Famous Black Pop Singers

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 1 
Michael Jackson
(One of the Most Significant Cultural Figures of the 20th Century Popularly Known as the 'King of Pop')
Michael Jackson
244
Birthdate: August 29, 1958
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Gary, Indiana, United States
Died: June 25, 2009

The King of Pop and an international superstar, Michael Jackson was a musical entertainer whose work – both with Jackson 5 and solo – won accolades and hearts worldwide. Equally popular were his unique dance moves that created sensation and shaped future dance styles. Amongst the most successful entertainers of all time, Jackson was later accused of child molestation.  

 2 
Prince
(Singer-songwriter & Multi-instrumentalist)
Prince
209
Birthdate: June 7, 1958
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Died: April 21, 2016

Singer-songwriter, dancer, and musician, Prince is is widely regarded as one of the greatest musicians of his generation. He was considered a guitar virtuoso and could also play several other instruments. With worldwide sales of over 150 million records, he is ranked among the best-selling music artists of all time. He was also well known for his flamboyant persona.

 3 
Alicia Keys
(Singer, Actress)
Alicia Keys
88
Birthdate: January 25, 1981
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Hell's Kitchen, New York, United States

Singer-songwriter Alicia Keys has been active in the music industry since the mid-1990s. Her debut album was a super hit and earned her five Grammy Awards. She is one of the best-selling artists in the United States and has sold over 40 million albums worldwide. She is also known for her humanitarian work, philanthropy, and activism.

 4 
Jay-Z
(One of the Most Influential Hip-Hop Artists in History)
Jay-Z
42
Birthdate: December 4, 1969
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, United States

Jay-Z is an American rapper and songwriter and is one of the world's best-selling music artists. His debut album Reasonable Doubt was hugely successful in 1996 and since then he has gone on to release many more acclaimed and successful albums. He has been charged with assaulting a record executive and was given a three-year probation sentence in January 2000.

 5 
Ray Charles
(Singer-songwriter)
Ray Charles
35
Birthdate: September 23, 1930
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Albany, Georgia, United States
Died: June 10, 2004

Ray Charles went on to become a great singer-songwriter, composer, and pianist, despite suffering blindness due to glaucoma early in his life. One of the most respected and decorated musicians of all time, Ray Charles has been named in lists, such as 100 Greatest Singers of All Time. He pioneered the soul music genre, which remains his greatest contribution.

 6 
The Weeknd
(Best Known for Singles "Can't Feel My Face" and "The Hills")
The Weeknd
44
Birthdate: February 16, 1990
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Toronto, Canada

One of the most successful Canadian recording artists, singer-songwriter, the Weeknd, holds several chart records and has won numerous awards, including three Grammy Awards. Despite a difficult childhood marred by drug abuse and violence, he persevered and worked hard to emerge as a beloved music star. He is actively involved in philanthropy.

 7 
Lionel Richie
(Co-Lead Singer Of Funk Band The Commodores)
Lionel Richie
39
Birthdate: June 20, 1949
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Tuskegee, Alabama, United States

Lionel Richie is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, and composer whose work with the band Commodores and his solo career established him as a successful balladeer of the 1980s. Having sold more than 90 million records, Lionel Richie is one of the best-selling musicians of all time. Also a philanthropist, Richie helped raise money for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

 8 
Janelle Monae
(Singer-songwriter)
Janelle Monae
39
Birthdate: December 1, 1985
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Kansas City, Kansas, United States
Artist Janelle Monae initially sang with rapper Big Boi and is known for albums such as Dirty Computer. She has been nominated for the Grammys multiple times. Monae also appeared in films such as Hidden Figures and the Academy Award-winning drama Moonlight. She is both bisexual and pansexual.
 9 
Ciara
(Singer)
Ciara
52
Birthdate: October 25, 1985
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Austin, Texas, United States

Ciara is an American singer-songwriter whose debut single, Goodies, earned her the title Princess of Crunk&B. Her songs, Goodies and Yeah!, are credited with introducing the substyle of contemporary R&B and crunk music called crunk&B to music lovers. Also a dancer and model, Ciara has had a major impact on the American entertainment industry for the past 10 years.

