RnBLover
I only like her first three albums. After that, shes just pretentious and annoying and I can't stand her voice. She thinks that she is all that when she really isn't.
V 3 Comments
16 R. Kelly
Robert Sylvester Kelly, known professionally as R. Kelly, is an American recording artist, songwriter, record producer, and former professional basketball player.
Robert Sylvester Kelly, known professionally as R. Kelly, is an American recording artist, songwriter, record producer, and former professional basketball player. One of the greatest r&b singers of all time is not number 1 and is below chris brown the mainstream pop artist, Akon who is good but not as legendary as R. Kelly is, and beyonce the pretentious mainstream artist? - RnBLover
17 Rick James
Fire & Desire
18 Alicia Keys
Alicia Augello Cook, known by the pseudonym Alicia Keys, is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and actress.
Alicia Augello Cook, known by the pseudonym Alicia Keys, is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and actress. hot girl, hot voice... very amazing to see her singing...
Alicia Keys is a very talented woman. I'm glad to see her at #7
This girl's on fire! - NicoleJohnnyLutherBrianFan
Simply wow.
19 Jason Derulo
Jason Joel Desrouleaux, better known by his stage name Jason Derulo (an alternate spelling of his surname), is an American singer, songwriter, and dancer. He is best known for his singles such as "Whatcha Say", "Ridin' Solo", "In My Head", "What If", "Wiggle", "Talk Dirty", "Trumpets" and "Want To Want ...read more.
Jason Joel Desrouleaux, better known by his stage name Jason Derulo (an alternate spelling of his surname), is an American singer, songwriter, and dancer. He is best known for his singles such as "Whatcha Say", "Ridin' Solo", "In My Head", "What If", "Wiggle", "Talk Dirty", "Trumpets" and "Want To Want ...read more.
20 Whitney Houston
Whitney Elizabeth Houston (August 9, 1963 – February 11, 2012) was an American singer, actress, producer, and model. In 2009, Guinness World Records cited her as the most awarded female act of all time. Houston is one of pop music's best-selling music artists of all-time, with an estimated 170–200 ...read more.
Whitney Elizabeth Houston (August 9, 1963 – February 11, 2012) was an American singer, actress, producer, and model. In 2009, Guinness World Records cited her as the most awarded female act of all time. Houston is one of pop music's best-selling music artists of all-time, with an estimated 170–200 ...read more. This is just insulting. How is she not at least in the top 3? And she is under beyonce and rihanna? Those girls are nowhere near Whitney and never could dream of being half as great as she was. "Saving All My Love" is better than beyonce's entire career. - RnBLover
No one can sing better than Whitney!
How is she not at least in the top 5? - DaWyteNight
What? The best female singer of all time is not number 1 and she is under Beyoncé the ugly sellout music industry whore, Chris Brown the auto-tune abusing woman beater, Rihanna the horrible no talent having auto-tuning pop artist who isn't anything close to r&b at all, Jason Derulo the talented but below average mainstream pop artist, Usher and Akon who are good but not as good as Whitney, Nicole Scherzinger who is good but who herself was inspired by Whitney and wouldn't be singing if it wasn't for her, Drake the rapper, The Weeknd the mediocre PBR&B singer and Zayn Malik who is good but still a newcomer and isn't close to Whitney's level? The only one's I could see being higher than her are Michael Jackson or Luther Vandross. She inspired all of these singers today, even that slutty sellout whore beyonce and that piece of crap rihanna who got famous for no reason. - IHaveGreatTaste
21 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.
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.
22 Al Green
23 Stevie Wonder
Stevland Hardaway Morris, known by his stage name Stevie Wonder, is an American musician, singer, songwriter, record producer, and multi-instrumentalist.
Stevland Hardaway Morris, known by his stage name Stevie Wonder, is an American musician, singer, songwriter, record producer, and multi-instrumentalist.
24 T-Pain
Faheem Rashad Najm, better known by his stage name T-Pain, is an American recording artist and music producer from Tallahassee, Florida.
Faheem Rashad Najm, better known by his stage name T-Pain, is an American recording artist and music producer from Tallahassee, Florida.
25 Frank Ocean
Christopher Edwin Breaux, known professionally as Frank Ocean, is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, record producer and photographer.
Christopher Edwin Breaux, known professionally as Frank Ocean, is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, record producer and photographer. Frank has no bad songs and all great albums, easily the best on this list
26 James Brown
James Joseph Brown was an American singer, songwriter, dancer, musician, record producer and bandleader. A progenitor of funk music and a major figure of 20th century popular music and dance, he is often referred to as the "Godfather of Soul".
James Joseph Brown was an American singer, songwriter, dancer, musician, record producer and bandleader. A progenitor of funk music and a major figure of 20th century popular music and dance, he is often referred to as the "Godfather of Soul".
27 Rihanna
Robyn Rihanna Fenty is a Barbadian-American pop singer. Born in Saint Michael and raised in Bridgetown, she first entered the music industry by recording demo tapes under the direction of record producer Evan Rogers in 2003. She ultimately signed a recording contract with Def Jam Recordings after auditioning ...read more.
Robyn Rihanna Fenty is a Barbadian-American pop singer. Born in Saint Michael and raised in Bridgetown, she first entered the music industry by recording demo tapes under the direction of record producer Evan Rogers in 2003. She ultimately signed a recording contract with Def Jam Recordings after auditioning ...read more. Shes not an r&b singer at all! - IHaveGreatTaste
Wrong list, this is the r&b list not the pop list, Rihanna's a pop singer. - RnBLover
She's not r&b she's pop! Who put rihanna and bieber on here! - NicoleJohnnyLutherBrianFan
What? She's nowhere near r&b who added this talentless pop tart to the list?
