R & B 101

The 101 most essential acts in rhythm & blues in its various incarnations (soul; hip hop, urban; funk; rap etc.).

101 NE-YO
One of the most successful songwriters and performers of this century.

100 LENNY KRAVITZ
While drawing from the music of the past (including Hendrix, Prince, Sly Stone & P-Funk), Kravitz fused a combination of styles and influenced acts that followed in his wake. 

99 MINNIE RIPERTON
Her five-octave range wowed soul audiences in the 70s.

98 THE CHI-LITES
An influential smooth vocal group from Chicago which scored hits in the 70s.

97 CHRIS BROWN
One of the hottest singer./songwriters in Urban music today.

96 FLO RIDA
Southern rap artist that merged with dance music.

95 SOUL II SOUL
Mixed Disco and Philly soul grooves with reggae and hip hop to create a new approach to acid house.

94 DIDDY
A major influence on 90s rap: singer/ songwriter and at the helm of Bad Boy Entertainment.

93 THE STAPLE SINGERS
Evolving family tradition across several decades, especially with "Pops" and Mavis Staples, this family vocal group was at its peak in the 1970s.

92 WILSON PICKETT
His deep soul grooves tore up dance floors in the 1960s.

91 THE POINTER SISTERS
Female vocal group that recorded in many styles, including disco, country, blues, gospel and dance.

90 MC HAMMER
Helped rap cross over to a wider, pop audience in the 90s.

89 QUEEN LATIFAH
She changed rap from a misogynistic genre to a more acceptable style, with an empowered, feminist attitude.

88 KOOL & THE GANG
Influential funk & pop group of the 70s & 80s.

87 RIHANNA
Female dance/pop artist who pushes the boundaries of R&B with innovative sounds on hits including "Pon de Replay", "S.O.S." and "Umbrella".

86 BABYFACE
Singer/ songwriter left his mark on R&B, particularly in the 90s, with his work as a soloist and for Bobby Brown, Whitney Houston, Mary J. Blige, Toni Braxton and Boyz II Men.

85 ALICIA KEYS
Female neo-soul / R&B singer/ songwriter. Her undeniable talents will continue to be revealed as her influence and legacy grows into the future.

84 SNOOP DOGG
Influential gangsta rapper.

83 CHAKA KHAN
Female lead singer of R&B group Rufus burst out with a solo career which further showcased her immense vocal power.

82 OUTKAST
Hip hop, rap, Southern soul and funk were thrown into the mix to create a fresh approach to the legacy of P-Funk, Sly Stone and Prince.

81 ANITA BAKER
Ushered in the "Quiet Storm" genre in the 1980s.


80 BILLY PRESTON
Influential songwriter, pianist and singer played with the likes of Mahalia Jackson, Little Richard and the Beatles.

79 AALIYAH
Despite her life being cut tragically short, she left us some recordings with her futuristic and contemporary approach to hip hop and R&B.

78 CRAIG DAVID
Leading exponent of Garage & 2-Step, first in the UK and ultimately to the world (particularly in the USA).

77 JANET JACKSON
Her pop & R&B chart success in the 80s & 90s featured state of the art productions which always kept her recordings sounding fresh, particularly her collaborations with Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis. She carved out her own identity despite her siblings' fame, especially brother Michael.

76 JAY-Z
Self- made major influence on rap music since his breakthrough in 1996. He has had a massive impact on the music industry.

75 BOOKER T & THE MGs
Stax Records' house band played on several key tracks for that label's legendary artists such as Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett and Sam & Dave. With a line-up featuring both black & white members, the instrumental group paved the way, proving biracial acts could funk together and create great soul magic.

74 SALT 'N' PEPA
This trio ensured rap would no longer be a male - dominated and misogynistic genre.

73 THE CLOVERS
A 50s doo-wop group that released some of the seminal R&B hits of that era.

72 JILL SCOTT
Innovative vocalist whose songs empower while merging rap, poetry, hip hop, jazz and blues into a neo-soul / R&B sound.

