# 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.
* 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

## List of singers, rappers, and musicians
### 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
* 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
* 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
* 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
* 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
* 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
* 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
* 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
* 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
* 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)
* 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

### 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
* 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
* 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
* Carl Weathersby (1953–2024): blues
* Webbie (born 1985): hip-hop
* Junior Wells (1934–1998): blues
* Mary Wells (1943–1992) R&B, 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