The 1980s gifted us with amazing music, especially R&B. Many of us can recall the smooth vocals and catchy beats that defined the era.
These male singers created hit songs and influenced the entire music industry. However, this article will take you on a journey through the lives and careers of 25 influential male R&B singers from the 80s.
We’ll explore how they shaped the music landscape, their biggest hits, and their lasting impact on today’s artists.
From soulful ballads to upbeat dance tracks, these artists left an unforgettable mark on music history.
Get ready to rediscover the voices that made the 80s a golden age for R&B.
Top Iconic 80s Male R&b Singers
1. Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. He is known for revolutionizing the music industry with his unique style, groundbreaking music videos, and electrifying performances.
- Birth Date: August 29, 1958
- Major Albums: Thriller (1982), Bad (1987)
- Major Achievements: Sold over 100 million copies of Thriller, won multiple Grammy Awards, and became the first artist to have five number-one singles from one album (Bad).
2. Prince
Prince was a musical genius known for blending R&B, rock, and funk. His innovative sound and provocative image made him one of the most iconic artists of the 80s.
- Birth Date: June 7, 1958
- Major Albums: 1999 (1982), Purple Rain (1984)
- Major Achievements: Won multiple Grammys and an Academy Award for Purple Rain, sold over 150 million records worldwide.
3. Luther Vandross
Luther Vandross was known for his smooth, soulful voice and romantic ballads. His emotional delivery made him a defining voice in R&B during the 1980s.
- Birth Date: April 20, 1951
- Major Albums: Never Too Much (1981), The Night I Fell in Love (1985)
- Major Achievements: Eight Grammy Awards, including Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.
4. Stevie Wonder
Already a major star in the 70s, Stevie Wonder continued influencing the music world in the 80s with his socially conscious lyrics and complex compositions.
- Birth Date: May 13, 1950
- Major Albums: Hotter than July (1980), In Square Circle (1985)
- Major Achievements: 25 Grammy Awards, inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
5. Marvin Gaye
Marvin Gaye was a key figure in Motown’s history and a pioneer in shaping soul music with his smooth, emotional voice and powerful lyrics.
- Birth Date: April 2, 1939
- Major Albums: Midnight Love (1982)
- Major Achievements: Won two Grammys for Sexual Healing, recognized for his impact on R&B and soul music.
6. Lionel Richie
Lionel Richie transitioned from lead singer of The Commodores to a solo superstar in the 1980s. He is known for his ballads and catchy pop tunes.
- Birth Date: June 20, 1949
- Major Albums: Can’t Slow Down (1983)
- Major Achievements: Won four Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year for Can’t Slow Down.
7. Bobby Brown
As part of New Edition and later as a solo artist, Bobby Brown was a defining figure in the development of New Jack Swing, blending R&B with hip-hop beats.
- Birth Date: February 5, 1969
- Major Albums: Don’t Be Cruel (1988)
- Major Achievements: Sold over 12 million copies of Don’t Be Cruel and won a Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.
8. Teddy Pendergrass
Teddy Pendergrass was a powerful R&B singer known for his commanding stage presence and passionate ballads. He was a major influence in the 1980s despite a car accident affecting his career.
- Birth Date: March 26, 1950
- Major Albums: TP (1980), Love Language (1984)
- Major Achievements: First African American to have five consecutive platinum albums.
9. Al Green
Al Green continued to be a force in R&B during the 80s, although his greatest fame came in the 70s. His soulful voice and gospel influences made him one of the most beloved singers of his time.
- Birth Date: April 13, 1946
- Major Albums: I Get Joy (1989)
- Major Achievements: Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame won several Grammy Awards.
10. Peabo Bryson
Peabo Bryson became famous for his smooth ballads and duets, earning him a reputation as one of the finest R&B vocalists of the 80s.
- Birth Date: April 13, 1951
- Major Albums: Take No Prisoners (1985), Positive (1988)
- Major Achievements: Won two Grammy Awards for his work on Disney soundtracks in the 90s.
11. Freddie Jackson
With a rich, soulful voice, Freddie Jackson attracted audiences in the mid-80s, delivering romantic ballads that topped the R&B charts, including the hit “Rock Me Tonight.”
- Birth Date: October 2, 1956
- Major Albums: Rock Me Tonight (1985)
- Major Achievements: Multiple number-one singles on the R&B charts, including “Rock Me Tonight.”
12. Keith Sweat
Keith Sweat was instrumental in the rise of New Jack Swing, blending R&B and hip-hop. He became a major influence on 90s R&B.
- Birth Date: July 22, 1961
- Major Albums: Make It Last Forever (1987)
- Major Achievements: Several platinum albums, pioneer of the New Jack Swing genre.
13. Jeffrey Osborne
Jeffrey Osborne, known for his powerful voice, was a successful solo artist and the lead singer of the band L.T.D. His smooth transitions from group to solo success showcased his versatility and artistic growth.
