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

Anderson .Paak: Hip hop, R&B, soul, funk, pop
2 Chainz: Hip hop, dirty South/Southern hip hop
4Batz: R&B, hip-hop
50 Cent: Hip Hop, professionally known as 50 Cent

A

Aaliyah (1979–2001): R&B, pop
Johnny Ace: R&B
Alicia Keys (born 1981): pop
Gregory Abbott (born 1954): soul, R&B, his father was born in Venezuela
Armenta Adams: Classical pianist
Arthur Adams: Blues, R&B
Johnny Adams: Gospel, R&B, soul, jazz
Yolanda Adams (born 1961): gospel
Nat Adderley: Jazz
Cannonball Adderley: Jazz
Afroman: Hip hop
Akon: R&B, pop, hip hop, dancehall
Sasha Allen: R&B, rock, soul
Luther Allison: Blues
Amil: Hip hop
Cat Anderson: Jazz
Ivie Anderson (1904–1949): jazz
Marian Anderson (1897–1993): opera
Louis Armstrong (1901–1971): blues, jazz
Billy Boy Arnold: R&B
Martina Arroyo (born 1936): opera
Dorothy Ashby: 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: R&B, pop, jazz
Roy Ayers: Jazz, funk, disco, R&B, hip hop
Ayo & Teo: (African American father) Hip hop, dance, trap

B

Babyface: R&B
Anthony Brown: Gospel
Erykah Badu (born 1971): neo soul, R&B, funk, hip-hop
Kim Burrell: Gospel
Lil Baby: Hip hop
Chloe Bailey (born 1998): R&B
Halle Bailey (born 2000): R&B
Mildred Bailey: Jazz
Pearl Bailey (1918–1990): vaudeville
Anita Baker, R&B, soul
Josephine Baker: Pop, jazz
LaVern Baker (1929–1997): R&B
Florence Ballard (1943–1976): R&B, pop, soul
Lloyd Banks: Hip hop
Azealia Banks (born 1991): hip-hop, pop, hip house
Dave Bartholomew: R&B, R&R
Florence Ballard: R&B, pop, soul
Fantasia Barrino (born 1984): R&B, soul, gospel
Count Basie: Jazz
Fontella Bass (1940–2012): R&B, soul
Kathleen Battle (born 1948): opera
Swizz Beatz: Hip hop (African-American and Eritrean descent)
Sidney Bechet: Jazz
Madeline Bell (born 1942): soul
Carey Bell: Blues
Eric Benet: R&B, neo soul
George Benson: Jazz, R&B, soul, funk
Gladys Bentley: Blues
Denée Benton (born 1992): Broadway, pop
Brook Benton (born 1931–1988): pop, R&B, soul
Chuck Berry (1926–2017): rock
Frankie Beverly: R&B, soul, funk
Andy Bey (born 1939): jazz
Beyoncé (born 1981): R&B, pop^[1]
Cindy Birdsong: R&B, soul, pop
Birdman: rapper
Mykki Blanco: Hip hop
Blind Blake (1896–1934): ragtime, blues
Bobby Bland (1930–2013): blues
Terry Blade: singer-songwriter
Art Blakey: Jazz
Jules Bledsoe (1897–1943): opera, Broadway
Mary J. Blige (born 1971): R&B, soul, hip-hop soul
Lucille Bogan (1887–1948): blues
Buddy Bolden: Jazz, blues
Brandy (born 1979): R&B
Breland (born 1995): country trap
Dee Dee Bridgewater (born 1950): jazz
Bobby Bradford: Jazz
Charles Bradley: Funk, soul, R&B
Tamar Braxton: R&B, soul, pop, gospel^[2]
Toni Braxton: R&B, soul, pop
Traci Braxton: R&B, soul, pop
Trina Braxton: R&B, soul, pop
Bobby Brown: R&B, soul, pop
Charles Brown: Blues, R&B, rock, soul, jazz
Chuck Brown: Funk, hip hop, blues
Clifford Brown: Jazz
James Brown (1933–2006): soul, funk
Oscar Brown Jr (1926–2005): jazz
Ruth Brown: R&B^[3]
Shirley Brown (born 1947): R&B, soul
Peabo Bryson (born 1951): soul, R&B
Grace Bumbry (born 1937): opera
Solomon Burke (1940–2010): blues, gospel, R&B, soul, rock and roll
Chris Brown (born 1989): R&B, hip-hop, soul, pop
Elbridge "Al" Bryant: R&B, pop, soul
Kandi Burruss (born 1976): R&B, pop, hip-hop, soul
Toni Braxton (born 1967): R&B, soul, pop, dance-pop, hip-hop
Joe Budden: Hip hop
Jerry Butler: Soul, funk, R&B
Metro Boomin: Hip hop
Rich Boy: Hip hop
Soulja Boy: Hip hop
Donald Byrd: Jazz, funk, soul, R&B
B.o.B: Hip hop
Bow Wow: Hip hop
Boosie Badazz: Southern hip hop
Rich Boy: Hip hop
Young Buck: Hip hop
Joyce Bryant, singer who was known as the black Marilyn Monroe

