List of African-American singers

This is a list of notable African-American singers that gives their year of birth and music genres with which they are associated.

List of singers, rappers, and musicians

0–9

2 Chainz (born 1977): hip-hop, dirty South/Southern hip-hop

4Batz (born 2003): R&B, hip-hop

50 Cent (born 1975): hip-hop

A

Aaliyah (1979–2001): R&B, pop

Johnny Ace (1929–1954): R&B

Alicia Keys (born 1981): pop

Gregory Abbott (born 1954): soul, R&B, his father was born in Venezuela

Armenta Adams (born 1936): Classical pianist

Arthur Adams (born 1943): blues, R&B

Johnny Adams (1936–1998): gospel, R&B, soul, jazz

Yolanda Adams (born 1961): gospel

Nat Adderley (1931–2000): jazz

Cannonball Adderley (1928–1975): Jazz

Afroman (born 1974): hip-hop

Akon (born 1973): R&B, pop, hip-hop, dancehall

Sasha Allen (born 1982): R&B, rock, soul

Luther Allison (1939–1997): blues

Amil (born 1973): hip-hop

Anderson .Paak (born 1986): hip-hop, R&B, soul, funk, pop

Cat Anderson (1916–1981): jazz

Ivie Anderson (1904–1949): jazz

Marian Anderson (1897–1993): opera

Louis Armstrong (1901–1971): blues, jazz

Billy Boy Arnold (born 1935): R&B

Martina Arroyo (born 1936): opera

Dorothy Ashby (1932–1986): jazz

Belcalis Marlenis Almanzar (born 1992): hip-hop

Jhené Aiko (born 1988): R&B, neo soul

Ashanti (born 1980): R&B, hip-hop, soul

Amerie (born 1980): R&B, pop, hip-hop, soul, funk, go-go

Patti Austin (born 1950): R&B, pop, jazz

Roy Ayers (1940–2025): jazz, funk, disco, R&B, hip-hop

Ayo & Teo: (African-American father) hip-hop, dance, trap

B

Lil Baby (born 1994): hip-hop

Babyface (born 1959): R&B

Erykah Badu (born 1971): neo soul, R&B, funk, hip-hop

Chloe Bailey (born 1998): R&B

Halle Bailey (born 2000): R&B

Mildred Bailey (1907–1951): jazz

Pearl Bailey (1918–1990): vaudeville

Anita Baker (born 1958), R&B, soul

Josephine Baker (1906–1975): Pop, jazz

LaVern Baker (1929–1997): R&B

Florence Ballard (1943–1976): R&B, pop, soul

Azealia Banks (born 1991): hip-hop, pop, hip house

Lloyd Banks (born 1982): hip-hop

Fantasia Barrino (born 1984): R&B, soul, gospel

Dave Bartholomew (1918–2019): R&B, R&R

Count Basie (1904–1984): jazz

Fontella Bass (1940–2012): R&B, soul

Kathleen Battle (born 1948): opera

Swizz Beatz (born 1978): hip-hop (African-American and Eritrean descent)