 10 
Sam Cooke
(Singer-songwriter)
Sam Cooke
29
Birthdate: January 22, 1931
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Clarksdale, Mississippi, United States
Died: December 11, 1964
The King of Soul Sam Cooke is best remembered for his hits A Change is Gonna Come, You Send Me, and Wonderful World. He began singing gospel as a child and later joined The Soul Stirrers. He was shot and killed by a motel manager in Los Angeles. 
 11 
Dionne Warwick
(One of the Most-Charted Vocalists of All Time)
Dionne Warwick
30
Birthdate: December 12, 1940
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: City of Orange, New Jersey, United States

Dionne Warwick is an American singer, TV host, actress, and former FAO Goodwill Ambassador. Warwick was one of the most successful singers between 1955 and 1999, ranking among the 40 biggest hitmakers according to the Billboard Hot 100. 80 of her singles have been featured on Billboard's music charts, making Warwick one of the most-charted female singers in history. 

 12 
Vanessa Williams
13
Birthdate: March 18, 1963
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Bronx, New York, United States
Height: 5'6" (168 cm)
 13 
Darius Rucker
(Singer, Guitarist)
Darius Rucker
21
Birthdate: May 13, 1966
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Charleston, South Carolina
Darius Rucker gained fame as the lead singer and guitarist of the rock band Hootie & the Blowfish. He then launched a solo career, releasing Billboard-charting hits such as Wagon Wheel and True Believers. He became the first Black American singer to win the Country Music Association New Artist Award.
 14 
Jordin Sparks
(Pop Singer Who Became Famous at Age Seventeen When She Won Season Six of 'American Idol')
Jordin Sparks
30
Birthdate: December 22, 1989
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Jordin Sparks was the youngest American Idol winner, at 17. She released Billboard Hot 100-charting singles such as Tattoo and No Air, the latter with Chris Brown. Named to VH1’s 100 Greatest Women in Music list, she has also launched her own perfume and performed on stage and on screen.
 15 
Otis Redding
(Singer-songwriter)
Otis Redding
23
Birthdate: September 9, 1941
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Dawson, Georgia, United States
Died: December 10, 1967
The King of Soul Otis Redding, who had performed with the Pinetoppers, among others, is remembered for his track (Sittin' on) The Dock of the Bay, released after his death in a plane crash. It became the first posthumous Billboard R&B- and Hot 100-topping record. He also won two posthumous Grammys
 16 
Patti LaBelle
33
Birthdate: May 24, 1944
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
The Godmother of Soul Patti LaBelle is best known for her chartbusting song Lady Marmalade, released with her group Labelle. She has had a successful solo career, too, winning multiple Grammys. She has appeared on her own TV shows, released cookbooks, and has launched her line of food and bedding.
 17 
Jorja Smith
(Singer Best Known for Her Debut Album 'Lost & Found')
Jorja Smith
31
Birthdate: June 11, 1997
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Walsall, West Midlands, England, United Kingdom

Jorja Smith is an English singer-songwriter whose first studio album Lost & Found featured on the UK Albums Chart, peaking at third position. One of the youngest and most exciting talents in the music world, Smith is the recipient of the 2018 Brit Critics' Choice Award. In 2019, she won the Best British Female Artist award at the Brit Awards.

 18 
Seal
(Singer-songwriter)
Seal
13
Birthdate: February 19, 1963
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Paddington, London, England

Seal is a British singer and songwriter. He has received several prestigious awards over the course of his career. Also known for his charity work, Seal has performed at several charity events in an attempt to help non-profit organizations, such as the Make It Right Foundation.

 19 
Johnny Mathis
(American Jazz and Pop Singer Best Known for His Hit 'Chances Are')
Johnny Mathis
28
Birthdate: September 30, 1935
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Gilmer, Texas, United States

Johnny Mathis is an American singer and songwriter. Best known for his contribution to popular music, Mathis has been honored with many awards including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and the Society of Singers Lifetime Achievement Award. Johnny Mathis is also renowned for his philanthropic efforts; he has supported such organizations as the American Cancer Society and Muscular Dystrophy Association.

 20 
Berry Gordy
(Record Executive)
Berry Gordy
21
Birthdate: November 28, 1929
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Detroit, MichiganDetroit, Michigan, United States
 21 
Billy Ocean
(Recording Artist)
Billy Ocean
13
Birthdate: January 21, 1950
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Fyzabad

Billy Ocean is a recording artist who achieved popularity in the 1980s when he became the most famous Trinidad–British R&B singer. Over the years, he has also been one of the most prominent supporters of the Rastafari movement. In the 2020 New Year Honours, Billy Ocean was appointed MBE for services to music.

