Soul Singers

More From Soul Singers
Vote for Your Favourite Soul Singers

Right IconThis ranking is based on an algorithm that combines various factors, including the votes of our users and search trends on the internet.

 1 
Aretha Franklin
(One of the Best-Selling Music Artists in the World & 'Queen of Soul')
Aretha Franklin
6
Birthdate: March 25, 1942
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Memphis, Tennessee, United States
Died: August 16, 2018

Widely regarded as the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin was a singer-songwriter, actress, and civil rights activist. Recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Aretha was ranked number one on Rolling Stone magazine's 100 Greatest Singers of All Time list in 2010. Having sold over 75 million records, she is also one of the best-selling musicians ever.

 2 
Amy Jade Winehouse
(Known for Her Deep, Expressive Contralto Vocals and Her Eclectic Mix of Musical Genres)
Amy Jade Winehouse
6
Birthdate: September 14, 1983
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Enfield, London, England
Died: July 23, 2011
Soul and jazz singer Amy Winehouse is best remembered for her tracks Stronger Than Me and Rehab. She was the first British female to win five Grammys. Following her death due to alcohol poisoning at age 27, her album Back to Black became U.K.’s best-selling album of the 21st century.
 3 
Adele
(One of the Best-Selling Music Artists Known for Her Multi-Platinum Certified Albums '19' and '21')
Adele
16
Birthdate: May 5, 1988
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: London, England, United Kingdom

Adele is one of the most successful female music artists from England. She is one of the best-selling music artists in the world, having sold over 120 million records. The recipient of numerous awards, Adele also holds several Guinness World Records. In 2012 and 2016, she was named in Time magazine's list of most influential people in the world.

 4 
Diana Ross
(Lead Singer of 'the Supremes', the Best-Charting Female Group in History)
Diana Ross
8
Birthdate: March 26, 1944
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Detroit, Michigan, United States

With several prestigious honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, under her belt, Diana Ross is one of the most popular and influential singers of all time. In 1976, Billboard named her the Female Entertainer of the Century. She has influenced popular artists like Madonna, Beyoncé, and Michael Jackson.

Recommended Lists:
 5 
John Legend
(Best Known for His Debut Album 'Get Lifted' and 'Once Again')
John Legend
8
Birthdate: December 28, 1978
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Springfield, Ohio, United States

John Legend is a singer, songwriter, actor, film producer and theatre director and his song All of Me from his fourth studio album was a Billboard Hot 100 number-one hit. He has released a host of successful albums. He has also won many awards, including an Oscar and a handful of Grammys. He is also an actor and a TV personality.

 6 
Marvin Gaye
(Known as the 'Prince of Soul' and Popular for His Song 'Sexual Healing')
Marvin Gaye
6
Birthdate: April 2, 1939
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Washington, D.C., United States
Died: April 1, 1984

American singer Marvin Gaye is one of the most successful black artists ever and his albums have sold in millions. His success reached great heights with the 1972 song What's Going On. The 1982 single Sexual Healing was the biggest hit of his career and was a chartbuster. He was tragically shot dead by his father after a family altercation.

 7 
Stevie Wonder
(Singer-Songwriter and Musician)
Stevie Wonder
6
Birthdate: May 13, 1950
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Saginaw, Michigan, United States

American singer and songwriter, Stevie Wonder, is one of most influential and the best-selling musicians of all time. That Girl, Gotta Have You, I Just Called to Say I Love You, Part-Time Lover and Happy Birthday are some of his chartbuster songs. He has won many awards and accolades, including 25 Grammy Awards.

 8 
James Brown
(Central Progenitor of Funk Music and Referred to as 'Godfather of Soul')
James Brown
6
Birthdate: May 3, 1933
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Barnwell, South Carolina, United States
Died: December 25, 2006

Referred to by honorific nicknames, such as Godfather of Soul, James Brown was a prominent figure of 20th century music. A progenitor of funk music, Brown influenced the development of many music genres. An inductee of the Rhythm & Blues Music Hall of Fame, Brown is ranked seventh in Rolling Stone magazine's 100 Greatest Artists of All Time list.

