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.
