Stevie Wonder Tops Billboard’s List of 75 Greatest R&B Artists of All Time
Billboard has unveiled its definitive ranking of the “75 Best R&B Artists of All Time,” celebrating the most influential and impactful voices in the genre’s history. Music legend Stevie Wonder clinched the top spot, recognized for his unmatched vocal talent, expansive body of work, and decades of cultural influence.
According to Billboard, the ranking was determined based on several key criteria: vocal prowess, career longevity, body of work, industry achievements, groundbreaking influence, and generational or cultural impact.
The top five include some of the most iconic names in music history: Aretha Franklin secured the second spot, followed by Michael Jackson at No. 3, Beyoncé at No. 4, and Whitney Houston rounding out the top five.
Other heavyweights in the top 10 include James Brown (6), Prince (7), Mariah Carey (8), R. Kelly (9), and Marvin Gaye (10).
Further down the list, revered artists like Ray Charles (11), Usher (12), Sam Cooke (13), Curtis Mayfield (14), Isaac Hayes (15), Mary J. Blige (16), Janet Jackson (17), Al Green (18), Smokey Robinson (19), and Otis Redding (20) continue the legacy of excellence.
Contemporary and classic stars also made notable appearances: Chris Brown (26), Erykah Badu (28), Diana Ross (29), Alicia Keys (33), Babyface (35), Toni Braxton (36), Frank Ocean (37), Brandy (41), SZA (44), Rihanna (46), The Weeknd (47), Lauryn Hill (48), and John Legend (50).
The list underscores R&B’s evolution across generations, blending timeless legends with today’s chart-topping artists who continue to redefine the genre.