Sidney Bechet (1897–1959): jazz

Carey Bell (1936–2007): blues

Madeline Bell (born 1942): soul

Eric Benet (born 1966): R&B, neo soul

George Benson (born 1943): jazz, R&B, soul, funk

Gladys Bentley (1907–1960): blues

Brook Benton (1931–1988): pop, R&B, soul

Denée Benton (born 1992): Broadway, pop

Chuck Berry (1926–2017): rock

Frankie Beverly (1946–2024): R&B, soul, funk

Andy Bey (1939–2025): jazz

Beyoncé (born 1981): R&B, pop

Birdman (born 1969): rapper

Cindy Birdsong (born 1939: R&B, soul, pop

Terry Blade: singer-songwriter

Mykki Blanco (born 1986): hip-hop

Blind Blake (1896–1934): ragtime, blues

Art Blakey (1919–1990): jazz

Bobby Bland (1930–2013): blues

Jules Bledsoe (1897–1943): opera, Broadway

Mary J. Blige (born 1971): R&B, soul, hip-hop soul

B.o.B (born 1988): hip-hop

Lucille Bogan (1887–1948): blues

Buddy Bolden (1877–1931): jazz, blues

Metro Boomin (born 1993): hip-hop

Boosie Badazz (born 1982): Southern hip-hop

Bow Wow (born 1987): hip-hop

Rich Boy (born 1983): hip-hop

Soulja Boy (born 1990): hip-hop

Bobby Bradford (born 1934): jazz

Charles Bradley (1948–2017): funk, soul, R&B

Brandy (born 1979): R&B

Tamar Braxton (born 1977): R&B, soul, pop, gospel

Toni Braxton (born 1967): R&B, soul, pop, dance-pop, hip-hop

Traci Braxton (1971–2022): R&B, soul, pop

Trina Braxton (born 1974): R&B, soul, pop

Breland (born 1995): country trap

Dee Dee Bridgewater (born 1950): jazz

Anthony Brown (born 1981): gospel

Bobby Brown (born 1969): R&B, soul, pop

Charles Brown (1922–1999): blues, R&B, rock, soul, jazz

Chris Brown (born 1989): R&B, hip-hop, soul, pop

Chuck Brown (1936–2012): funk, hip-hop, blues

Clifford Brown (1930–1956): jazz

James Brown (1933–2006): soul, funk

Oscar Brown Jr (1926–2005): jazz

Ruth Brown (1928–2006): R&B

Shirley Brown (born 1947): R&B, soul

Elbridge "Al" Bryant: R&B, pop, soul

Joyce Bryant (1927–2022), singer known as the black Marilyn Monroe

Peabo Bryson (1951–2026): soul, R&B

Young Buck (born 1981): hip-hop

Joe Budden (born 1980): hip-hop

Grace Bumbry (1937–2023): opera

Solomon Burke (1940–2010): blues, gospel, R&B, soul, rock and roll

Kim Burrell (born 1972): gospel

Kandi Burruss (born 1976): R&B, pop, hip-hop, soul

Jerry Butler (1939–2025): soul, funk, R&B

Donald Byrd (1932–2013): jazz, funk, soul, R&B

J. Blackfoot (1946–2011): R&B, Soul, Jazz

Star Bandz (born 2008): Hip hop, Trap (Mexican mother)

Larry Blackmon (born 1956): R&B, Funk, New Jack Swing (Lead vocalist for the funk band Cameo)

C

Ca$h Out (born 1990): hip-hop

C-Murder (born 1971): hip-hop

Cassidy (born 1982): hip-hop

Erica Campbell (born 1972): gospel

Tina Campbell (born 1974): gospel

Cab Calloway (1907–1994): jazz

Alyson Cambridge (born 1980): operatic soprano and classical music, jazz, pop

Cam'ron (born 1976): hip-hop

Canon (born 1989): Christian hip-hop

Mariah Carey (born 1969): R&B, pop, hip-hop, soul

Jean Carn (born 1947): jazz, pop

Benny Carter (1907–2003): jazz

Betty Carter (1929–1998): jazz

Ron Carter (born 1937): jazz

Sue Ann Carwell: funk, R&B, blues

50 Cent (born 1975): hip-hop

Gene Chandler (born 1931): R&B, soul, disco

Paul Chambers (1935–1969): jazz

Chamillionaire (born 1979): hip-hop

Chance the Rapper (born 1993): hip-hop

Tracy Chapman (born 1964): folk

Ray Charles (1930–2004): R&B, soul, blues, gospel, country, jazz, pop, rock and roll

Chubby Checker (born 1941): rock and roll, R&B

Cyrus Chestnut (born 1963): jazz

Chingy (born 1980): hip-hop, rap

Young Chop (born 1993): hip-hop, drill

Charlie Christian (1916–1942): jazz

Milan Christopher: rapper

Ciara (born 1985): R&B, hip-hop, pop

Otis Clay (1942–2016): R&B, soul, blues, gospel

Eddy Clearwater (1935–2018): blues

Clarence Clemons (1942–2011): rock, R&B

James Cleveland (1931–1991): gospel, soul

George Clinton (born 1941): funk, rock, soul

Tasha Cobbs (born 1981): contemporary Christian music, urban contemporary gospel

Freddy Cole (1931–2020): jazz

J. Cole (born 1985): hip-hop (African-American father)

Keyshia Cole (born 1981): R&B, hip-hop, hip-hop soul

Nat King Cole (1919–1965): jazz, swing, pop

Natalie Cole (1950–2015): R&B, pop

Ornette Coleman (1930–2015): jazz, free funk

Daryl Coley (1955–2016): gospel

Mitty Collier (born 1941): R&B, soul, gospel

Albert Collins (1932–1993): blues

Bootsy Collins (born 1951): funk, soul, rock, R&B

Alice Coltrane (1937–2007): jazz

John Coltrane (1926–1967): jazz

Ravi Coltrane (born 1965): jazz

Sean Combs (born 1969): hip-hop, R&B

Sam Cooke (1931–1964): soul, gospel, R&B

Ida Cox (1888 or 1896–1967): blues, jazz

Randy Crawford (born 1952): jazz, R&B, disco

Tameka Cottle (born 1975): R&B, soul

James Cotton (1935–2017): blues, jazz

Robert Cray (born 1953): blues

Ice Cube (born 1969): hip-hop

Kid Cudi (born 1984): hip-hop, alternative rock

Evelyn Simpson Curenton (born 1953): various

King Curtis (1934–1971): soul, R&B, rock, funk, jazz

D

D4vd (born 2005): indie rock, Pop, R&B

Chuck D (born 1960): hip-hop

Terence Trent D'arby (born 1962): Pop, R&B (African-American Mother)