C

Ca$h Out: 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, and American popular song singer
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
Mitty Collier (born 1941): soul, R&B, gospel
Ornette Coleman: 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 1939): 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

Chuck D: Hip Hop
DaBaby (born 1991): Hip hop, trap
Roscoe Dash: Hip hop
Diddy: Hip hop
Miles Davis: Jazz
Sammy Davis Jr. (1925–1990): pop, jazz, easy listening, swing
Jimmy Dawkins: 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: Hip hop
Mos Def: Hip hop
Ricky Dillard: Gospel
Willie Dixon (1915-1992): Blues, R&B, rock and roll, gospel
Johnny Dodds: Jazz
Warren "Baby" Dodds: Jazz
Young Dolph (1985-2021): Hip hop
Eric Dolphy (1928-1964): Jazz
Donnis: Hip hop
Nate Dogg: Hip hop, gangsta rap, R&B
Snoop Dogg: Hip hop, funk, gangsta rap
Fats Domino (1928-2017): Rock and roll, R&B
Dr. Dre: Hip hop
Drake: Hip hop, pop
42 Dugg: Hip hop, trap
Lil Durk: Hip hop, drill
Desiigner: Hip hop, trap
Derek Minor: Christian hip hop
Dorrough: Hip hop
Duke Deuce: Hip hop
Doechii: Hip hop

E

E-40: Hip hop, rap
Eazy-E (1963-1995): Hip-hop, rap
Dennis Edwards (1943-2018): R&B, soul
Billy Eckstine (1914–1993): jazz, pop
Betty Everett (1939–2001): soul
Cassandra Extavour: classical singer
Faith Evans (born 1973): R&B, hip-hop, soul
Roy Eldridge (1911-1989): Jazz
Duke Ellington (1899-1974): Jazz

F

Art Farmer (1928-1999): Jazz
Mickey Fields: Jazz
Fantasia (born 1984): R&B
Ella Fitzgerald (1917–1996): jazz
Roberta Flack (born 1937): jazz, pop
Eddie Floyd: R&B, soul
Aretha Franklin (1942–2018): soul, gospel
Erma Franklin (1938–2002): gospel, soul
Kam Franklin: Soul
Melvin Franklin (1942-1995): R&B, soul
Kirk Franklin (born 1970): soul, gospel
Future (born 1983): hip-hop
Jamie Foxx (born 1967): R&B, pop, hip-hop
Bankroll Freddie: Hip hop
Lowell Fulson: Blues
Future: Hip hop, trap, R&B
Fabolous: Hip hop
Flo Rida: Hip hop
Sonny Fortune (1939-2018): Jazz
Jamie Foxx: R&B
Flavor Flav: Hip hop
Fivio Foreign: Hip hop
Big Freedia: Bounce
Flame: Christian hip hop
Finesse2tymes: Hip hop
Foogiano: Hip hop
Fredo Bang: Hip hop