Recommended Lists:
 9 
Ray Charles
(Singer-songwriter)
Ray Charles
6
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.

 10 
Seal
(Singer-songwriter)
Seal
8
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.

Recommended Lists:
 11 
Jhené Aiko
(Singer-Songwriter Known for Her Songs ‘The Worst’ and ‘Sail Out’)
Jhené Aiko
4
Birthdate: March 16, 1988
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States

American singer and songwriter Jhené Aiko's musical style is associated with PBR&B, a new wave of music viewed as an alternative to contemporary R&B. Her personal life, which includes an early pregnancy at the age of 20, the death of her brother Miyagi, a major car accident, and troubled relationships, has not affected her impressive music career.

 12 
Christopher Stapleton
(Named ‘Artist-Songwriter Of the Decade’ by ACM)
Christopher Stapleton
4
Birthdate: April 15, 1978
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Lexington, Kentucky, United States

Five-time Grammy-winning country artist Chris Stapleton is best known for hits such as Parachute. He has also co-written tracks such as Kenny Chesney's Never Wanted Nothing More. Before going solo, he was part of the bands The SteelDrivers and The Jompson Brothers. His music blends country with bluegrass and soul.

 13 
Tom Jones
(Singer)
Tom Jones
6
Birthdate: June 7, 1940
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Treforest, Pontypridd, Glamorgan, Wales

Tom Jones is a Welsh singer who has sold more than 100 million records worldwide. His life and work inspired the 2016 musical, Tom: A Story of Tom Jones. In 2005, for his services to music, Tom Jones was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II.

 14 
Jennifer Hudson
(Singer & Actress Known for Her Role in the Musical 'Dreamgirls')
Jennifer Hudson
8
Birthdate: September 12, 1981
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, United States
Jennifer Hudson shot to fame after reaching the finals of the third season of American Idol. She is known for her Academy Award-winning role of Effie White in Dreamgirls. She also won the Grammy twice, one for her self-titled debut album and the other for the musical The Color Purple
Recommended Lists:
 15 
Kim Taehyung
(Singer-Songwriter and Member of the South Korean Boy Band ‘BTS’)
Kim Taehyung
4
Birthdate: December 30, 1995
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Daegu, South Korea

Kim Tae-hyung is a South Korean singer, actor, and songwriter. He is best known for his association with the popular boy group BTS, for which he is a vocalist. Renowned for his baritone singing voice, Kim is regarded as a role model by other Korean artists like Younghoon, Jaehyun, Byun Hyun-min, Yeosang, Jungseung, Mingi, and Yunmin.

 16 
Sade
(Frontwoman of the Soul Band Sade)
Sade
4
Birthdate: January 16, 1959
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Ibadan, Nigeria

Nigerian-British singer Helen Folasade Adu, or Sade Adu, often blends Afro-Cuban tunes with soul and smooth jazz in her music. The Grammy Award winner had initially studied fashion designing and been a model. The founder of the band Sade, she has released iconic tracks such as No Ordinary Love.

Recommended Lists:
 17 
Bobby Brown
(Singer-Songwriter)
Bobby Brown
4
Birthdate: February 5, 1969
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Grammy-winning singer and New Edition member Bobby Brown was a pioneer of the new jack swing, a combination of R&B and hip-hop, and shot to fame with the album Don't Be Cruel and the hit My Prerogative. His marriage to Whitney Houston was plagued with domestic strife and drug issues. 
 18 
Elle King
(American Singer-Songwriter & Multi-Instrumentalist)
Elle King
4
Birthdate: July 3, 1989
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States

American singer, Elle King, made her mark in showbiz when her debut single Good To Be A Man was released in March 2012 as a digital download. Her 2014 single Ex's & Oh's became one of the top songs in US. Under the Influence, America's Sweetheart, Good Girls, Different for Girls, Wild Love are some of her other popular songs.