 22 
Rozonda Thomas
22
Birthdate: February 27, 1971
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Rozonda Thomas, better known as Chilli, soared to fame as a member of the 1990s’ pop band TLC. She later founded the charity Chilli's Crew and also launched the handbag line Bags by Chilli. She has also released solo singles, produced a biopic, and starred in her own reality show.
 23 
Wizkid
(Singer-songwriter)
Wizkid
10
Birthdate: July 16, 1990
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Surulere, Lagos

Nigerian singer Wizkid soared to fame with chart-busting tracks such as Holla at Your Boy. A performer who has revolutionized the Afrobeats genre, Wizkid supported Nigeria’s End SARS protests against police brutality, on social media. In 2011, he was part of a paternity scandal but denied having fathered a child.

 24 
Tionne Watkins
(Singer-Songwriter who rose to Fame as Member of the Girl-Group 'TLC')
Tionne Watkins
19
Birthdate: April 26, 1970
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Des Moines, Iowa, United States
Height: 5'2" (157 cm)
 25 
Shar Jackson
(Actress)
Shar Jackson
19
Birthdate: August 31, 1976
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Height: 5'6" (168 cm)
 26 
Johnny Gill
(Singer-songwriter)
Johnny Gill
6
Birthdate: May 22, 1966
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Washington DC
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
 27 
Tiwa Savage
(Nigerian Singer and Actress Known for Her Album ‘Once Upon a Time’ and ‘I Look to You’)
Tiwa Savage
6
Birthdate: February 5, 1980
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Lagos Island, Lagos, Nigeria

Tiwa Savage is a Nigerian singer, actress, and songwriter. After having created an opportunity to establish herself in the United Kingdom, Savage returned to Nigeria and played an important role in elevating the Nigerian music industry. In 2018, she became the first woman to win the MTV Europe Music Award under the Best African Act category.

 28 
Rob Pilatus
(German Singer, Rapper and Member of the Pop Music Group ‘Milli Vanilli’)
Rob Pilatus
14
Birthdate: June 8, 1965
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Munich, Germany
Died: April 3, 1998

German model, dancer, and singer, Rob Pilatus, was a member of the pop music duo, Milli Vanilli, with Fabrice Morvan. As an interracial child growing up in Munich, he had a difficult childhood. He began working as a model as a teenager and soon ventured into music. He struggled with substance abuse and died at the age of 32.

 29 
Ronald Isley
(Recording artist)
Ronald Isley
6
Birthdate: May 21, 1941
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
 30 
Aya Nakamura
(Singer)
Aya Nakamura
6
Birthdate: May 10, 1995
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Bamako, Mali

Born in Mali, Aya Nakamura grew up in France, later becoming a multi-platinum French singer. Born Aya Coco Danioko, she took up the stage name Nakamura, after the Heroes character Hiro Nakamura. Known for her smash hit Djadja, she often mixes pop with Afrobeat & RnB sounds.

 31 
Rochelle Humes
(English Television Presenter and Singer)
Rochelle Humes
18
Birthdate: March 21, 1989
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Barking, London, England

Rochelle Humes is an English television presenter and singer. She is best known for her association with the British-Irish girl group, The Saturdays, which was active from 2007 to 2014. She then established herself as a TV presenter and achieved fame after co-presenting shows like Ninja Warrior UK and The Hit List.

 32 
Toro y Moi
(Musician)
Toro y Moi
5
Birthdate: November 7, 1986
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Columbia, South Carolina, United States
 33 
Cedella Marley
(Singer)
Cedella Marley
9
Birthdate: August 23, 1967
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Kingston, Jamaica

The daughter of reggae legend Bob Marley and his singer wife Rita Marley, Cedella Marley dons many hats. She is not just a singer but is also a successful fashion designer, an author, and an entrepreneur. She began her singing career with The Melody Makers and now heads her father’s record label.