G

Marvin Gaye (1939–1984): R&B, soul, funk, jazz, pop
Gloria Gaynor (born 1943): disco, R&B
Jamie Grace (born 1991): Christian pop, gospel
Al Green (born 1946): R&B, soul
Ginuwine (born 1970): R&B
Diana Gordon (born 1985): R&B, dance-pop, house
Kevin Gates (born 1986): hip-hop
Gabrielle Goodman (born 1969): jazz, soul, gospel
Polo G: Hip hop, drill
Slim Gaillard (1911-1991): Jazz
The Game: Rapper
EST Gee: Hip hop
Tyrese Gibson: Hip hop, R&B
Dizzy Gillespie (1917-1993): Jazz
Ginuwine: R&B
GlokkNine: Hip hop
Ugly God: Hip hop, SoundCloud hip hop
Benny Golson: Jazz
Dexter Gordon (1923-1990): Jazz
Berry Gordy: R&B, soul, pop, R&R
Al Green: R&B, soul
CeeLo Green: R&B, Hip hop, soul, funk
Thomasina Talley Greene: Classical pianist
Johnny Griffin: Jazz
Lil Gotit, Hip hop
Tee Grizzley, Rapper
Childish Gambino: Hip hop, R&B
Gucci Mane: Hip hop
Gunna: Hip hop
Buddy Guy: Blues
Phil Guy (1940-2008): Blues
Sheila Guyse

H

Halsey (born 1994): Pop
H.E.R^[4]
Adelaide Hall (1901–1993): jazz
Edmond Hall: Jazz
Willie Hall: R&B, soul, funk
Todrick Hall: R&B^[5]
Charles Hamilton: Hip hop
Damon Harris: R&B, soul, pop
Chico Hamilton: Jazz
Jimmy Hamilton: Jazz
Lionel Hampton: Jazz
Ciara Harris (born 1985): R&B, hip-hop, crunk&B, pop, dance
Erline Harris: Blues
Donny Hathaway (1945–1979): soul, jazz, gospel, R&B, blues
Koryn Hawthorne: Gospel
Deitrick Haddon: Gospel
Herbie Hancock: Jazz, funk, electro
Edward W. Hardy: Classical, pop, theatre music
Roy Hargrove (1969-2018): Jazz, soul
Coleman Hawkins (1904-1969): Jazz
MC Hammer: R&B
Fred Hammond: Gospel
Richie Havens (1941–2013): folk rock, funk, blues, soul
Isaac Hayes (1942–2008): blues, jazz, soul, funk, disco
Nicole Heaston: 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
Andrew Hill: Jazz
Lauryn Hill (born 1975): R&B, neo soul, hip-hop, folk, reggae
Z. Z. Hill (1935–1984): blues
Billie Holiday (1915–1959): soul, blues
Jennifer Holliday (born 1960): R&B, soul, pop, house, dance, gospel
Johnny Hodges: Jazz
John Lee Hooker (1917-2001): Blues
Shirley Horn (1934–2005): jazz
Lena Horne (1917–2010): jazz, pop
Cissy Houston (born 1933): soul, gospel, disco
Thelma Houston (born 1946): R&B, soul, disco, Motown, gospel
Whitney Houston (1963–2012): R&B, pop, soul, gospel
Freddie Hubbard: Jazz
Jennifer Hudson (born 1981): R&B, soul, pop
Phyllis Hyman (1949–1995): soul, R&B quiet, jazz, disco
Keri Hilson (born 1982): R&B
Adina Howard (born 1973): R&B, hip-hop, soul
G Herbo: Hip hop, drill
Skinny Hightower: Jazz^[6]
Earl Hines: Jazz
Hopsin: Hip hop
Nipsey Hussle (1985-2019): Hip hop, rap
H.E.R.: R&B
Hitmaka: Hip hop
Huey: Hip hop
Hurricane Chris: Hip hop
Alberta Hunter: Jazz and blues

I

James Ingram (1952–2019): R&B, pop, soul
Luther Ingram (1937–2007): R&B, soul
Ronald Isley (born 1941): R&B, soul
Ali Peracha
Ice-T: Hip hop