71 LL COOL J
One of the earliest hit-makers in the rap/ hip hop genre, his longevity continues to this day. He also recorded rap's first ballad hit, "I Need Love".

70 LABELLE
Girl group that recorded funk, disco, rock and soul over many decades. Featuring the influential vocalist Patti Labelle on lead vocals.

69 2PAC
Tupac Shakur influenced gangsta rap and rap in general, while alive and long after his murder.

68 DESTINY'S CHILD
The successful girl group that empowered women and gave the world Beyonce. Their influence continues to this day. 

67 USHER
Singer/ songwriter that has scored several hits and had a major impact on R&B/ hip hop since the 1990s.

66 LAURYN HILL
Her brand of hip hop influenced countless vocalists and songwriters since her breakthrough as a vocalist in the Fugees and as a solo artist.

65 EARTH, WIND AND FIRE
R&B group whose music incorporated jazz, African music, rock, soul, R&B, funk and disco; all wrapped around the soaring vocals of Philip Bailey. Maurice White created heavenly productions at the helm of his group.

64 ERYKAH BADU
Innovative vocalist that helped usher in Neo- Soul. She drew from past singers such as Billie Holiday, Marvin Gaye, Sade and Aretha Franklin and modernized R&B/ hip hop. She went on to influence the likes of Kelis, Angie Stone and Alicia Keys.

63 ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT
Alternative rap act that focused on political and social comment. They have influenced Cee Lo Green, Erykah Badu, Outkast and the Black Eyed Peas.

62 EN VOGUE
New jack swing girl group whose sassy attitude borrowed from Janet Jackson, the Supremes, Aretha Franklin, TLC and Patti Labelle. They paved the way for Beyonce and Destiny's Child.

61 KANYE WEST
In years to come, more will be revealed from this rapper's catalogue. He is constantly evolving his music. 

60 GEORGE BENSON
This musician took modern jazz to a wider mainstream / pop audience, scoring many hits in the process.

59 TLC
Ushered in the re-emergence of the R&B girl groups, adapting the New Jack Swing style to an empowered New Jill Swing approach to hip hop/ R&B. They paved the way for groups such as En Vogue, Divine, SWV and Destiny's Child.

58 RUN-D.M.C.
Hard-core rap group that married hip hop with hard rock and went on to influence acts as diverse as LL Cool J, De La Soul, Naughty by Nature, Eminem, Kanye West, N.W.A., Beastie Boys, Salt-N-Pepa, MC Hammer and Faith No More.

57 BOYZ II MEN
Vocal group that drew from Motown & Philly groups, revived the  early R&B doo-wop, harmony vocal tradition, albeit in a modern and lushly produced context. They recorded some of the best selling R&B singles of all-time. 

56 GRANDMASTER FLASH
One of the earliest stars of the emerging rap genre. He influenced the likes of De La Soul, Public Enemy and the Beastie Boys.

55 LIONEL RICHIE
in the early 80s, Richie launched a solo career that eclipsed his impact as a member of the Commodores. His vocals and songwriting attracted massive sales. His meshing of country with pop, adult contemporary and soul music made him an in-demand composer and performer. His success made way for the likes of Toni Braxton, Babyface, R. Kelly, Brian McKnight and Boyz II Men.
54 THE IMPRESSIONS
One of the oldest vocal groups, they were influential when Jerry Butler was at the helm and even more so once Curtis Mayfield steered them in a later incarnation. You can hear traces of this act in the vocal styles of the Spinners, Boyz II Men, the O'Jays, the Delfonics, the Chi-Lites and Parliament among others.

53 ROBERTA FLACK
Her jazz and soul infused style not only found a new pop audience, but helped power the singer/songwriter era of the early 1970s. She helped shape the sound of Urban, Quiet Storm and Neo-Soul which were styles that followed in her wake. Her legacy is evident in the vocal styles of Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, Sade, Alicia Keys, Jill Scott and Mary J. Blige.

