List of African-American singers explained

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<ref>Web site: 50 most important African American music artists of all time. Troy. Smith. June 25, 2020. cleveland.
• 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

Hip hop

• Cassidy

Hip hop

• Erica Campbell

Gospel

• Tina Campbell

Gospel

• Cab Calloway (1907–1994): jazz
• Alyson Cambridge (born 1980): operatic soprano and classical music, jazz, and American popular song singer
• Cam'ron

Hip hop

• Mariah Carey (born 1969): R&B, pop, hip-hop, soul
• Chance the Rapper: Hip hop
• Jean Carn (born 1947): jazz, pop
• Benny Carter

Jazz

• Betty Carter

Jazz

• Ron Carter

Jazz

• Betty Carter (1929–1998): jazz
• Cool Boy F (born 2005): R&B
• Gene Chandler (born 1931): R&B, soul, disco
• Paul Chambers

Jazz

• Tracy Chapman (born 1964): folk
• Ray Charles (1930–2004): R&B, soul, blues, gospel, country, jazz, pop, rock and roll
• Ciara (born 1985): R&B, hip-hop, pop
• Tasha Cobbs (born 1981): contemporary Christian music, urban contemporary gospel
• Freddy Cole (1931–2020): jazz
• J. Cole (born 1985): hip-hop
• Nat King Cole (1919–1965): jazz, swing, pop
• Natalie Cole (1950–2015): R&B, pop
• Mitty Collier (born 1941): soul, R&B, gospel
• Sam Cooke (1931–1964): soul, gospel, R&B
• Ida Cox (1888 or 1896–1967): blues, jazz
• Randy Crawford (born 1952): jazz, R&B, disco
• Kid Cudi (born 1984): hip-hop, alternative rock
• 50 Cent (born 1975): hip-hop
• Keyshia Cole (born 1981): R&B, hip-hop, hip-hop soul
• Tameka Cottle (born 1975): R&B, soul
• Chubby Checker

Rock and roll, R&B

• Cyrus Chestnut

Jazz

• Charlie Christian

Jazz

• Milan Christopher

Rapper

• Young Chop

Hip hop, drill

• Ciara

R&B, Hip hop, pop

• Robert Cray

Blues

• Otis Clay

R&B, soul, blues, gospel

• Eddy Clearwater

Blues

• Clarence Clemons

Rock, R&B

• James Cleveland

Gospel, soul

• George Clinton

Funk, rock, soul

• Ornette Coleman

Jazz, free funk

• Daryl Coley

Gospel

• Albert Collins

Blues

• Bootsy Collins

Funk, soul, rock, R&B

• Mitty Collier

R&B, soul, gospel

• Alice Coltrane

Jazz

• John Coltrane

Jazz

• Ravi Coltrane

Jazz

• Sean Combs

Hip hop, R&B

• James Cotton

Blues, jazz

• J. Cole

Hip hop (African-American father)

• Ice Cube

Hip hop

• Kid Cudi

Rapper who is African American and Mexican

• King Curtis

Soul, R&B, rock, funk, jazz

• Evelyn Simpson Curenton

various

• Chamillionaire

Hip hop

• Chingy

Hip hop, rap

• Canon

Christian hip hop

• Ida Cox

Blues

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, Blues, R&B, rock and roll, gospel
• Johnny Dodds

Jazz

• Warren "Baby" Dodds

Jazz

• Young Dolph

Hip hop

• Eric Dolphy

Jazz

• Donnis

Hip hop

• Nate Dogg

Hip hop, gangsta rap, R&B

• Snoop Dogg

Hip hop, funk, gangsta rap

• Fats Domino

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

Hip-hop, rap

• Dennis Edwards

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

Jazz

• Duke Ellington

Jazz

F

• Art Farmer

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

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

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

Jazz

• The Game

Rapper

• EST Gee

Hip hop

• Tyrese Gibson

Hip hop, R&B

• Dizzy Gillespie

Jazz

• Ginuwine

R&B

• GlokkNine

Hip hop

• Ugly God

Hip hop, SoundCloud hip hop

• Benny Golson

Jazz

• Dexter Gordon

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

Blues

• Sheila Guyse

H

• Halsey (born 1994): Pop
• H.E.R^[3]
• Adelaide Hall (1901–1993): jazz
• Edmond Hall

Jazz

• Willie Hall

R&B, soul, funk

• Todrick Hall

R&B<ref>Web site: 12 Black LGBTQ Artists Who Shaped the 2010s. Glendon. Francis. December 18, 2019.

• 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

Jazz, soul

• Richie Havens

Funk, soul

• Coleman Hawkins

Jazz

• Isaac Hayes

Blues, jazz, soul

• 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

Jazz

• Michael Henderson

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

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^[4]

• Earl Hines

Jazz

• Hopsin

Hip hop

• Nipsey Hussle

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

Jazz

• Randy Jackson (born 1956)
• Etta James (1938–2012): blues, R&B, soul, jazz, gospel
• Rick James

R&B, soul, funk, rock

• Al Jarreau (1940–2017): jazz, R&B, soul
• Little Willie John

R&B, soul

• Robert Johnson (1911–1938): blues
• George W. Johnson^[5]
• J. J. Johnson

Jazz

• J. Rosamond Johnson
• Syl Johnson

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

Jazz

• Hank Jones

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

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

K

• Lil Keed

Hip hop

• Alicia Keys (born 1981): R&B, soul, pop, hip-hop^[6]
• 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

Blues, R&B

• Ben E King (1938–2015): R&B
• Freddie King

Blues

• Solange Knowles (born 1986): R&B, pop, soul, hip-hop, funk^[7]
• 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^[8]
• 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

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

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

Blues, jazz

• Omarion

R&B

• 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
• 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

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

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)^[9]

• 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^[10]

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<ref>News: Rozonda Thomas Biography. www.m.imdb.com. March 8, 2019.

• 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^{[11] [12]}
• 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^[13]
• Carl Weathersby

Blues

• Junior Wells

Blues

• Mary Wells (1943–1992) R&B,<ref>Web site: Mary Wells - Biography . 2024-07-01 . IMDb . en-US. 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

Notes and References

1. Web site: Beyoncé - Biography . 2024-07-01 . IMDb . en-US.
2. News: Tamar Braxton becomes the first African American to win celebrity big brother. www.glittermagrocks.com. March 7, 2019.
3. http://H.E.R.
4. Web site: Blue Moon . JAZZIZ Magazine . 28 August 2020 . Michael Fagien . 20 January 2022.
5. Web site: African American Performers on Early Sound Recordings, 1892-1916. Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. 20540 USA.
6. News: Alicia Keys Biography. www.m.imdb.com. February 20, 2019.
7. Web site: 2020-07-23 . Solange Knowles - Songs, Movies & Son . 2024-07-01 . Biography . en-US.
8. News: Revolt Sessions Bio: Kehlani. www.revolt.tv. November 10, 2016.
9. Web site: Saweetie's Met Gala look honors Filipino & Black American roots. The Philippine Star.
10. Web site: The forgotten story of America's first black superstars . 2024-07-01 . www.bbc.com . en-GB.
11. Web site: Darville, Jordan. Young Thug Addresses Anti-Black Accusations: “Black Lives Matter Forever” . The FADER . 2016-12-08 . 2024-07-22.
12. 806984197919248384. youngthug. African American I am... 8 December 2016.
13. Web site: Lil Wayne's team tried to stop his 'Black Lives Matter' interview from airing on 'Nightline'. New York Daily News. 4 November 2016 .