J

Ray J (born 1981): R&B
Stevie J: Hip hop, R&B
Jackson family: pop, R&B, soul, dance
- Rebbie Jackson (born 1950)
- Jackie Jackson (born 1951)
- Tito Jackson (born 1953)
- 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: R&B
Chuck Jackson (born 1937): 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)
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
Robert Johnson (1911–1938): blues
George W. Johnson^[7]
J. J. Johnson: Jazz
J. Rosamond Johnson
Syl Johnson (1936-2022): R&B, blues
Coco Jones: R&B
Booker T. Jones: R&B, soul, blues
Etta Jones (1928–2001): jazz
Howard Jones (born 1970): rock
Elvin Jones (1927-2004): Jazz
Hank Jones (1918-2010): Jazz
Quincy Jones: R&B, funk, soul, jazz, hip hop, rock and roll, pop
Mike Jones: Hip hop
Valerie June (born 1982): folk, blues, soul, bluegrass, pop
Jeremih (born 1987): R&B, hip-hop
Louis Jordan: Jazz, blues, R&B
Steve Jordan: Pop, rock, R&B
Montell Jordan (born 1968): R&B, hip-hop, soul
Lyfe Jennings (born 1978): R&B, soul
Charles Jenkins: Gospel
Leroy Jenkins (1932-2007): Jazz
Scott Joplin: Ragtime
Joe (born 1973): R&B
Jacquees (born 1994): R&B
BlocBoy JB: Hip hop
Young Joc: Hip hop
Valerie June: Folk, blues, soul, pop
Jeremih: Hip hop, R&B
LL Cool J: Hip hop
Lil Jon: Hip hop
Jadakiss: Hip hop
J-Kwon: Hip hop
Jibbs: Hip hop
Juice WRLD (1998-2019): Hip hop, rap

K

Lil Keed: Hip hop
Alicia Keys (born 1981): R&B, soul, pop, hip-hop^[8]
Eddie Kendricks: R&B, soul, disco
Chaka Khan (born 1953): R&B, pop, soul, disco, jazz, gospel
Kilo Kish: Hip Hop, art pop
Eartha Kitt (1927–2008): cabaret, torch, jazz
Gladys Knight (born 1944): soul, R&B, pop
Albert King: Blues
B.B. King (1925-2015): Blues, R&B
Ben E King (1938–2015): R&B
Freddie King: Blues
Solange Knowles (born 1986): R&B, pop, soul, hip-hop, funk^[9]
R. Kelly (born 1967): R&B
Kelis (born 1979): R&B, pop, hip-hop, soul, electronic
Chief Keef (born 1995): hip-hop, drill
Lenny Kravitz (born 1964): rock, pop rock, progressive soul
Kelis: Hip hop (African American, Chinese and Puerto Rican)
R Kelly: R&B, soul, gospel, hip hop
Wynton Kelly: Jazz
Khalid: R&B, pop
Wiz Khalifa: Hip hop
Kid Cudi: Hip hop
Kehlani (African American father): R&B, soul, jazz, hip hop^[10]
Maxo Kream: Hip hop (Nigerian and African-American)
KB: Christian hip hop

L

Big L: Hip hop
Patti LaBelle (born 1944): R&B, soul, disco, dance, gospel, funk
Denise LaSalle (1939-2018): Blues, R&B, soul
Bettye LaVette: Soul, blues, R&B, funk, rock, country, gospel
Kendrick Lamar (born 1987): hip-hop, rap
John Larkin (1877–1936): minstrel, vaudeville
Kenny Lattimore (born 1970): R&B
Bettye LaVette (born 1946): soul, blues, rock and roll, funk, gospel, country
Huddie Ledbetter (1888–1949): folk, blues
Tasha Cobbs Leonard: 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
Frankie Lymon (1942–1968): R&B, doo-wop, pop, swing
Queen Latifah (born 1970): hip-hop, R&B, soul, jazz, gospel, danc
Lynda Laurence: R&B, pop, jazz
Lecrae: Christian hip hop
Eddie Levert: R&B, soul, blues, gospel
Gerald Levert (1946-2006): Soul, R&B
Ari Lennox (born 1991): R&B, soul, neo soul
Coi Leray: Hip hop
Booker Little: Jazz
Barbara Lynn: R&B
Cheryl Lynn: Disco, R&B, soul, pop
Lisa Lopes: R&B, rap, pop
Lecrae: Christian hip hop
Ledisi: R&B, soul, jazz
Logic: Hip hop
Dej Loaf: Hip hop, R&B
Ludacris: Hip hop
Lil Uzi Vert: Hip hop
Lil Nas X: Hip hop, country
Lizzo: R&B
Lloyd: R&B
Trip Lee: Christian hip hop, Southern hip hop
Lil Scrappy: Hip hop