52 THE SUGARHILL GANG
Their hit "Rapper's Delight" was labelled disco at the time of its release, but it was, in hindsight, the pioneering track that became rap's first crossover hit in the late 1970s. They influenced Run-D.M.C., LL Cool J, De La Soul, Wham! and the Beastie Boys.

51 TAMMI TERRELL
Her duets with Marvin Gaye remain some of the best examples of magical teams in the R&B genre. Never overproduced, they match each other beautifully. Sadly, her career was cut short in 1970, the victim of a brain tumour; but she did influence the likes of Diana Ross, Minnie Riperton, Anita Baker and countless other soul vocalists.

50 THE COMMODORES
Funky soul group that later merged adult contemporary and country tinges into their sound to score several hit singles in the 1970s. Lionel Richie left the band in the 80s to launch his enduring solo career.

49 BEYONCE'
The R&B dynamo whose string of hits and influence on R&B today will only increase in the near future. She fast became the focal point of Destiny's Child and from there, launched a solo career as well as credibly branching out as a songwriter and actress. She has unofficially inherited Whitney Houston's place as the principal R&B/ pop vocalist. Her marriage to Jay -Z further established her as a leader in the genre.

48 THE O'JAYS
This vocal group formed in 1958 and still exists and tours today. Their releases with Gamble & Huff at the helm are some of the best examples of the Philly Sound. Their sound still influences R&B to this day.

47 BLACK EYED PEAS
At the turn of this century, this hip hop group incorporated house and techno elements. This transformation proved lucrative and opened R&B to brand new horizons. Other hip hop/ rap artists followed the trail this group blazed. Features the visionary will.i.am.

46 R. KELLY
Robert Kelly entered the R&B fray with a fresh, contemporary approach to create some of the genre's sexiest, well crafted love songs. He mixed his brand of new jack swing with traditional soul grooves, with new themes and some controversy. He is a well respected songwriter, producer and vocalist.

45 MARY J. BLIGE
The Queen of Hip-hop drew from the likes of Diana Ross, Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye and Nina Simone to forge ahead with her unique attitude that has influenced artists that include Alicia Keys, Rihanna, Destiny's Child, Monica and Erykah Badu.

44 BOBBY BROWN
Emerging from the boy band New Edition, Brown ushered in new jack swing in the late 1980s-90s. He paved the way for Chris Brown, Justin Timberlake, New Kids on the Block, Usher and R. Kelly.

43 DIONNE WARWICK
Her articulate and purity of voice still can melt the hardest hearts, especially when she sings one of her many hits from the Burt Bacharach & Hal David songbook. She influenced acts that followed, including The Stylistics, the Bee Gees, the Carpenters, Roberta Flack and Alicia Keys.

42 AL GREEN
This preacher/ musician and singer has spread his brand of gospel-tinged Memphis Soul for decades.

41 LAVERN BAKER
LaVern combined elements of R&B with rock and went on to influence countless R&B singers, including Aretha Franklin.

40 LUTHER VANDROSS
After years as a session singer, Vandross became one of the most influential vocalists and producers of the 1980s-90s, having an impact on the likes of Whitney Houston, Ne-Yo, Babyface, R. Kelly, Mariah Carey and Usher.

39 NINA SIMONE
Armed with her jazz credentials, Simone was an empowered female who had a profound impact on the civil rights cause in the 1960s-70s, recording anthems that included "To Be Young, Gifted and Black" and "I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to be Free".

38 BOB MARLEY
No other reggae artist did as much as Marley to widen the appeal of this genre as well as deliver a potent message as part of his enduring legacy.

37 THE JACKSON 5/ JACKSONS

This family group of siblings from Gary, Indiana recorded some of Motown's best pop tracks and introduced the world to the incredible talents of lead vocalist Michael Jackson.

36 THE STYLISTICS
This Philly Soul vocal group helped usher in Quiet Storm and Disco, influencing acts such as the Bee Gees and Boyz II Men.

