Musician / Artist
Top 10 Greatest R&B Artists of All Time — Fan-Voted Rankings
From Stevie Wonder's 25 Grammy wins to SZA's record-setting 10 weeks at #1 on the Billboard 200, R&B has produced vocalists who permanently reshaped popular music. Our editors ranked these 10 legends by cultural impact, chart dominance, and lasting influence — but the final say is yours. Cast your vote below and subscribe for weekly music countdowns!
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Greatest R&B Artists
Who is considered the greatest R&B artist of all time? Opinions vary, but Stevie Wonder is most frequently cited by music historians for his unmatched Grammy record and genre-spanning influence across five decades.
What makes an artist a true R&B legend? Longevity, chart impact, vocal innovation, and cultural influence are the key criteria — the artists on this list excel in all four areas.
How did we rank these 10 R&B artists? Our editorial team evaluated chart performance, Grammy recognition, album sales, streaming records, and lasting cultural impact. Community votes on Top10Grid also factor into the final order.
Is R&B still popular today? Absolutely — SZA's 'SOS' is the longest-charting album by a female artist in Billboard 200 history, proving that R&B continues to dominate mainstream music.
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