Recommended Lists:
 19 
Donna Summer
(Singer-Songwriter)
Donna Summer
6
Birthdate: December 31, 1948
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Died: May 17, 2012
Height: 5'7" (170 cm)
 20 
Robin Gibb
(Member of the ‘Bee Gees’ Pop Group)
Robin Gibb
4
Birthdate: December 22, 1949
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Douglas, Isle of Man
Died: May 20, 2012
Robin Gibb was part of the Bee Gees, an iconic pop/rock/disco band of the 1960s and the 1970s and makers of hits such as Stayin' Alive. Robin, a Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee and a CBE-awardee, also had a successful solo career and was the president of the Heritage Foundation.
Recommended Lists:
 21 
Vanessa Williams
6
Birthdate: March 18, 1963
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Bronx, New York, United States
Height: 5'6" (168 cm)
 22 
Hozier
(Irish Singer-Songwriter)
Hozier
4
Birthdate: March 17, 1990
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Bray, Ireland
Irish blues/rock singer Hozier is best known for his track Take Me to Church, which became a Billboard Hot 100-charter and rocked the charts of several other countries apart from Ireland, such as Belgium and Canada. His songs exhibit religious imagery. He was previously part of the choral group Anúna.
Recommended Lists:
 23 
Minnie Riperton
(American Singer-Songwriter)
Minnie Riperton
4
Birthdate: November 8, 1947
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, United States
Died: July 12, 1979
 24 
Khalid (Singer)
(Best Known for His Debut Studio Album 'American Teen')
Khalid (Singer)
10
Birthdate: February 11, 1998
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Fort Stewart, Georgia, United States

Khalid is an American singer-songwriter whose work in Logic’s hit single 1-800-273-8255 earned him a nomination at the Grammy Awards. He has also received prestigious awards, such as Billboard Music Awards, MTV Video Music Award, and American Music Awards. In 2019, he was named in Time magazine's list of 100 Most Influential People.

 25 
Dusty Springfield
(Singer, Artist, Cleric)
Dusty Springfield
8
Birthdate: April 16, 1939
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: West Hampstead, London,England
Died: March 2, 1999
Height: 5'3" (160 cm)
 26 
Robin Thicke
(Famous for His 2013 Single 'Blurred Lines')
Robin Thicke
4
Birthdate: March 10, 1977
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States

The son of late actor, Alan Thicke, and actress, Gloria Loring, Robin Thicke followed in the footsteps of his parents to become a popular singer-songwriter, actor, dancer, record producer, and musician. Over the years, Robin Thicke has played a significant role in contributing to the success of artists like Christina Aguilera, Nicki Minaj, Usher, Jennifer Hudson, and Mary J. Blige.

Recommended Lists:
 27 
Isaac Hayes
(Singer-songwriter)
Isaac Hayes
4
Birthdate: August 20, 1942
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Covington, Tennessee, United States
Died: August 10, 2008
 28 
Alicia Keys
(Singer, Actress)
Alicia Keys
0
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.

 29 
Berry Gordy
(Record Executive)
Berry Gordy
4
Birthdate: November 28, 1929
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Detroit, MichiganDetroit, Michigan, United States
 30 
Rag’n’Bone Man
(Known for His Deep Baritone Voice and His Debut Studio Album 'Human')
Rag’n’Bone Man
4
Birthdate: January 29, 1985
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Uckfield, East Sussex. England

Rag'n'Bone Man is an English musician, singer, and songwriter. Renowned for his baritone voice, Rag'n'Bone Man was named British Breakthrough Act at the 2017 Brit Awards where he also won the prestigious Critics' Choice Award. Over the years, he has also received several other awards like Echo Awards, NRJ Music Award, and an Ivor Novello Award.