35 GIL SCOTT-HERON
Political poet who paved the way for rap and hip hop. His influence can particularly be heard in the music of Outkast, Guru, Jamiroquai, Grandmaster Flash, Public Enemy, the Black Eyed Peas and The Roots.

34 CHIC
Disco/ funk group that revolved around the nucleus of the brilliant Nile Rodgers & Bernard Edwards. Their "Good Times" and many other tracks have been sampled countless times and inspired some seminal rap hits, including "Rappers Delight". Rodgers &/ or Edwards went on to work on projects with acts ranging from Diana Ross, Debbie Harry, Sister Sledge, David Bowie, Madonna and Daft Punk.

33 THE FOUR TOPS
From the Motown stable, this vocal group has existed since 1956. They- lead vocalist Levi Stubbs in particular-  influenced the Jackson 5, Boyz II Men, New Edition and the 5th Dimension. 

32 IKE & TINA TURNER
This volatile couple created a brand of rock and soul drenched in gospel and blues. Tina went on to carve out a solo career that continues to wow audiences to this day.

31 PARLIAMENT - FUNKADELIC
George Clinton was at the helm of these 2 groups which delivered a unique blend of rock and funk to form a new attitude to psychedelic soul. Bootsy Collins provided the irresistible beat. These acts inspired hip hop. Their influence on Lenny Kravitz, Public Enemy, Dr Dre, Ice Cube, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Outkast and the Beastie Boys is undeniable.

30 DONNIE HATHAWAY
Possessing one of the most beautiful voices in R&B, Hathaway moved effortlessly between gospel, soul, social commentary and protest songs. His solo output was faultless, as were many of his duets with Roberta Flack. Hathaway influenced Maxwell, D' Angelo, Lauryn Hill, Luther Vandross, John Legend and George Benson among many others. 

29 ETTA JAMES
Blues, jazz or soul: these genres were mastered by the incendiary vocal talent of Etta James. She could exert powerhouse energy on songs such as "I Just Want to Make Love to You" just as easily as melt your heart with a lush ballad like her definitive rendition of "At Last". Her influence on those that followed spreads far and wide: from the Rolling Stones and Rod Stewart, to Aretha Franklin and Janis Joplin; along with Amy Winehouse and Bonnie Raitt.
 
28 THE COASTERS
Infusing their brand of R&B with humour paid dividends for this vocal group. The Coasters were among the first acts to chip away at crossover success. 

27 GLADYS KNIGHT & THE PIPS
Knight and her cousins poured tension and drama into their recordings in a way many tried to imitate in their wake. Their longevity in music saw the act reflect the many shifts in direction in soul music, particularly its evolution from Motown to the R&B of the early 1970s. 

26 CURTIS MAYFIELD
He steered his vocal group The Impressions down new directions before launching an even more influential solo career. His music explored blaxploitation, psychedelic soul and funk; its range evident in songs as diverse as "People Get Ready", "Move on Up" and "Superfly". His impact on those that came after him is obvious on tracks by acts such as: Bob Marley, the O'Jays, The Stylistics, Lenny Kravitz, Jamiroquai, Maxwell, John Legend, the Delfonics and Donnie Hathaway.  

25 THE ISLEY BROTHERS
This group formed in 1954 and 2 generations later, the family act continues to this day. The group's songbook has spanned the evolution of R&B: from the start of rock and soul with songs like "Shout"; to a stint on Motown ("This Old Heart of Mine") to the funk of their 70s output {"It's Your Thing"). 

24 RUTH BROWN
Ruth Brown was such a significant pioneer that her label Atlantic used to be referred to as 'the house that Ruth built'. She wrote the rule book for blues and soul singers, influencing legendary singers that came after her, including: Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Tina Turner, Janis Joplin and Bonnie Raitt.