- Birth Date: March 9, 1948
- Major Albums: Stay with Me Tonight (1983), Emotional (1986)
- Major Achievements: Several chart-topping singles, including “Stay with Me Tonight.”
14. Alexander O’Neal
Alexander O’Neal was known for his soulful voice and collaborations with legendary producers like Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.
- Birth Date: November 15, 1953
- Major Albums: Hearsay (1987)
- Major Achievements: Several hit singles in the US and UK, including “Fake.”
15. Howard Hewett
As the lead singer of Shalamar, Howard Hewett was known for his smooth voice and charisma, which helped the group achieve great success in the 1980s.
- Birth Date: October 1, 1955
- Major Albums: I Commit to Love (1986)
- Major Achievements: Multiple hit singles with Shalamar, solo success in the late 80s.
16. Kashif
A versatile artist and influential producer, Kashif significantly shaped 80s R&B. He is known for his pioneering use of synthesizers and for crafting hits for legends like Whitney Houston.
- Birth Date: December 26, 1956
- Major Albums: Kashif (1983), Condition of the Heart (1985)
- Major Achievements: Pioneered the use of synthesizers in R&B and produced hits for Whitney Houston.
17. Rick James
With a vibrant blend of funk and R&B, Rick James made waves in the 80s, achieving iconic status with hits like “Super Freak,” which showcased his unique musical style.
- Birth Date: February 1, 1948
- Major Albums: Street Songs (1981)
- Major Achievements: Created the hit “Super Freak,” won a Grammy Award.
18. El DeBarge
As DeBarge’s lead singer, El DeBarge attracted audiences with his soaring tenor and catchy melodies. He contributed to the family group’s success and launched his own solo hits.
- Birth Date: June 4, 1961
- Major Albums: All This Love (1982) with DeBarge
- Major Achievements: Several hits with DeBarge, solo hits like “Who’s Johnny.”
19. James Ingram
Celebrated for his rich, emotional voice, James Ingram soared to fame in the 80s, earning two Grammy Awards for his poignant performances, including the classic “Just Once.”
- Birth Date: February 16, 1952
- Major Albums: It’s Your Night (1983)
- Major Achievements: Two Grammy Awards, including Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.
20. Charlie Wilson
As The Gap Band’s charismatic frontman, Charlie Wilson’s soulful vocals defined 80s R&B and funk, leading to numerous chart-topping hits and a successful solo career later on.
- Birth Date: January 29, 1953
- Major Albums: Gap Band IV (1982)
- Major Achievements: Multiple chart-topping singles, successful solo career in the 2000s.
21. Billy Ocean
Billy Ocean blended R&B with pop influences, attracting listeners with his smooth vocals and memorable hits like “Caribbean Queen. ” He earned a Grammy Award for his outstanding contributions.
- Birth Date: January 21, 1950
- Major Albums: Suddenly (1984)
- Major Achievements: Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance, several chart-topping singles.
22. Gerald Levert
Emerging from a musical family, Gerald Levert became an R&B sensation in the late 80s, showcasing heartfelt lyrics and soulful vocals, leading to numerous hits and Grammy nominations.
- Birth Date: July 13, 1966
- Major Albums: Private Line (1991), but his influence started in the late 80s with the group LeVert.
- Major Achievements: Several hit singles, Grammy Award nominee.
23. Ralph Tresvant
As New Edition’s lead singer, Ralph Tresvant dazzled fans with his smooth falsetto and attracted stage presence. In the late 1980s, he secured multiple hits and a thriving solo career.
- Birth Date: May 16, 1968
- Major Albums: Heart Break (1988) with New Edition
- Major Achievements: Multiple hits with New Edition, successful solo career.
24. Johnny Gill
Johnny Gill became famous for his deep voice and soulful ballads as a solo artist and as part of New Edition. He later enjoyed a successful solo career, earning multiple Grammy nominations.
- Birth Date: May 22, 1966
- Major Albums: Johnny Gill (1990), though his success began in the 80s with New Edition.
- Major Achievements: Multiple Grammy Award nominations, several hit singles.
25. Smokey Robinson
Smokey Robinson, already a legend from the ’60s and ’70s, continued to influence R&B in the ’80s with his smooth, poetic songwriting and singing.
- Birth Date: February 19, 1940
- Major Albums: One Heartbeat (1987)
- Major Achievements: Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, multiple Grammy Awards.
Wrapping It Up
Let’s finish our look at the top 1980s R&B male singers. These 25 artists did more than make popular songs – they helped shape music as we know it today.
Their work still matters now. They’ve given ideas to many new singers, and people still enjoy listening to their music years later.
What can you do next? You could make a list of songs by these singers to listen to. Or you could learn more about one of these artists you just found out about.
You might also want to share this article with a friend. You could talk about which 1980s R&B songs you like best.
0 Responses
That is the correct weblog for anybody who needs to find out about this topic. You realize a lot its almost onerous to argue with you (not that I really would want…HaHa). You undoubtedly put a brand new spin on a topic thats been written about for years. Great stuff, simply nice!