Stevie Wonder has been officially crowned the Greatest R&B Artiste of All Time by Billboard in a newly released list of the “75 Best R&B Artists of All Time.”
The iconic singer-songwriter topped the prestigious ranking, which was compiled by Billboard staff
Also, it is based on several factors including vocal ability, musical catalogue, longevity, impact on the music industry, cultural significance, and influence across generations.
Right behind Stevie Wonder, the top five features Aretha Franklin in second place, Michael Jackson at third, Beyoncé in fourth, and Whitney Houston rounding out the top five.
Other legendary names making up the top ten include James Brown (6), Prince (7), Mariah Carey (8), R. Kelly (9), and Marvin Gaye (10).
The extended list also features timeless icons such as Ray Charles (11), Usher (12), Sam Cooke (13), Curtis Mayfield (14), and Isaac Hayes (15).
Modern R&B influencers like Mary J. Blige (16), Janet Jackson (17), SZA (44), The Weeknd (46), and Rihanna (44) also appear in the lineup.
Other celebrated names included are Erykah Badu (28), Alicia Keys (33) and Toni Braxton (36),
Also, Brandy (41), Lauryn Hill (48), Chris Brown (26), Frank Ocean (37), and John Legend (50).
The list sparked both celebration and debate online.
People Also Read: Olamide Named 2025 Billboard Global Power Player
Fans praised Billboard for recognising the long-standing impact of R&B’s most influential voices