List of African-American singers

Last updated February 28, 2025

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

John Lee Hooker JohnLeeHooker1997.jpg — John Lee Hooker

Ike Turner Iketurner1997.jpg — Ike Turner

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 (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 1843): 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

B

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 180): 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

C

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

D

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

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

F

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
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

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 (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

H

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 1965): 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

I

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

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 ^[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

K

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

L

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

M

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

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 (born 1981): hip-hop
OMB Peezy (born 1997): hip-hop

P

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

Q

Rich Homie Quan: Hip-hop
Quando Rondo: Hip-hop
Quavo: Hip-hop
DJ Quik: 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)^[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

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

U

Usher (born 1978): R&B, pop
Unk (born 1981): 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

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

X

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

Y

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

Z

Jay-Z (born 1969): 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.
↑ 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.

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Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
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[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] Francis, Glendon (December 18, 2019). "12 Black LGBTQ Artists Who Shaped the 2010s".

[JAZZIZ-5] "Blue Moon". JAZZIZ Magazine. Michael Fagien. 28 August 2020. Retrieved 20 January 2022.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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List of African-American singers

Contents

List of singers, rappers, and musicians

0–9

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

References