Stevie Wonder Crowned Greatest R&B Artist of All Time by Billboard

Legendary singer and multi-instrumentalist Stevie Wonder has been named the Greatest R&B Artist of All Time by Billboard in a newly released ranking that celebrates the most iconic voices and talents in rhythm and blues history.

The recognition comes as part of Billboard’s special feature titled “The 75 Best R&B Artists of All Time”, a list curated by the publication’s staff to honor the genre’s most impactful and influential artists.

According to Billboard, the ranking was based on a range of critical criteria, including vocal prowess, body of work, career longevity, industry achievements, game-changing influence, and enduring generational/cultural impact. By these standards, Stevie Wonder emerged at the top of the list, solidifying his legendary status as a generational talent who has shaped the sound and soul of R&B for over six decades.

Following closely behind Stevie Wonder on the prestigious list are other musical giants: Aretha Franklin (#2), Michael Jackson (#3), Beyoncé (#4), and Whitney Houston (#5), rounding out a power-packed top five.

The top 10 also includes:

James Brown (#6)

Prince (#7)

Mariah Carey (#8)

R. Kelly (#9)

Marvin Gaye (#10)

Other notable names featured prominently include:

Ray Charles (#11)

Usher (#12)

Sam Cooke (#13)

Curtis Mayfield (#14)

Isaac Hayes (#15)

Mary J. Blige (#16)

Janet Jackson (#17)

Al Green (#18)

Smokey Robinson (#19)

Otis Redding (#20)

Modern and contemporary stars who made the cut include Chris Brown (#26), Erykah Badu (#28), Diana Ross (#29), Alicia Keys (#33), Babyface (#35), Toni Braxton (#36), Frank Ocean (#37), Brandy (#41), SZA (#44), Rihanna (#46), The Weeknd (#47), Lauryn Hill (#48), and John Legend (#50).

The list, which spans across multiple generations, is a testament to the depth and diversity of R&B, from its soulful roots to its modern-day reinventions. With Stevie Wonder sitting atop the rankings, Billboard honors not only a music icon but also a symbol of timeless artistry whose influence continues to echo across genres and generations.