List of African-American singers
Appearance
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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
[edit]0–9
[edit]- 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
[edit]- 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
[edit]- 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[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: 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
[edit]- 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
[edit]- 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 (1915-1992): Blues, R&B, rock and roll, gospel
- Johnny Dodds: Jazz
- Warren "Baby" Dodds: Jazz
- Young Dolph (1985-2021): Hip hop
- Eric Dolphy (1928-1964): Jazz
- Donnis: Hip hop
- Nate Dogg: Hip hop, gangsta rap, R&B
- Snoop Dogg: Hip hop, funk, gangsta rap
- Fats Domino (1928-2017): 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
[edit]- E-40: 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
[edit]- Art Farmer (1928-1999): 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 (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
- 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
[edit]- 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: 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: 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 (1940-2008): Blues
- Sheila Guyse
H
[edit]- Halsey (born 1994): Pop
- H.E.R[4]
- Adelaide Hall (1901–1993): jazz
- Edmond Hall: Jazz
- Willie Hall: R&B, soul, funk
- Todrick Hall: R&B[5]
- 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 (1969-2018): Jazz, soul
- Coleman Hawkins (1904-1969): Jazz
- 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 (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
- 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 (1917-2001): 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[6]
- Earl Hines: Jazz
- Hopsin: Hip hop
- Nipsey Hussle (1985-2019): Hip hop, rap
- H.E.R.: R&B
- Hitmaka: Hip hop
- Huey: Hip hop
- Hurricane Chris: Hip hop
- Alberta Hunter: Jazz and blues
I
[edit]- 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
[edit]- 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[7]
- 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
[edit]- Lil Keed: Hip hop
- Alicia Keys (born 1981): R&B, soul, pop, hip-hop[8]
- 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[9]
- 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[10]
- Maxo Kream: Hip hop (Nigerian and African-American)
- KB: Christian hip hop
L
[edit]- Big L: Hip hop
- Patti LaBelle (born 1944): R&B, soul, disco, dance, gospel, funk
- Denise LaSalle (1939-2018): 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 (1946-2006): 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
[edit]- 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
[edit]- 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
[edit]- 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: Hip hop
- OMB Peezy: Hip hop
P
[edit]- 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
- Jillian Patricia Pirtle (born 1983): opera, musical theatre
- 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
- Benjamin Landy Pavlon: Rapper
Q
[edit]- Rich Homie Quan: Hip hop
- Quavo: Hip hop
- DJ Quik: Hip hop
- Quando Rondo: Hip hop
R
[edit]- 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
[edit]- Saweetie: Hip hop (African American father, Chinese and Filipino mother)[11]
- 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[12]
T
[edit]- 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[13]
- 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[14][15]
- 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
[edit]V
[edit]- 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
[edit]- 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[16]
- Carl Weathersby: Blues
- Junior Wells: Blues
- Mary Wells (1943–1992) R&B,[17] 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
[edit]- XXXTentacion : Hip hop, SoundCloud rap, lo-fi
- Xzibit: Hip hop
Y
[edit]- Ne-Yo: R&B
- Yo Gotti: Hip hop
- Lester Young: Jazz
- Yung Joc: Hip hop
- Young Dro: Hip hop
- Young Buck: Hip hop
Z
[edit]- Jay-Z: Hip hop
References
[edit]- ^ "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.
- ^ http://H.E.R. [dead link ]
- ^ 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.