DaBaby (born 1991): hip-hop, trap

Roscoe Dash (born 1990): hip-hop

Diddy (born 1969): hip-hop

Miles Davis (1926–1991): jazz

Sammy Davis Jr. (1925–1990): pop, jazz, easy listening, swing

Jimmy Dawkins (1928–2008): blues

Jason Derulo (born 1989): R&B, hip-hop, pop

Bo Diddley (1928–2008): R&B, rock and roll

Raheem DeVaughn (born 1975): R&B, neo soul

Fats Domino (1928–2017): rock and roll, boogie-woogie, New Orleans rhythm and blues

Shea Diamond (born 1978): soul, R&B

DDG (born 1997): hip-hop

Mos Def (born 1973): hip-hop

Ricky Dillard (born 1965): gospel

Willie Dixon (1915–1992): blues, R&B, rock and roll, gospel

Johnny Dodds (1892–1940): jazz

Warren "Baby" Dodds (1898–1959): jazz

Young Dolph (1985–2021): hip-hop

Eric Dolphy (1928–1964): jazz

Donnis (born 1984): hip-hop

Nate Dogg (1969–2011): hip-hop, gangsta rap, R&B

Snoop Dogg (born 1971): hip-hop, funk, gangsta rap

Fats Domino (1928–2017): rock and roll, R&B

Dr. Dre (born 1965): hip-hop

Drake (born 1986): hip-hop, pop

42 Dugg (born 1994): hip-hop, trap

Lil Durk (born 1992): hip-hop, drill

Desiigner (born 1997): hip-hop, trap

Derek Minor (born 1984): Christian hip-hop

Dorrough (born 1986): hip-hop

Duke Deuce (born 1992): hip-hop

Doechii (born 1998): hip-hop

Daveed Diggs (born 1982): Hip-hop, Rap-Rock (African-American Father & White Jewish-American Mother)

E

E-40 (born 1967): hip-hop, rap

Eazy-E (1963–1995): hip-hop, rap

Dennis Edwards (1943–2018): R&B, soul

Billy Eckstine (1914–1993): jazz, pop

Roy Eldridge (1911–1989): jazz

Duke Ellington (1899–1974): jazz

Faith Evans (born 1973): R&B, hip-hop, soul

Betty Everett (1939–2001): soul

Cassandra Extavour: classical singer

F

Fabolous (born 1977): hip-hop

Fantasia (born 1984): R&B

Art Farmer (1928–1999): jazz

Mickey Fields (1932/33–1995): jazz

Finesse2tymes (born 1992): hip-hop

Ella Fitzgerald (1917–1996): jazz

Roberta Flack (1937–2025): jazz, pop

Flame (born 1981): Christian hip-hop

Flavor Flav (born 1959): hip-hop

Flo Rida (born 1979): hip-hop

Eddie Floyd (born 1937): R&B, soul

Foogiano (born 1996): hip-hop

Fivio Foreign (born 1990): hip-hop

Sonny Fortune (1939–2018): jazz

Jamie Foxx (born 1967): R&B, pop, hip-hop

Aretha Franklin (1942–2018): soul, gospel

Erma Franklin (1938–2002): gospel, soul

Kam Franklin (born 1987): soul

Melvin Franklin (1942–1995): R&B, soul

Kirk Franklin (born 1970): soul, gospel

Future (born 1983): hip-hop

Bankroll Freddie: hip-hop

Fredo Bang (born 1996): hip-hop

Big Freedia (born 1978): bounce

Lowell Fulson (1921–1999): blues

Future (born 1983): hip-hop, trap, R&B

G

Polo G (born 1999): hip-hop, drill

Slim Gaillard (1911–1991): jazz

Childish Gambino: hip-hop, R&B

The Game (born 1979): rapper

Kevin Gates (born 1986): hip-hop

Marvin Gaye (1939–1984): R&B, soul, funk, jazz, pop

Gloria Gaynor (born 1943): disco, R&B

Jamie Grace (born 1991): Christian pop, gospel

Ginuwine (born 1970): R&B

Diana Gordon (born 1985): R&B, dance-pop, house

Gabrielle Goodman (born 1969): jazz, soul, gospel

EST Gee (born 1994): hip-hop

Tyrese Gibson (born 1978): hip-hop, R&B

Dizzy Gillespie (1917–1993): jazz

Ginuwine (born 1970): R&B

GlokkNine (born 2000): hip-hop

Ugly God (born 1996): hip-hop, SoundCloud hip-hop

Benny Golson (1929–2024): jazz

Dexter Gordon (1923–1990): jazz

Berry Gordy (born 1929): R&B, soul, pop, R&R

Martin Gore (born 1961): tock, electronic

Al Green (born 1946): R&B, soul

CeeLo Green (born 1975): R&B, hip-hop, soul, funk

Thomasina Talley Greene: Classical pianist

Johnny Griffin (1928–2008): jazz

Lil Gotit (born 1999): hip-hop

Tee Grizzley (born 1994): rapper

Gucci Mane (born 1980): hip-hop

Gunna (born 1993): hip-hop

Buddy Guy (born 1936): blues

Phil Guy (1940–2008): blues

Sheila Guyse (1925–2013)