23 SMOKEY ROBINSON
One of the most gifted singer/ songwriters of R&B. His songs are timeless, beautifully crafted lyrical poetry. His recordings with his group The Miracles and solo releases have been covered by countless performers and revered by legends including Bob Dylan. His talent helped put Motown on the map as well as its premier acts such as The Temptations ("My Girl") and Mary Wells ("My Guy"). Smokey's impact on acts such as The Bee Gees, Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie and Babyface is undeniable.

22 ISAAC HAYES
Hayes' baritone voice made his music even more exciting. Starting as a songwriter for Stax/ Volt and acts such as Sam & Dave, he went on to create music that crossed genres such as funk, blaxploitation and influenced disco.

21 PRINCE
Drawing from umpteen sources from R&B and rock's past, including Jimi Hendrix, Little Richard, Sly Stone, James Brown, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder; Prince grew into one of the most talented musicians and prolific songwriters. His music blurs lines between genres. He has, in turn, inspired other artists, such as: Seal, Lenny Kravitz, Outkast, Pharrell Williams, the Black Eyed Peas and Me'Shell Ndegeocello.

20 DONNA SUMMER
So much more than just a disco or dance act, Donna Summer recorded a wide variety of styles, including country, funk and adult contemporary. Her disco recordings remain fundamental landmarks, especially "Love to Love You Baby", "I Feel Love", "Hot Stuff" and "Our Love". So immense was her influence that it has been witnessed in subsequent acts such as Madonna, Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston, Irene Cara and Beyonce. Unlike most of her contemporaries, she co-wrote many of her hits and managed to continue recording long after the halcyon days of disco were over.

19 BARRY WHITE
With his deep voice adding a voluptuous effect to his orchestrated musical creations, Barry White laid much of the groundwork for what became disco. Any lyrics wooed the listener. Audiences surrendered to his prurient phrasing and that irresistible beat. 

18 WHITNEY HOUSTON
Once she became a hitmaker in the 80s, Whitney raised the bar for soul divas. Despite her tragic untimely death, she will continue to influence other singers in the future as she already has in the case of Beyonce, Jennifer Hudson, Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera and Deborah Cox.

17 THE TEMPTATIONS
Although one of Motown's most respected acts, their profound impact on the evolution of R&B is yet to be completely understood. They first tasted success with great examples of that label's 'Sound of Young America' via hits like "My Girl" & "The Way You Do Things You Do". Boasting legendary vocalists Eddie Kendricks & David Ruffin, their place in music history was assured by the mid-60s. They later developed into a grittier vocal act, ushering psychedelic soul & social comment with subsequent hits "Cloud Nine", "Ball of Confusion" and "Papa Was a Rolling Stone". Their legacy is evident in The O'Jays, Earth, Wind & Fire, Boyz II Men and Chic among many others.   

16 SLY & THE FAMILY STONE
One of the first groups in rock/ R&B to feature male, female & black and white members. Their funk songbook permanently established Sly Stone's outfit's place in music history; laying the foundation for disco, hip hop and rap.

15 JACKIE WILSON
While his profile has diminished over the decades, there is no denying Wilson's profound influence on R&B. His stage moves inspired James Brown and Michael Jackson no less. Vocally, he was blessed with an irresistible talent, influencing Marvin Gaye, Al Green, Stevie Wonder and The Temptations.

14 THE DRIFTERS
This doo wop/ vocal group raised the bar with the lush orchestrations and quality production standards on their late '50s-60s songs. Led in the early years by 2 influential members: Clyde McPhatter & Ben E. King, this act sold truckloads of records, helping R&B cross over to a mainstream audience. The Drifters' impact can be witnessed on records by The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding, The Impressions and The 4 Tops.

13 THE SUPREMES
The Supremes are the definitive girl group and one of the best exponents of the Motown Sound that was dominant in the 1960s. They went on to become America's most successful (in terms of #1 singles) group, evidence of their crossover appeal. Their influence proved invaluable on ensuing acts such as Destiny's Child, TLC, En Vogue, Whitney Houston,Donna Summer, Sister Sledge, The Jackson 5 and The Pointer Sisters.