M

Young M.A: Hip hop
Mandisa: Gospel, Christian
Barbara Mason: 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: 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: Hip hop
Barbara Martin: R&B, pop
Johnny Mathis: Pop, jazz
Curtis Mayfield: Soul, funk, R&B
Taj Mahal: Blues, R&B, jazz
Hank Mobley: Jazz
Thelonious Monk: Jazz
Wes Montgomery: Jazz
Melba Moore: 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: Gospel
Mulatto: Hip hop
Matt "Guitar" Murphy: Blues
Lil' Mo: R&B, hip hop
Method Man: Hip hop
Maliibu Miitch: Hip hop (African American, Vietnamese and Filipino)
Mims: Hip hop
Maino: Hip hop
Money Man: Hip hop

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: 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: Hip hop
OMB Peezy: Hip hop

P

Anderson .Paak (born 1986): Hip hop, R&B, soul, pop, funk
Keke Palmer: R&B, hip hop, pop
Charlie Parker: Jazz
Ray Parker Jr.: R&B, pop
Billy Porter: (born 1969): R&B, soul
Pleasure P (born 1984): R&B
Pharrell: Hip hop, R&B, funk
Paul Pena (1950–2005): Delta blues, jazz, morna, flamenco, folk, rock, Tuvan throat singing
Teddy Pendergrass (1950–2010): R&B, soul, disco, funk
Richard Wayne Penniman (Little Richard) (1932–2020): rock & roll, R&B, gospel, soul
Wilson Pickett (1941–2006): R&B, soul
Jillian Patricia Pirtle (born 1983): opera, musical theatre
Gregory Porter (born 1971): jazz
Billy Preston (1946–2006): R&B, rock, soul, funk, gospel
Prince (1958–2016): pop, rock
Leontyne Price (born 1927): opera
Charley Pride (1934–2020): country
Arthur Prysock (1924 or 1929–1997): jazz, R&B, easy listening
Kelly Price (born 1973): gospel
Billy Paul: Soul, R&B, jazz
Scherrie Payne: R&B, pop, disco
Plies: Hip hop
Petey Pablo: Hip hop
Benjamin Landy Pavlon: Rapper

Q

Rich Homie Quan: Hip hop
Quavo: Hip hop
DJ Quik: Hip hop
Quando Rondo: Hip hop

R

Raheem Jarbo: Hip Hop
Rakim: 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: Blues
Louisiana Red: Blues
Otis Redding (1941–1967): soul, R&B, blues
Della Reese (1931–2017): jazz, gospel, pop
Lil Reese: Hip hop, drill
Dianne Reeves (born 1956): jazz
Martha Reeves (born 1941): R&B, pop
Roddy Ricch: Hip hop
Lionel Richie (born 1949): soul, R&B, pop, country, gospel
Little Richard: Rock and roll, R&B, gospel, soul
Pretty Ricky: R&B
Teddy Riley: 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: 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: 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: Jazz
Kelly Rowland (born 1981): R&B, pop, hip-hop, soul, dance
Otis Rush: Blues, R&B
Patrice Rushen (born 1954): R&B
Trippie Redd (born 1999): hip-hop
RuPaul (born 1960): dance, pop
David Ruffin: R&B, pop, soul, disco, gospel
Jimmy Ruffin: R&B, soul, pop
Chance the Rapper: Hip hop, R&B
Rapsody: Hip hop
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)^[11]
Pharoah Sanders: Jazz
Juelz Santana: Hip hop
Saucy Santana: Hip hop
Marvin Sapp: Gospel
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
Young Scooter: Hip hop
Gil Scott-Heron: Soul, funk, R&B
Dee Dee Sharp (born 1945): R&B, blues, soul
Marlena Shaw (born 1942): jazz, blues and soul
Tupac Shakur: Hip hop, revolutionary, poet, freedom fighter
Kierra Sheard: Gospel
Pooh Shiesty: Hip hop, Southern hip hop, Memphis rap
Bobby Shmurda: Hip hop, Brooklyn drill
Kierra Sheard: Urban gospel, R&B
Karen Clark Sheard: Gospel, urban gospel
Wayne Shorter: Jazz
Bobby Short: Jazz
Nina Simone (1933–2003): jazz, blues, folk, R&B, gospel, pop
Sister Rosetta Tharpe: Blues
Magic Sam: Blues
Magic Slim: Blues
Memphis Slim: Blues
Horace Silver: Jazz
Percy Sledge: 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 (born 1961): R&B, soul
Sly Stone: Funk, R&B
Ruben Studdard: Singer
Shawn Stockman : R&B
Billy Strayhorn: Jazz
Sly Stone (born 1943): funk, R&B
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: 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: Jazz, blues
Victoria Spivey: Blues^[12]