H

Deitrick Haddon (born 1973): gospel

Halsey (born 1994): pop

H.E.R. (born 1997): R&B

Adelaide Hall (1901–1993): jazz

Edmond Hall (1901–1967): jazz

Willie Hall (born 1950): R&B, soul, funk

Todrick Hall (born 1985): R&B

Charles Hamilton (born 1987): hip-hop

Chico Hamilton (1921–2013): jazz

Jimmy Hamilton (1917–1994): jazz

MC Hammer (born 1962): R&B

Fred Hammond (born 1960): gospel

Lionel Hampton (1917–1994): jazz

Herbie Hancock (born 1940): jazz, funk, electro

Edward W. Hardy (born 1992): classical, pop, theatre music

Roy Hargrove (1969–2018): jazz, soul

Ciara Harris (born 1985): R&B, hip-hop, crunk&B, pop, dance

Damon Harris (1950–2013): R&B, soul, pop

Erline Harris (1914–2004): blues

Donny Hathaway (1945–1979): soul, jazz, gospel, R&B, blues

Richie Havens (1941–2013): folk rock, funk, blues, soul

Koryn Hawthorne (born 1997): gospel

Coleman Hawkins (1904–1969): jazz

Isaac Hayes (1942–2008): blues, jazz, soul, funk, disco

Nicole Heaston (born 1971): opera

Fletcher Henderson (1897–1952): jazz

Michael Henderson (1951–2022): R&B, jazz, funk, soul, pop

Jon Hendricks (1921–2017): jazz

Jimi Hendrix (1942–1970): rock guitarist, singer-songwriter

Nona Hendryx (born 1944): funk, soul, pop, R&B, rock

G Herbo (born 1995): hip-hop, drill

Skinny Hightower (born 1985): jazz

Andrew Hill (1931–2007): jazz

Lauryn Hill (born 1975): R&B, neo soul, hip-hop, folk, reggae

Z. Z. Hill (1935–1984): blues

Keri Hilson (born 1982): R&B

Earl Hines (1903–1983): jazz

Hitmaka (born 1985): hip-hop

Johnny Hodges (1907–1970): jazz

Billie Holiday (1915–1959): soul, blues

Jennifer Holliday (born 1960): R&B, soul, pop, house, dance, gospel

John Lee Hooker (1917–2001): blues

Hopsin (born 1985): hip-hop

Shirley Horn (1934–2005): jazz

Lena Horne (1917–2010): jazz, pop

Cissy Houston (1933–2024): soul, gospel, disco

Thelma Houston (born 1946): R&B, soul, disco, Motown, gospel

Whitney Houston (1963–2012): R&B, pop, soul, gospel

Adina Howard (born 1973): R&B, hip-hop, soul

Freddie Hubbard (1938–2008): jazz

Jennifer Hudson (born 1981): R&B, soul, pop

Huey (1987–2020): hip-hop

Alberta Hunter (1895–1984): jazz and blues

Hurricane Chris (born 1989): hip-hop

Nipsey Hussle (1985–2019): hip-hop, rap

Phyllis Hyman (1949–1995): soul, R&B quiet, jazz, disco

I

Ice-T (born 1958): hip-hop

James Ingram (1952–2019): R&B, pop, soul

Luther Ingram (1937–2007): R&B, soul

Ronald Isley (born 1941): R&B, soul

J

Ray J (born 1981): R&B

Stevie J (born 1971): hip-hop, R&B

Jadakiss: hip-hop

Jackson family: pop, R&B, soul, dance

Rebbie Jackson (born 1950)

Jackie Jackson (born 1951)

Tito Jackson (1953–2024)

Jermaine Jackson (born 1954)

La Toya Jackson (born 1956)

Marlon Jackson (born 1957)

Michael Jackson (1958–2009)

Randy Jackson (born 1961)

Janet Jackson (born 1966)

Bernard Jackson (born 1959): R&B

Chuck Jackson (1937–2023): R&B

Freddie Jackson (born 1956): soul

Mahalia Jackson (1911–1972): gospel

Millie Jackson (born 1944): soul, disco, R&B

Milt Jackson (1923–1999): jazz

Randy Jackson (born 1956)

Jacquees (born 1994): R&B

Etta James (1938–2012): blues, R&B, soul, jazz, gospel

Rick James (1948–2004): R&B, soul, funk, rock

Al Jarreau (1940–2017): jazz, R&B, soul

Little Willie John (1937–1968): R&B, soul

Charles Jenkins (born 1975): gospel

Leroy Jenkins (1932–2007): jazz

Lyfe Jennings (born 1978): R&B, soul

Jeremih (born 1987): R&B, hip-hop

Jibbs (born 1990): hip-hop

Young Joc: hip-hop

Joe (born 1973): R&B

Robert Johnson (1911–1938): blues

George W. Johnson (1846–1914)