12 CHUCK BERRY
His guitar licks and revolutionary lyrical skill helped shape rock n roll music. Berry is one of the pivotal pioneers of the genre, creating landmarks such as "Roll Over Beethoven", "Johnny B. Goode", "Maybelline" and "Rock and Roll Music". Berry influenced countless performers- both black and white-  as vast as AC/DC, The Who, The Beatles, The Faces, The Yardbirds, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton.

11 LOUIS JORDAN
Born in 1908, Louis Jordan is an integral architect of rhythm and blues. His songbook contains some of the most important recordings in the R&B canon: "Caldonia", "Choo Choo Ch' Boogie", "Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens" and "Beans and Cornbread" among them. He combined jazz with blues in such an explosive and radical way that inspired the likes of Little Richard, James Brown, Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald and Chuck Berry.

10 FATS DOMINO
This rock pioneer was born in New Orleans and he was a seminal figure in the development of not only rock 'n roll, but R&B too. The early rock songs were classified "race" records or labelled rhythm & blues. Many of his songs laid the foundation of the sound of 50s style rock 'n roll; including "Blue berry Hill", "The Fat Man" and "Ain't That A Shame". Domino has influenced the likes of James Brown, Chuck Berry, Paul McCartney and Little Richard. 

9 OTIS REDDING
 Otis was one of the most influential vocalists, not only for the Southern deep soul genre, but R&B and beyond. His songbook included some of the grittiest yet honest ballads and love songs as equally compelling as his uptempo funky standards. He recorded R&B staples such as "I've Been Loving You Too Long", "Respect", "Try a Little Tenderness", "(Sittin' on) The Dock of the Bay" and "Hard to Handle". He inspired the likes of Rod Stewart, Al Green, Joe Cocker, Janis Joplin, Mick Hucknall and Donny Hathaway. 

8 DIANA ROSS
 Initially, she was just 1 of 4 lead vocalists within The Supremes, but their success only happened once Diana Ross took centre stage and from then on, the definitive girl group was on its way; and with just 1 woman up front. The Supremes visited the top of the charts in the US a dozen times before Ross left to pursue a solo career. She expanded her resume to include acting, resulting in an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Billie Holiday in 'Lady Sings the Blues'. As a soloist, Ross enjoyed more #1s. She paved the way for the careers of Lionel Richie, Beyonce and Michael Jackson. Others who have followed in her wake include Mary J. Blige, Whitney Houston, TLC, En Vogue, Janet Jackson and Donna Summer.

7 ARETHA FRANKLIN
 Aretha's gospel roots helped establish her credentials as a soul singer. When Jerry Wexler steered her down a heavier soul direction for Atlantic Records, the genre had a new queen. Her reign continues to this day, after decades of incredible recordings, including "Respect", "Chain of Fools", "Think", "I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Loved You)", "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman", "Border Song", "Don't Play That Song (You Lied)", "Freeway of Love", "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)" and "A Rose is Still a Rose". This Queen of Soul influenced the likes of Chaka Khan, Whitney Houston, Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Fantasia and Jennifer Hudson.

6 STEVIE WONDER
 Stevie Wonder's talent can best be summed up with 1 word: genius. He drew from his gospel roots and absorbed influences from everywhere, particularly Ray Charles, to create a new vision for his musical aspirations. He helped raise the importance of albums with politically charged releases that  addressed social issues. His skillful musicianship saw Wonder often play every instrument on his LPs. His vocals are instantly recognizable. He has been a profound influence on R&B, especially on artists including Alicia Keys, Prince, Lenny Kravitz, Erykah Badu, Gnarls Barkley, India.Arie and Donny Hathaway.