 34 
Alex Newell
(Actor)
Alex Newell
5
Birthdate: August 20, 1992
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Lynn, Massachusetts, United States
Height: 5'7" (170 cm)
 35 
Fab Morvan
(French Rapper and Half of the Pop Duo 'Milli Vanilli')
Fab Morvan
3
Birthdate: May 14, 1966
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Paris, France

Fab Morvan is a French singer, rapper, songwriter, model, and dancer. He is best known for his involvement in one of the biggest scandals in the history of pop music; the scandal surfaced when it was found that neither Fab Morvan nor Rob Pilatus, the other half of pop duo Milli Vanilli, had sung on any of the duo's recordings.

 36 
Jody Watley
(Singer)
Jody Watley
9
Birthdate: January 30, 1959
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, United States
Height: 5'7" (170 cm)
 37 
Lou Bega
(German Singer Best Known for His 1999 Song 'Mambo No.5')
Lou Bega
6
Birthdate: April 13, 1975
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Munich, Germany

Lou Bega became an overnight sensation with the 1999 international chartbuster Mambo No. 5, based on Pérez Prado's 1949 original. Born in Germany, Lou was the son of a Ugandan father and a Sicilian mother. Initially inspired by rap and R&B, he deviated to mambo music after a trip to Miami.

 38 
India Arie
(Singer)
India Arie
10
Birthdate: October 3, 1975
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Denver, Colorado, USA
 39 
Marvin Humes
(English Singer, Radio Host, Television Presenter, and Disc Jockey)
Marvin Humes
4
Birthdate: March 18, 1985
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Greenwich, London, England

Marvin Humes is an English singer, radio host, television presenter, and disc jockey. He is best known for his association with the boyband JLS. As part of the band, Humes participates in fundraising events to benefit charities like Cancer Research UK and Comic Relief. Marvin Humes is also known for hosting shows like The Voice UK and The Hit List.

 40 
Shanice
(Singer-Songwriter)
Shanice
6
Birthdate: May 14, 1973
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
 41 
Ella Eyre
(Singer-songwriter)
Ella Eyre
8
Birthdate: April 1, 1994
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: London, England
Height: 5'5" (165 cm)
 42 
Sevyn Streeter
(Singer-songwriter)
Sevyn Streeter
5
Birthdate: July 7, 1986
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Haines City, Florida Haines City, Florida, U.S.
Height: 5'7" (170 cm)
 43 
Fleur East
(Singer-songwriter)
Fleur East
12
Birthdate: October 29, 1987
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Walthamstow, London

Fleur East is an English rapper, singer, and songwriter. She is best known for her participation in the popular reality television music competition The X Factor where she finished second in 2014. She then went on to release her debut studio album Love, Sax and Flashbacks which peaked at number 12 on the Scottish Albums Chart.

 44 
Alexander O'Neal
(Singer-Songwriter)
Alexander O'Neal
5
Birthdate: November 15, 1953
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Natchez, Mississippi, U.S.
 45 
Tank
(Singer)
Tank
6
Birthdate: January 1, 1976
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Height: 5'9" (175 cm)
 46 
Korede Bello
(Singer-Songwriter)
Korede Bello
3
Birthdate: February 29, 1996
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Lagos State

Nigerian singer Korede Bello was just 7 when he had started performing, using the pseudonym African Prince. His single Godwin later catapulted him to fame. Bello also boasts of a mass communication degree and has been associated with philanthropic activities such as cancer awareness programs.

 47 
Joni Sledge
(Singer)
Joni Sledge
4
Birthdate: September 13, 1956
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died: March 10, 2017
 48 
Reggie Tsiboe
(Ghanaian-British Singer and a Member of the Chart-Busting Disco Group 'Boney M')
Reggie Tsiboe
3
Birthdate: September 7, 1950
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Kumasi, Gold Coast (now Ghana)

Though born in Ghana, singer Reggie Tsiboe grew up in England since age 11. Starting his music career in Germany, he later joined the iconic disco group Boney M. He has also been an actor in Ghanaian films and has starred in various British TV programs such as Doctor Who.

 49 
Natalia Kills
(English Singer-Songwriter and Lead Vocalist of the Band 'Cruel Youth')
Natalia Kills
3
Birthdate: August 15, 1986
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Bradford, United Kingdom
Height: 5'4" (163 cm)
 50 
Sinitta
(Singer)
Sinitta
6
Birthdate: October 19, 1968
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Seattle, USA