J. J. Johnson (1924–2001): jazz

J. Rosamond Johnson (1873–1954)

Syl Johnson (1936–2022): R&B, blues

Coco Jones (born 1998): R&B

Booker T. Jones: R&B, soul, blues

Elvin Jones (1927–2004): jazz

Etta Jones (1928–2001): jazz

Howard Jones (born 1970): rock

Hank Jones (1918–2010): jazz

Mike Jones (born 1981): hip-hop

Quincy Jones (1933–2024): R&B, funk, soul, jazz, hip-hop, rock and roll, pop

Scott Joplin (1868–1917): ragtime

Louis Jordan (1908–1975): jazz, blues, R&B

Steve Jordan: pop, rock, R&B

Montell Jordan (born 1968): R&B, hip-hop, soul

BlocBoy JB (born 1996): hip-hop

Valerie June (born 1982): folk, blues, soul, bluegrass, pop

LL Cool J: hip-hop

Lil Jon: hip-hop

J-Kwon: hip-hop

Juice WRLD (1998–2019): hip-hop, rap, Pop-rap

Jaheim (born 1978): R&B, Soul

K

Lil Keed (1998–2022): hip-hop

Chief Keef (born 1995): hip-hop, drill

Kehlani (African-American father): R&B, soul, jazz, hip-hop

Kelis (born 1979): hip-hop (African-American, Chinese and Puerto Rican) R&B, pop, soul, electronic

R. Kelly (born 1967): R&B, soul, gospel, hip-hop

Wynton Kelly (1931–1971): jazz

Eddie Kendricks: R&B, soul, disco

Alicia Keys (born 1981): R&B, soul, pop, hip-hop

Chaka Khan (born 1953): R&B, pop, soul, disco, jazz, gospel

Kilo Kish: hip-hop, art pop

Eartha Kitt (1927–2008): cabaret, torch, jazz

Albert King (1923–1992): blues

B.B. King (1925–2015): blues, R&B

Ben E King (1938–2015): R&B

Freddie King (1934–1976): blues

Gladys Knight (born 1944): soul, R&B, pop

Solange Knowles (born 1986): R&B, pop, soul, hip-hop, funk

Lenny Kravitz (born 1964): rock, pop rock, progressive soul

Khalid: R&B, pop

Wiz Khalifa: hip-hop

Kid Cudi: hip-hop

Maxo Kream (born 1990): hip-hop (Nigerian and African-American)

KB: Christian hip-hop

L

Big L (1974–1999): hip-hop

Patti LaBelle (born 1944): R&B, soul, disco, dance, gospel, funk

Steve Lacy (born 1998): R&B, Bedroom Pop, Indie Soul, Alternative Pop (African-American mother and Filipino Dad)