5 MICHAEL JACKSON
 If anyone's placing within this Top 10 is bound to improve, it is Michael Jackson's. Future generations will most likely still be wowed by his image, dance moves and vocal ability. That he demonstrated his gifts at such an early age with his brothers in The Jackson 5 is even more remarkable. When MTV shut out R&B, it was Jackson's videos and the undeniable popularity of his 'Thriller' album that forced the music channel to reverse its policy; opening up a new horizon for the genre. This in itself proved lucrative, especially for Jackson who ended up with the best selling album of all-time. His influence has been immense; evident in the likes of Justin Timberlake, Robin Thicke, Bobby Brown, Beyonce, Boyz II Men, Usher, Chris Brown and Bell Biv Devoe. His influence will persist for some time and inspire tomorrow's artists. 

4 MARVIN GAYE
Marvin Gaye single-handedly opened R&B to social commentary, not only about civil rights, but global concerns for all citizens on the planet. The 'What's Going On' album found Gaye finally using free expression as Berry Gordy loosened his control over the singer's recordings. He was still the 'Love Man', wooing audiences all over the world with his songs about romance and the bedroom. His vocals influenced followers such as Lionel Richie, R. Kelly, Alicia Keys, Rick James, Boyz II Men, Justin Timberlake, Robin Thicke, Mick Hucknall, Al Green, Donny Hathaway, Prince, Eric Benet and Babyface. His duets, especially those recorded with Tammi Terrell, remain some of the smoothest and coolest of all-time.

3 SAM COOKE
It's safe to say that no singer has influenced soul music with his vocals as much as Sam Cooke. Consider this list of some that adopted his style: Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Curtis Mayfield, Rod Stewart, Al Green, Ben E. King, Otis Redding, Stevie Wonder, Luther Vandross, Donny Hathaway, Smokey Robinson and Babyface to name but a few. Cooke started in the church, singing gospel as one of The Soul Stirrers. He went secular in 1957 and scored a major #1 with "You Send Me". In the 1960s he gave the civil right movement one of its anthems with "A Change is Gonna Come". Tragically and under suspicious circumstances, Cooke was shot dead in 1967. He left behind a songbook that covers a range of themes and styles, including: "Cupid", "Chain Gang", "Twistin' the Night Away", "Shake", "Wonderful World" and "Working in a Coal Mine".

2 JAMES BROWN
He is called the "Godfather of Soul" for good reason. No one has so profoundly and directly influenced, not just subsequent artists -but entire genres- like James Brown. He developed a new style of R&B which helped spawn funk, disco, rap, hip hop and blaxploitation among others. He is one of the most sampled artists, which helps keep new audiences aware of the might of his catalogue. Among his key tracks are: "Sex Machine", "I Got You (I Feel Good)", "Cold Sweat", "It's a Man's Man's World" and "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag". There are countless artists that have drawn from his stage craft as well as musical innovations, including Michael Jackson, Sly & the Family Stone, Parliament - Funkadelic, Rick James, Public Enemy, Prince, Bob Marley, Stevie Wonder, Beastie Boys, Grandmaster Flash, Outkast and Bobby Brown.

THE #1 R & B ACT OF ALL -TIME:

1 RAY CHARLES

He was born in 1930, losing his sight just 6 years later, but no one individual has had as profound an  impact on rhythm & blues / soul. This performer didn't just influence soul music- he singlehandedly invented it! He brought the fervour of the church, adapting its call-and-response for a secular audience. R&B has never been the same since. He transformed the genre with his songwriting, vocals and keyboard skills. "I Got A Woman" and "What'd I Say" were his 2 most groundbreaking recordings. Later releases laid out the many directions R&B would tread in the future -with Ray's fusion of gospel with other styles- including jazz, country and blues. "Hit the Road Jack", "Georgia on my Mind", "Unchain my Heart", "Busted"  and "I Can't Stop Loving You" are prime examples- he not only merged those genres- he scored major hits success with them. He influenced a multitude of musical acts that followed him; a group as diverse and vast as: Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, James Brown, Sam Cooke, Billy Joel, Steve Winwood, Joe Cocker, Billy Preston, The Isley Brothers, Jackie Wilson, Michael Jackson, Chuck Berry, Willie Nelson, Smokey Robinson, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard and Chuck Berry.

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