V 1 Comment
28 JoJo
this great young girl is very amazing... world is lucky to have her
This singer is way better than The Weeknd - waraypiso
29 Bruno Mars
Peter Gene Hernandez, professionally known by his stage name Bruno Mars, is an American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer, and choreographer. ...read more.
Peter Gene Hernandez, professionally known by his stage name Bruno Mars, is an American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer, and choreographer. ...read more.
30 Amir Tataloo
Amirhossein Maghsoudloo, better known by his stage name Amir Tataloo, is an Iranian singer and songwriter. An underground musician unauthorized by the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, Tataloo is "a rapper with so many fans" in words of Time and has a "strong fan base" among the youth in Iran ...read more.
Amirhossein Maghsoudloo, better known by his stage name Amir Tataloo, is an Iranian singer and songwriter. An underground musician unauthorized by the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, Tataloo is "a rapper with so many fans" in words of Time and has a "strong fan base" among the youth in Iran ...read more. Iranian best r&b singers
Amir Tataloo is the best R&B singer in the world.
The best
31 Barry White
32 Aaliyah
Aaliyah Dana Haughton was born on January 16th 1979 and died August 25th 2001. She was a dancer, an actress and an R&B singer. She was born in Brooklyn, New York, raised in Detroit, Michigan and died at Marsh Harbour, Bahamas. ...read more.
Aaliyah Dana Haughton was born on January 16th 1979 and died August 25th 2001. She was a dancer, an actress and an R&B singer. She was born in Brooklyn, New York, raised in Detroit, Michigan and died at Marsh Harbour, Bahamas. ...read more.
33 Rain bi
amazing man from korea... dance and voice are good... very talented
RAIN BI IS THE BEST,
SINGER, DANCER, ACTOR AND MODEL,
IS THE ARTIST MOST COMPLETE IN THE WORLD
LOVE RAIN BI
34 August Alsina
August Anthony Alsina, Jr. is an American recording artist from New Orleans signed to Def Jam Recordings.
August Anthony Alsina, Jr. is an American recording artist from New Orleans signed to Def Jam Recordings. His music is mostly garbage for sure. - waraypiso
He has such a great voice and he went throug a lot and people should appreciate his thaughts and feeling
35 Joe
Joe should be top 5, beyonce, rihanna and chris brown are not r&b
Joe is one of the greatest singers period! - DaWyteNight
36 Tinashe
Tinashe Jorgenson Kachingwe, known professionally as Tinashe, is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, dancer, actress and former model.
Tinashe Jorgenson Kachingwe, known professionally as Tinashe, is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, dancer, actress and former model.
37 Mary J. Blige
38 Jaheim
Jaheim Hoagland, born May 26, 1978, is an American R&B singer and former rapper. He was signed by Naughty by Nature's Kaygee to Divine Mill Records in 2000, and released his debut album Ghetto Love in 2001. His second effort, Still Ghetto (2002), contains the hit "Put That Woman First" (2003), both ...read more.
Jaheim Hoagland, born May 26, 1978, is an American R&B singer and former rapper. He was signed by Naughty by Nature's Kaygee to Divine Mill Records in 2000, and released his debut album Ghetto Love in 2001. His second effort, Still Ghetto (2002), contains the hit "Put That Woman First" (2003), both ...read more. Robbed! Might I just point out that one of the greatest voices to ever exist is under rihanna! - DaWyteNight
Should be number one better voice than a lot of artists before him!
39 Khalid
40 Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lynn Lopez, also known as J. Lo, is an American singer, actress, dancer, fashion designer, author and producer.
Jennifer Lynn Lopez, also known as J. Lo, is an American singer, actress, dancer, fashion designer, author and producer. Trash - DaWyteNight
41 Whitney McClain
42 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.
Shaffer Chimere Smith, better known by his stage name Ne-Yo, is an American R&B singer, songwriter, record producer, dancer and actor.
43 Case
44 PnB Rock
45 Brandy
Brandy Rayana Norwood, known professionally by her mononym Brandy, is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and actress.
Brandy Rayana Norwood, known professionally by her mononym Brandy, is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and actress. She's the best Singer/Vocalist ever.. I mean Beyonce is good but Brandy is Marvelous! BRILLIANT! From "I Wanna be Down" '94 to "Wildest Dream" 2K12... But She's beautiful.. not perfect.. but she's god's most precious angel.
Her melodies are amazing and music straight fro the heart, listen "fall" and you'll agree...
Best singer of our generation
46 Agnes Monica
She has amazing voice
Good dancer
Good songwriter
I love her so much
She has amazing voice
Good dancer
Good songwriter
Proud with her
47 Trey Songz
48 Miguel
49 Emeli Sande
50 Jeremih
Same level with Chris Brown nowadays. They're both wack R&B singers. - waraypiso
He is a great singer
He has like one really good song "Raindrops" and that's it. - DaWyteNight
PSearch List
Featured
Popular
Latest
Related Lists
Best Singers of All Time
Best Female Singers of All Time
Best Male Singers
Best Female Country Singers of All Time
Best Female Pop Singers of Today
List Stats
300 votes
154 listings
7 years, 303 days old
154 listings
7 years, 303 days old
Top Remixes (9)
1. Brian McKnight2. Nicole Scherzinger
3. Johnny Gill
NicoleJohnnyLutherBrianFan
1. Michael Jackson2. Rick James
3. Aretha Franklin
TheMainReason
1. Usher2. Rihanna
3. Beyonce Knowles
ParasN2000
View All 9
Error Reporting
See a factual error in these listings? Report it here.