Denise LaSalle (1939–2018): blues, R&B, soul

Kendrick Lamar (born 1987): hip-hop, rap

John Larkin (1877–1936): minstrel, vaudeville

Queen Latifah (born 1970): hip-hop, R&B, soul, jazz, gospel, dance

Kenny Lattimore (born 1970): R&B

Lynda Laurence (born 1949): R&B, pop, jazz

Bettye LaVette (born 1946): soul, blues, rock, R&B, funk, gospel, country

Lecrae (born 1979): Christian hip-hop

Huddie Ledbetter (1888–1949): folk, blues

Tasha Cobbs Leonard (born 1981): gospel

Swae Lee (born 1993): hip-hop, R&B

John Legend (born 1978): pop, R&B, soul

Coi Leray (born 1997): hip-hop

Abbey Lincoln (1930–2010): jazz

Lil Nas X (born 1999): hip-hop, pop, country, trap

Lizzo (born 1988): R&B, pop

Eddie Levert (born 1942): R&B, soul, blues, gospel

Gerald Levert (1946–2006): soul, R&B

Ari Lennox (born 1991): R&B, soul, neo soul

Coi Leray (born 1997): hip-hop

Booker Little (1938–1961): jazz

Frankie Lymon (1942–1968): R&B, doo-wop, pop, swing

Barbara Lynn (born 1942): R&B

Cheryl Lynn (born 1957): disco, R&B, soul, pop

Lisa Lopes (1971–2002): R&B, rap, pop

Ledisi (born 1972): R&B, soul, jazz

Logic (born 1990): hip-hop

Dej Loaf (born 1991): hip-hop, R&B

Ludacris (born 1977): hip-hop

Lil Uzi Vert (born 1995): hip-hop

Lil Nas X (born 1999): hip-hop, country

Lizzo (born 1988): R&B

Lloyd (born 1986): R&B

Trip Lee (born 1987): Christian hip-hop, Southern hip-hop

Lil Scrappy (born 1984): hip-hop

Tone Loc (born 1966): Golden age Hip-Hop, Pop Rap

M

Young M.A (born 1992): hip-hop

Mandisa (1976–2024): gospel, Christian

Barbara Mason (born 1947): R&B, soul

Johnny Mathis (born 1935): pop, jazz

Curtis Mayfield (1942–1999): soul, funk, R&B

China Anne McClain (born 1998): R&B, pop

Lauryn McClain (born 1997): R&B, pop

Christian McBride: jazz

Gene McDaniels: jazz, pop

Donnie McClurkin: Gospel

Betty McGlown (1941–2008): R&B, pop

Joe McPhee: jazz

Sierra McClain (born 1994): R&B, pop

Brian McKnight (born 1969): R&B

Carmen McRae (1920–1994): jazz

Lee Michelle: (African-American father) K Pop singer

Buddy Miles: R&B, funk, soul

Meek Mill: hip-hop

Stephanie Mills: R&B, soul, gospel

Blue Mitchell: jazz

Wanya Morris (born 1973): R&B, soul

Janelle Monáe (born 1985): funk, R&B, psychedelic soul, hip-hop

YNW Melly (born 1999): hip-hop, trap, R&B

Mýa (born 1979): R&B (African-American father, Italian mother)

Miguel (born 1985): R&B

K. Michelle (born 1982): R&B, soul

Teairra Marí (born 1987): R&B

Mario (born 1986): R&B

Monica (born 1980): R&B, soul, hip-hop soul

Victoria Monét (born 1989): pop, R&B

Chrisette Michele (born 1982): R&B, hip-hop, soul, jazz

Remy Ma (born 1980): hip-hop

Barbara Martin: R&B, pop

Johnny Mathis: pop, jazz

Curtis Mayfield (1942–1999): soul, funk, R&B

Taj Mahal: blues, R&B, jazz

Hank Mobley: jazz

Thelonious Monk: jazz

Wes Montgomery (1923–1968): jazz

Melba Moore (born 1945): soul, disco, gospel

Lee Morgan: jazz

Migos: hip-hop, trap

Gucci Mane: hip-hop, trap

Miguel (African-American mother): hip-hop, R&B

Tamela Mann (born 1966): gospel

Mulatto (born 1998): hip-hop

Matt "Guitar" Murphy (1929–2018): blues

Lil' Mo (born 1978): R&B, hip-hop

Method Man (born 1971): hip-hop

Maliibu Miitch (born 1991): hip-hop (African-American, Vietnamese and Filipino)

Mims (born 1981): hip-hop

Maino (born 1973): hip-hop

Money Man (born 1986): hip-hop

Vic Mensa (born 1993): hip-hop,Dance (American Mother of Irish and Scottish Descent & Ghanaian-American father)

N

Nonpoint (born 1975): rock

Rico Nasty (born 1997): hip-hop, rock, rap rock

Meshell Ndegeocello (born 1968): funk, soul, jazz, hip-hop, reggae, rock

Anthony Nelson (born 1975): gospel

Aaron Neville (born 1941): R&B, soul, country, gospel, jazz, pop

Art Neville (1937–2019): funk, R&B, soul

Cyril Neville: R&B, funk, blues

Charles Neville: R&B, jazz, funk, pop

Oliver Nelson: jazz

David "Fathead" Newman: jazz

Jessye Norman (born 1945): opera

Brandy Norwood (born 1979): R&B, pop, hip-hop

Lil Nas X (born 1999): hip-hop, LGBT hip-hop, pop rap, country rap

Ne-Yo (born 1979): R&B

Nivea (born 1982): R&B, hip-hop

Noname Gypsy (born 1991): hip-hop

Normani (born 1996): pop, R&B

Tech N9ne: hip-hop

Nas: hip-hop

Nathan Morris: vocal, singer

Nelly: hip-hop

Meshell Ndegeocello: funk, soul, jazz

Queen Naija (African-American mother):

NBA YoungBoy (born 1999): rapper

O

Alexander O'Neal (born 1953): R&B, soul

Jeffrey Osborne (born 1948): R&B, soul

Frank Ocean (born 1987): R&B

Omarion (born 1984): R&B

Offset (born 1991): hip-hop

Odetta (1930–2008): blues, jazz

OJ da Juiceman (born 1981): hip-hop

OMB Peezy (born 1997): hip-hop

P

Anderson .Paak (born 1986): hip-hop, R&B, soul, pop, funk

Petey Pablo (born 1973): hip-hop

Keke Palmer (born 1993): R&B, hip-hop, pop

Ray Parker Jr. (born 1954): R&B, pop

Billy Paul (1934–2016): soul, R&B, jazz

Scherrie Payne (born 1944): R&B, pop, disco

Paul Pena (1950–2005): Delta blues, jazz, morna, flamenco, folk, rock, Tuvan throat singing

