The 1980s were a pivotal decade for R&B music. With its blend of soulful melodies, catchy rhythms, and powerful vocal performances, R&B took on new shapes and expanded its influence. This was the era when artists merged traditional R&B with electronic sounds, pop, and funk, creating timeless tracks that are still loved today. Below is a list of 18 iconic R&B singers from the 80s, each contributing uniquely to the genre’s growth and evolution.
18 80s R&B Singers Who Still Influence Today’s Music
1. Whitney Houston – The Voice of a Generation
Whitney Houston is often hailed as one of the greatest voices of all time. With her incredible vocal range and ability to convey emotion, she became a global superstar. Houston’s debut album, Whitney Houston (1985), featured hits like “How Will I Know” and “The Greatest Love of All.” These songs showcased her vocal prowess and quickly made her a household name. Her influence in R&B was monumental, with multiple chart-topping hits throughout the 80s and beyond.
2. Luther Vandross – King of Smooth Soul
Luther Vandross defined smooth R&B in the 80s. Known for his velvety voice and romantic ballads, Vandross became the epitome of soul music during this era. Songs like “Never Too Much” (1981) and “Give Me the Reason” (1986) remain some of his most beloved tracks. His ability to blend soul, pop, and R&B styles made him a standout artist in the 80s.
3. Janet Jackson – The Queen of Pop and R&B
Though Janet Jackson started her career in the 70s, it was in the 80s that she truly broke through as a solo artist. Her 1986 album, Control, marked a significant departure from her earlier music, as she began collaborating with producers like Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. With hits like “Nasty” and “What Have You Done for Me Lately,” Jackson’s influence on both pop and R&B was profound, and she went on to become one of the most iconic figures in music history.
4. Anita Baker – The Queen of Quiet Storm
Anita Baker’s soulful sound and captivating voice made her a star during the 80s. Her debut album, The Songstress (1983), was a hit, but it was her second album, Rapture (1986), that solidified her place in R&B history. With hits like “Sweet Love” and “Caught Up in the Rapture,” Baker’s romantic, smooth style of R&B became a hallmark of the genre during the decade. She remains a favorite for her ability to mix jazz, soul, and R&B effortlessly.
5. Prince – The Innovator of Funk and R&B
Prince was an artist who blurred the lines between R&B, funk, rock, and pop. His unique sound and androgynous style made him one of the most influential artists of the 80s. Hits like “Kiss,” “Raspberry Beret,” and “When Doves Cry” showcased his ability to create music that was both funky and soulful, often pushing the boundaries of what R&B could be. Prince’s work in the 80s changed the face of popular music and left a lasting legacy on R&B.
6. Marvin Gaye – The Soulful Legend
Though Marvin Gaye’s career spanned several decades, his work in the 80s still holds a significant place in R&B. Songs like “Sexual Healing” (1982) not only earned him multiple Grammy awards but also revived his career during the 80s. His smooth, soulful voice combined with his deeply emotional lyrics made him a legend in the genre. Marvin Gaye’s influence continues to resonate in R&B and soul music today.
7. Aretha Franklin – The Queen of Soul
Aretha Franklin’s impact on R&B during the 80s was immense. Her 1980 album Aretha marked a resurgence in her career, which had begun in the 60s. Hits like “Jump to It” and “Freeway of Love” showcased her versatility in adapting to the modern sounds of the 80s while maintaining the soulfulness that made her famous. Aretha Franklin’s voice remains one of the most powerful in the history of R&B music.
8. Teddy Pendergrass – The Smooth Operator
Teddy Pendergrass’s deep, rich voice made him a favorite among R&B fans in the 80s. Known for his romantic ballads and smooth sound, Pendergrass hit his peak during the late 70s and early 80s. Songs like “Turn Off the Lights” and “Love T.K.O.” are iconic R&B tracks that showcased his seductive style. He was a major figure in the soul and R&B music scenes of the 80s.