T

T.I.: Hip hop
T-Pain: Hip hop, R&B
Takeoff (1994–2022): Hip hop, trap
Tank: Hip hop
Art Tatum: Jazz
Billy Taylor: Jazz
Cecil Taylor: Jazz
Koko Taylor: Blues, soul
Teyana Taylor (born 1990): R&B, hip-hop, pop
T-Pain (born 1984): R&B, hip-hop, pop rap
Tammi Terrell (1945–1970): R&B, soul, pop
Clark Terry: Jazz
Jean Terrell: R&B, soul, jazz
Bryson Tiller: R&B, hip hop
Joe Tex (1935–1982): R&B, soul, funk, disco
Rufus Thomas (1917–2001): R&B, funk, soul, blues
Rozonda Thomas: R&B^[13]
Big Joe Turner: 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^[14]^[15]
Stanley Turrentine: Jazz
McCoy Tyner: Jazz
Tye Tribbett: Gospel
Tyrese Gibson (born 1978): R&B
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

Usher (born 1978): R&B, pop
Unk: Hip hop

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
Vedo: R&B
Cassie Ventura: R&B
Tommy Vext (born 1982): rock
King Von: Hip hop, drill, gangsta rap

W

Sippie Wallace: Blues
Wale: Hip hop
Fats Waller (1904–1943): jazz, pop
Hezekiah Walker, Gospel
Little Walter: Blues, R&B
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.: Jazz, soul, R&B
Ethel Waters (1896–1977): blues, jazz, Broadway, big band, pop
Muddy Waters: Blues
Tionne Watkins: R&B
Johnny "Guitar" Watson: Blues, soul, funk
Lil Wayne (born 1982): hip-hop^[16]
Carl Weathersby: Blues
Junior Wells: Blues
Mary Wells (1943–1992) R&B,^[17] pop, soul, rock
Kanye West (born 1977): hip-hop, pop, R&B, Christian hip-hop, gospel
Keenan Webb, also known as DJ Suede the Remix God: Trap, Hip hop
Glodean White: R&B, soul, funk, disco
Maurice White: Soul, funk, R&B, jazz
Barry White (1944–2003): soul, R&B, pop
Eddie Willis: Soul, R&B
Wesley Willis: Punk rock
will.i.am (born 1975): hip-hop, pop, R&B
Andre Williams: R&B, blues
Bert Williams (1874–1922): Broadway, vaudeville, minstrel
Hayley Williams (born 1988): Rock
Joe Williams (1918–1999): jazz
Lenny Williams (born 1945): soul, R&B, jazz
Otis Williams: R&B, soul, disco
Marion Williams (1927–1994): gospel
Michelle Williams: R&B, gospel, pop, soul
Paul Williams: R&B, soul
Pharrell Williams (born 1973): hip-hop, R&B, funk, pop
Tony Williams: Jazz
Sonny Boy Williamson I: Blues
Sonny Boy Williamson II: Blues
Charlie Wilson: R&B, hip hop, soul, funk
Gerald Wilson: Jazz, pop
Jackie Wilson (1934–1984): R&B, soul
Nancy Wilson (1937–2018): jazz
Mary Wilson: R&B, soul, pop, funk
CeCe Winans (born 1964): gospel
Mario Winans (born 1974): R&B
Lawrence Winters(né Lawrence Lafayette Whisonant) (1915–1965): opera, concert
Bill Withers (1938–2020): soul, R&B, smooth soul, blues, funk
Lajon Witherspoon (born 1972): rock
Juice Wrld (1998–2019): SoundCloud rap, emo rap, alternative rock, pop
Howlin' Wolf (1910–1976): blues
Stevie Wonder (born 1950): soul, pop
Bobby Womack (1944–2014): soul, R&B
Brenton Wood (born 1941): soul, R&B, pop
Ali-Ollie Woodson: R&B, pop, soul
Betty Wright (1953–2020): soul, R&B
Lizz Wright (born 1980): jazz, gospel
O. V. Wright (1939–1980): blues
Bow Wow: Hip hop
Juice WRLD: Hip hop, R&B, trap
Webbie: Hip hop
Fetty Wap: Hip hop