Pleasure P (born 1984): R&B

Teddy Pendergrass (1950–2010): R&B, soul, disco, funk

Richard Wayne Penniman (Little Richard) (1932–2020): rock & roll, R&B, gospel, soul

Pharrell (born 1973): hip-hop, R&B, funk

Wilson Pickett (1941–2006): R&B, soul

Jillian Patricia Pirtle (born 1983): opera, musical theatre

Plies (born 1976): hip-hop

Billy Porter (born 1969): R&B, soul

Gregory Porter (born 1971): jazz

Billy Preston (1946–2006): R&B, rock, soul, funk, gospel

Kelly Price (born 1973): gospel

Leontyne Price (born 1927): opera

Charley Pride (1934–2020): country

Arthur Prysock (1924 or 1929–1997): jazz, R&B, easy listening

Prince (1958–2016): pop, rock

Pointer Sisters : R&B, Soul, Pop

Q

Rich Homie Quan: hip-hop

Quando Rondo: hip-hop

Quavo: hip-hop

DJ Quik: hip-hop

R

Raheem Jarbo: hip-hop

Rakim: hip-hop

Rapsody: hip-hop

Raz-B: R&B

Sun Ra: jazz

Lou Rawls (1933–2006): gospel, R&B, soul, jazz, blues

Ma Rainey (1882 or 1886–1939): blues

Jimmy Reed (1925–1976): blues

Louisiana Red (1932–2012): blues

Otis Redding (1941–1967): soul, R&B, blues

Della Reese (1931–2017): jazz, gospel, pop

Lil Reese (born 1993): hip-hop, drill

Dianne Reeves (born 1956): jazz

Martha Reeves (born 1941): R&B, pop

Roddy Ricch (born 1998): hip-hop

Lionel Richie (born 1949): soul, R&B, pop, country, gospel

Little Richard (1932–2020): rock and roll, R&B, gospel, soul

Pretty Ricky: R&B

Teddy Riley (born 1967): R&B, hip-hop

Flo Rida (born 1979): hip-hop, hip house, pop rap

Minnie Riperton (1947–1979): soul, R&B, jazz, disco

Max Roach (1924–2007): jazz

Black Rob: hip-hop

Paul Robeson (1898–1976): Americana, pop, spirituals, classical, folk

Bill "Bojangles" Robinson (1878–1949): minstrel, vaudeville, jazz, pop

Smokey Robinson (born 1940): R&B, soul, pop

Sylvia Robinson (1935–2011): R&B, soul, hip-hop

ASAP Rocky: hip-hop (half-African American, half-Barbadian)

Nile Rodgers: disco, soul, R&B, rock, funk

Diana Ross (born 1944): R&B, soul, disco, jazz, pop, dance

Rick Ross: hip-hop

Sonny Rollins (1930–2026): jazz

Kelly Rowland (born 1981): R&B, pop, hip-hop, soul, dance

Otis Rush (1934–2018): blues, R&B

Patrice Rushen (born 1954): R&B

Trippie Redd (born 1999): hip-hop

RuPaul (born 1960): dance, pop

David Ruffin (1941–1991): R&B, pop, soul, disco, gospel

Jimmy Ruffin (1936–2014): R&B, soul, pop

Chance the Rapper: hip-hop, R&B

Rocko: hip-hop, rap

Ja Rule: hip-hop

Raekwon: hip-hop

Renni Rucci: hip-hop

S

Saweetie: hip-hop (African-American father, Chinese and Filipino mother)