9. Chaka Khan – The Funk Queen
Chaka Khan’s career exploded in the 80s, with hits that crossed over from R&B to pop and dance music. Known for her powerful voice and energetic performances, Khan dominated the airwaves with songs like “Ain’t Nobody” and “I Feel for You.” Her fusion of funk, soul, and R&B made her a dynamic and influential artist of the 80s.
10. Keith Sweat – The King of New Jack Swing
Keith Sweat was a leading figure in the New Jack Swing movement, a genre that fused R&B with hip-hop and funk. His 1987 debut album, Make It Last Forever, featured his signature smooth, emotive voice and became a defining record of the genre. Songs like “I Want Her” and “Make It Last Forever” helped define the sound of 80s R&B.
11. Sade Adu – The Smooth Soul Icon
Sade Adu’s band, Sade, created some of the most soothing and sophisticated R&B music of the 80s. With her smooth voice and elegant style, Sade became one of the most influential figures in soul and R&B. Her debut album Diamond Life (1984) included hits like “Smooth Operator” and “Your Love Is King,” tracks that remain beloved worldwide for their smooth, jazzy undertones and soulful melodies.
12. Al B. Sure! – The New Jack Swing Heartthrob
Al B. Sure! was another important figure in the New Jack Swing movement. His smooth voice and romantic ballads made him a heartthrob for many during the 80s. His debut album, In Effect Mode (1988), featured the massive hit “Nite and Day,” which became an R&B classic. Al B. Sure! helped define the sound of R&B during the late 80s.
13. Gladys Knight – The Empress of Soul
Gladys Knight was already an R&B legend by the 80s, but her music continued to resonate during this decade. In the 80s, she released several successful albums and had major hits with songs like “Love Overboard” (1987). Her timeless voice and soulful delivery kept her at the forefront of R&B music in the 80s.
14. Stevie Wonder – The Genius of Soul
Stevie Wonder’s career spanned decades, but his influence was strongly felt during the 80s. Known for his fusion of soul, funk, and pop, Wonder continued to release innovative and successful albums throughout the 80s. Hits like “I Just Called to Say I Love You” (1984) were chart-topping successes and showcased his ability to adapt to the changing music landscape while staying true to his roots.
15. Bobby Brown – The Bad Boy of R&B
Bobby Brown emerged as a solo star in the late 80s, after his time with New Edition. His album Don’t Be Cruel (1988) solidified his place as a major figure in R&B, with hits like “My Prerogative” and “Every Little Step.” Brown’s influence on R&B was marked by his edgy, bad-boy persona, as well as his incorporation of new jack swing and dance-pop elements into his music.
16. Teena Marie – The Ivory Queen of Soul
Teena Marie was one of the few successful white artists in R&B during the 80s, known for her powerful, soulful voice. Her 1980 album Irons in the Fire featured the hit “Behind the Groove,” which became a staple in R&B music. Her collaboration with Rick James, particularly on songs like “Square Biz,” helped cement her place in R&B history.
17. The Whispers – R&B Group Excellence
The Whispers were a staple in 80s R&B, known for their smooth harmonies and consistent hits. Songs like “Rock Steady” (1987) became iconic, demonstrating the group’s ability to create both uptempo and smooth ballads. The Whispers maintained their relevance through the 80s, continuing to release hit after hit that helped shape the decade’s R&B sound.
18. Maxwell – The Neo-Soul Pioneer
Although Maxwell’s career reached its peak in the 90s, his early work began in the late 80s, laying the groundwork for the neo-soul movement. His smooth, sensual style was reminiscent of the great soul singers before him, while his fusion of R&B with modern sounds made him a standout artist. Maxwell’s influence on R&B music, particularly his emphasis on sultry ballads, can still be seen in the work of artists today.
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Conclusion
The 80s were undeniably an exciting time for R&B music. The artists mentioned above played pivotal roles in defining the genre, each bringing their own unique sound and personality to the stage. Whether it was the smooth and sultry tones of Anita Baker or the energetic, groundbreaking performances of Prince, the 80s left an indelible mark on R&B music that continues to resonate with fans worldwide.
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