X

XXXTentacion : Hip hop, SoundCloud rap, lo-fi
Xzibit: Hip hop

Y

Ne-Yo: R&B
Yo Gotti: Hip hop
Lester Young: Jazz
Yung Joc: Hip hop
Young Dro: Hip hop
Young Buck: Hip hop

Z

Jay-Z: Hip hop

References

^ "Beyoncé - Biography". IMDb. Retrieved 2024-07-01.
^ "Tamar Braxton becomes the first African American to win celebrity big brother". www.glittermagrocks.com. Retrieved March 7, 2019.
^ Smith, Troy (June 25, 2020). "50 most important African American music artists of all time". cleveland.
^ http://H.E.R. ^{[dead link‍]}
^ Francis, Glendon (December 18, 2019). "12 Black LGBTQ Artists Who Shaped the 2010s".
^ "Blue Moon". JAZZIZ Magazine. Michael Fagien. 28 August 2020. Retrieved 20 January 2022.
^ "African American Performers on Early Sound Recordings, 1892-1916". Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. 20540 USA.
^ "Alicia Keys Biography". www.m.imdb.com. Retrieved February 20, 2019.
^ "Solange Knowles - Songs, Movies & Son". Biography. 2020-07-23. Retrieved 2024-07-01.
^ "Revolt Sessions Bio: Kehlani". www.revolt.tv. Retrieved November 10, 2016.^{[permanent dead link‍]}
^ "Saweetie's Met Gala look honors Filipino & Black American roots". The Philippine Star.
^ "The forgotten story of America's first black superstars". www.bbc.com. Retrieved 2024-07-01.
^ "Rozonda Thomas Biography". www.m.imdb.com. Retrieved March 8, 2019.
^ Darville, Jordan (2016-12-08). "Young Thug Addresses Anti-Black Accusations: "Black Lives Matter Forever"". The FADER. Retrieved 2024-07-22.
^ @youngthug (8 December 2016). "African American I am." (Tweet) – via Twitter.
^ "Lil Wayne's team tried to stop his 'Black Lives Matter' interview from airing on 'Nightline'". New York Daily News. 4 November 2016.
^ "Mary Wells - Biography". IMDb. Retrieved 2024-07-01.

[1] "Beyoncé - Biography". IMDb. Retrieved 2024-07-01.

[2] "Tamar Braxton becomes the first African American to win celebrity big brother". www.glittermagrocks.com. Retrieved March 7, 2019.

[3] Smith, Troy (June 25, 2020). "50 most important African American music artists of all time". cleveland.

[4] ttp://H.E.R. ^{[dead link‍]}

[5] Francis, Glendon (December 18, 2019). "12 Black LGBTQ Artists Who Shaped the 2010s".

[JAZZIZ-6] "Blue Moon". JAZZIZ Magazine. Michael Fagien. 28 August 2020. Retrieved 20 January 2022.

[7] "African American Performers on Early Sound Recordings, 1892-1916". Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. 20540 USA.

[8] "Alicia Keys Biography". www.m.imdb.com. Retrieved February 20, 2019.

[9] "Solange Knowles - Songs, Movies & Son". Biography. 2020-07-23. Retrieved 2024-07-01.

[10] "Revolt Sessions Bio: Kehlani". www.revolt.tv. Retrieved November 10, 2016.^{[permanent dead link‍]}

[11] "Saweetie's Met Gala look honors Filipino & Black American roots". The Philippine Star.

[12] "The forgotten story of America's first black superstars". www.bbc.com. Retrieved 2024-07-01.

[13] "Rozonda Thomas Biography". www.m.imdb.com. Retrieved March 8, 2019.

[14] Darville, Jordan (2016-12-08). "Young Thug Addresses Anti-Black Accusations: "Black Lives Matter Forever"". The FADER. Retrieved 2024-07-22.

[15] @youngthug (8 December 2016). "African American I am." (Tweet) – via Twitter.

[16] "Lil Wayne's team tried to stop his 'Black Lives Matter' interview from airing on 'Nightline'". New York Daily News. 4 November 2016.

[17] "Mary Wells - Biography". IMDb. Retrieved 2024-07-01.

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