Pharoah Sanders: jazz

Juelz Santana: hip-hop

Saucy Santana: hip-hop

Marvin Sapp: gospel

Young Scooter (1986–2025): hip-hop

Jill Scott (born 1972): R&B, soul, neo soul, hip-hop, spoken word, jazz

Jimmy Scott (1925–2014): jazz

Peggy Scott-Adams (born 1948): blues, R&B

Travis Scott (born 1991): hip-hop

Gil Scott-Heron (1949–2011): soul, funk, R&B

Dee Dee Sharp (born 1945): R&B, blues, soul

Marlena Shaw (born 1942): jazz, blues and soul

Tupac Shakur (1971–1996): hip-hop, revolutionary, poet, freedom fighter

Kierra Sheard (born 1987): urban gospel, R&B

Pooh Shiesty: hip-hop, Southern hip-hop, Memphis rap

Bobby Shmurda: hip-hop, Brooklyn drill

Karen Clark Sheard: gospel, urban gospel

Wayne Shorter (1933–2023): jazz

Bobby Short: jazz

Nina Simone (1933–2003): jazz, blues, folk, R&B, gospel, pop

Sister Rosetta Tharpe: blues

Magic Sam (1937–2013): blues

Magic Slim (1937–2013): blues

Memphis Slim (1915–1988): blues

Horace Silver (1928–2014): Jazz

Percy Sledge (1941–2015): R&B, soul, gospel

Jordin Sparks (born 1989): R&B, pop

Ronnie Spector aka Veronica Yvette Bennett (1943–2022): R&B, pop, soul, doo-wop

Bessie Smith (1894–1937): blues

O. C. Smith (1932–2001): R&B, jazz, soul

Jimmy Smith: jazz

Rae Sremmurd: hip-hop, trap, R&B

Mavis Staples (born 1939): soul, gospel, R&B

Edwin Starr (1942–2003): soul, R&B, funk, disco

Candi Staton (born 1940): soul, R&B, gospel, dance, disco

Dakota Staton (1930–2007): jazz

Angie Stone (1961–2025): R&B, soul

Sly Stone (1943–2025): funk, R&B

Ruben Studdard (born 1978): singer

Shawn Stockman (born 1972): R&B

Billy Strayhorn (1915–1967): jazz

Jazmine Sullivan (born 1987): R&B

Maxine Sullivan (1911–1987): jazz

Donna Summer (1948–2012): disco, rock, dance, R&B

Sisqó (born 1978): R&B, hip-hop soul, pop

Raven-Symoné (born 1985): R&B, hip-hop

SZA (born 1989): R&B

Keith Sweat (born 1961): R&B, new jack swing, hip-hop, soul, urban

Sylvester (1947–1988): disco

Big Sean: hip-hop, Midwest hip-hop

Pink Sweats: pop

Musiq Soulchild: R&B, soul, neo soul

Raphael Saadiq (born 1966): R&B, soul

Trey Songz: R&B, hip—hop

Keith Sweat: R&B, soul, hip-hop, urban

Southside: Hip-hop

Musiq Soulchild: R&B

SZA: pop, R&B, soul

Beanie Sigel: hip-hop

Swoope: Christian hip-hop, Urban contemporary gospel

Shawty Lo: hip-hop

Shy Glizzy: hip-hop

Silentó: hip-hop

Jermaine Stewart: R&B

Mamie Smith (1891–1946): jazz, blues

Slayr (born 2007): Dance-pop, Trap

Sosocamo: Trap, Hip-Hop, Pop

Victoria Spivey: blues

T

T.I.: hip-hop

T-Pain: Hip-hop, R&B

Takeoff (1994–2022): hip-hop, trap

Tank: hip-hop

Art Tatum (1909–1956): jazz

Billy Taylor (1921–2010): jazz

Cecil Taylor (1929–2018): jazz

Johnnie Taylor (1934–2000): R&B, soul, blues

Koko Taylor: blues, soul

Teyana Taylor (born 1990): R&B, hip-hop, pop

T-Pain (born 1984): R&B, hip-hop, pop rap

Jean Terrell: R&B, soul, jazz

Tammi Terrell (1945–1970): R&B, soul, pop

Clark Terry: jazz

Joe Tex (1935–1982): R&B, soul, funk, disco

Rufus Thomas (1917–2001): R&B, funk, soul, blues

Rozonda Thomas: R&B

Lillo Thomas (1961): R&B, Funk, Soul, Pop, New Jack Swing

Bryson Tiller: R&B, hip-hop

Big Joe Turner (1911–1985): blues, R&B

Ike Turner (1931–2007): R&B, blues, rock and roll, funk

Tina Turner (1939–2023): R&B, pop, soul, dance, rock and roll

The-Dream (born 1977): R&B

Young Thug (born 1991): hip-hop

Stanley Turrentine: jazz

McCoy Tyner (1938–2020): jazz

Tye Tribbett: gospel

Tweet (born 1971): R&B

TLC: R&B, pop

Pusha T: hip-hop

Tyler, the Creator: hip-hop

Twista: hip-hop

Timbaland: hip-hop, R&B, dance

Tedashii: Christian hip-hop

Thi'sl: Christian hip-hop

U

Unk (born 1981): hip-hop

Usher (born 1978): R&B, pop

V

V.I.C.: hip-hop

Bobby V (born 1980): R&B

Brooke Valentine (born 1984): R&B, pop, hip-hop, crunk

Luther Vandross (1951–2005): soul

Sarah Vaughan (1924–1990): jazz

Cassie Ventura (born 1986): R&B

Tommy Vext (born 1982): rock

King Von: hip-hop, drill, gangsta rap

W

Wale (born 1984): hip-hop

Hezekiah Walker: gospel

Sippie Wallace (1898–1986): blues

Fats Waller (1904–1943): jazz, pop

Little Walter (1930–1968): blues, R&B

Fetty Wap (born 1991): hip-hop

William Warfield (1920–2002): opera, pop

Dionne Warwick (born 1940): gospel, R&B, soul, pop

Dinah Washington (1924–1963): jazz, blues, R&B, gospel, traditional pop

Gino Washington (born 1946?): R&B, rock

Grover Washington Jr.