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.

• 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

• 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 (born 1936): 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
• 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 (born 1940): Jazz, funk, disco, R&B, hip-hop
• Ayo & Teo: (African-American father) hip-hop, dance, trap

• Babyface (born 1959): R&B
• Anthony Brown (born 1981): Gospel
• Erykah Badu (born 1971): neo soul, R&B, funk, hip-hop
• Kim Burrell (born 1972): Gospel
• Lil Baby (born 1994): 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
• Lloyd Banks (born 1982): Hip-hop
• Azealia Banks (born 1991): hip-hop, pop, hip house
• Dave Bartholomew (1918–2019): R&B, R&R
• Fantasia Barrino (born 1984): R&B, soul, gospel
• 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
• 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 (born 1939: R&B, soul, pop
• Birdman (born 1969): rapper
• Mykki Blanco (born 1986): Hip-hop
• Blind Blake (1896–1934): ragtime, blues
• Art Blakey (1919–1990): Jazz
• Bobby Bland (1930–2013): blues
• Terry Blade: singer-songwriter
• Jules Bledsoe (1897–1943): opera, Broadway
• Mary J. Blige (born 1971): R&B, soul, hip-hop soul
• Lucille Bogan (1887–1948): blues
• Buddy Bolden (1877–1931): Jazz, blues
• Brandy (born 1979): R&B
• Breland (born 1995): country trap
• Dee Dee Bridgewater (born 1950): jazz
• Bobby Bradford (born 1934): Jazz
• Charles Bradley (1948–2017): Funk, soul, R&B
• Tamar Braxton (born 1977): R&B, soul, pop, gospel^[2]
• Toni Braxton (born 1966): R&B, soul, pop
• Traci Braxton (1971–2022): R&B, soul, pop
• Trina Braxton (born 1974): R&B, soul, pop
• Bobby Brown (born 1969): R&B, soul, pop
• Charles Brown (1922–1999): Blues, R&B, rock, soul, jazz
• 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^[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 (born 1980): Hip-hop
• Jerry Butler (born 1939): Soul, funk, R&B
• Metro Boomin (born 1993): Hip-hop
• Rich Boy (born 1983): Hip-hop
• Soulja Boy (born 1990): Hip-hop
• Donald Byrd (1932–2013): Jazz, funk, soul, R&B
• B.o.B (born 1988): Hip-hop
• Bow Wow (born 1987): Hip-hop
• Boosie Badazz (born 1982): Southern hip-hop
• Rich Boy (born 19831: Hip-hop
• Young Buck (born 1981): Hip-hop
• Joyce Bryant (1927–2022), singerknown as the black Marilyn Monroe

• 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, 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 (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 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

• Chuck D (born 1960): Hip-hop
• 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

• E-40 (born 19667): 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

• Art Farmer (1928–1999): Jazz
• Mickey Fields: Jazz
• Fantasia (born 1984): R&B
• Ella Fitzgerald (1917–1996): jazz
• Roberta Flack (1937–2025): jazz, pop
• Eddie Floyd (born 1937): R&B, soul
• Earlston Ford (born 1932): soul, gospel
• 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
• 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
• Flavor Flav: Hip-hop
• Fivio Foreign: Hip-hop
• Big Freedia (born 1978): Bounce
• Flame: Christian hip-hop
• Finesse2tymes: Hip-hop
• Foogiano (born 1996): Hip-hop
• Fredo Bang: 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
• 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 (born 1978): 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 (born 1929): R&B, soul, pop, R&R
• Al Green (born 1946): R&B, soul
• CeeLo Green (born 1975): 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

• 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^[4]
• 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^[5]
• 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 (born 1933): 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

• 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

• 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^[6]
• 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

• Lil Keed: Hip-hop
• Alicia Keys (born 1981): R&B, soul, pop, hip-hop^[7]
• 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^[8]
• 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^[9]
• Maxo Kream: Hip-hop (Nigerian and African-American)
• KB: Christian hip-hop

• Big L (1974–1999): hip-hop
• Patti LaBelle (born 1944): R&B, soul, disco, dance, gospel, funk
• Denise LaSalle (1939–2018): Blues, R&B, soul
• 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, R&B, funk, gospel, country
• 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
• Frankie Lymon (1942–1968): R&B, doo-wop, pop, swing
• Queen Latifah (born 1970): hip-hop, R&B, soul, jazz, gospel, danc
• Lynda Laurence (born 1949): R&B, pop, jazz
• Lecrae (born 1979): Christian hip-hop
• 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
• 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

• 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: soul, funk, R&B
• Taj Mahal: Blues, R&B, jazz
• Hank Mobley: jazz
• Thelonious Monk: jazz
• Wes Montgomery: 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

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

• 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

• Saweetie: Hip-hop (African-American father, Chinese and Filipino mother)^[10]
• 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 (1915–1967): 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^[11]

• 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^[12]
• 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^[13][14]
• Stanley Turrentine: Jazz
• McCoy Tyner: 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

• Usher (born 1978): R&B, pop
• Unk (born 1981): hip-hop

• 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

• Wale (born 1984): hip-hop
• Fats Waller (1904–1943): jazz, pop
• Hezekiah Walker: Gospel
• Sippie Wallace (1898–1986): Blues
• 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.: jazz, soul, R&B
• Ethel Waters (1896–1977): blues, jazz, Broadway, big band, pop
• Muddy Waters (1913–1983): blues
• Tionne Watkins (born 1970): R&B
• Johnny "Guitar" Watson: blues, soul, funk
• Lil Wayne (born 1982): hip-hop^[15]
• Carl Weathersby (1953–2024): blues
• Webbie (born 1985): hip-hop
• Junior Wells (1934–1998): blues
• Mary Wells (1943–1992) R&B,^[16] 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 (born 1946): 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 (1939–1973): R&B, soul
• Pharrell Williams (born 1973): hip-hop, R&B, funk, pop
• Sonny Boy Williamson I (1914–1948): Blues
• Sonny Boy Williamson II (1912–1965): Blues
• Charlie Wilson (born 1953): R&B, hip-hop, soul, funk
• Gerald Wilson: Jazz, pop
• Jackie Wilson (1934–1984): R&B, soul
• Nancy Wilson (1937–2018): jazz
• Mary Wilson (1944–2021): 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 (1951–2010): 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 (born 1987): hip-hop
• Juice WRLD (1998 –2019): hip-hop, R&B, trap

• XXXTentacion (1998–2018): hip-hop, SoundCloud rap, lo-fi
• Xzibit (born 1974): hip-hop

• Ne-Yo (born 1979): R&B
• Yo Gotti (born 1981): hip-hop
• Lester Young (1909–1959): jazz
• Young Dro (born 1979): hip-hop
• Young Buck (born 1981): hip-hop
• Yung Joc (born 1980): hip-hop

• Jay-Z (born 1969): Hip-hop