 31 
Cynthia Erivo
(Actress)
Cynthia Erivo
4
Birthdate: January 8, 1987
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Stockwell, London, England, United Kingdom
Height: 5'1" (155 cm)
 32 
David Ruffin
(American Soul Singer and Musician)
David Ruffin
3
Birthdate: January 18, 1941
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Whynot, Mississippi, United States
Died: June 1, 1991
Height: 6'3" (190 cm)
 33 
Teddy Pendergrass
(Singer)
Teddy Pendergrass
3
Birthdate: March 26, 1950
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Kingstree, South Carolina, USA
Died: January 13, 2010
Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
 34 
Daryl Hall
(Singer)
Daryl Hall
3
Birthdate: October 11, 1946
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Pottstown, Pennsylvania, USA
Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
 35 
August Alsina
(Singer, Songwriter)
August Alsina
3
Birthdate: September 3, 1992
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

A singer-songwriter whose music generally falls into the Alternative R&B category, August Alsina is a young man who is applauded not just for his musical talents but also for his zest for life. He suffers from an autoimmune disease that attacks his liver, and he is constantly fighting to live a normal life.

 36 
Jon Batiste
(Musician)
Jon Batiste
3
Birthdate: November 11, 1986
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Kenner, Louisiana, United States
 37 
Janis Joplin
(American Singer Known for Her Powerful Mezzo-Soprano Vocals)
Janis Joplin
0
Birthdate: January 19, 1943
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Port Arthur, Texas, United States
Died: October 4, 1970

Best known for her powerful mezzo-soprano voice, Janis Joplin was one of the most successful rock stars of her era. Before dying at the age of 27, she achieved so much that Rolling Stone magazine included her in its 100 Greatest Artists of All Time list in 2004 and 100 Greatest Singers of All Time list in 2008.

 38 
Boz Scaggs
(Singer)
Boz Scaggs
3
Birthdate: June 8, 1944
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Canton, Ohio, USA
 39 
Macy Gray
(Singer-songwriter)
Macy Gray
3
Birthdate: September 6, 1967
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Canton, Ohio, United States
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
 40 
Billy Ocean
(Recording Artist)
Billy Ocean
3
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.

 41 
Sheridan Smith
(Actress)
Sheridan Smith
6
Birthdate: June 25, 1981
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Epworth, North Lincolnshire, England, UK
Height: 5'2" (157 cm)
 42 
Al B. Sure!
(Singer-songwriter)
Al B. Sure!
3
Birthdate: June 4, 1968
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
 43 
Paloma Faith
(Pop and Soul Singer Best Known for Her Retro and Eccentric Fashion and Music)
Paloma Faith
6
Birthdate: July 21, 1981
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: London, England

Paloma Faith is a British singer, actress, and songwriter. She is best known for her album Do You Want the Truth or Something Beautiful?, which received double-platinum certification in the UK apart from earning Faith her maiden BRIT Award nomination. Renowned for her eccentric style, Paloma Faith has also received prestigious awards like the ASCAP Award.

 44 
Israel Houghton
(Singer-songwriter)
Israel Houghton
3
Birthdate: May 19, 1971
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Oceanside, California
Christian music singer Israel Houghton has won four Grammys for his traditional and contemporary gospel albums. He works with his backing band New Breed, and his albums are credited to Israel & New Breed. He has also been a worship leader for Champions for Christ and Promise Keepers.
 45 
Cissy Houston
(Gospel Singers)
Cissy Houston
3
Birthdate: September 30, 1933
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Newark, New Jersey, USA
 46 
Jill Scott
(Singer-songwriter)
Jill Scott
3
Birthdate: April 4, 1972
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Height: 5'6" (168 cm)
 47 
Roberta Flack
3
Birthdate: February 10, 1939
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Black Mountain, North Carolina, United States
Height: 5'4" (163 cm)
 48 
Jackie Jackson
(Singer best known as a founding member of the Jackson 5)
Jackie Jackson
3
Birthdate: May 4, 1951
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Gary, Indiana, United States
Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
 49 
Thundercat
(Musician)
Thundercat
3
Birthdate: October 19, 1984
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States
 50 
Joss Stone
(Singer-songwriter who Rose to Fame with Her Debut Album 'The Soul Sessions')
Joss Stone
7
Birthdate: April 11, 1987
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Dover, Kent, England

Joss Stone is an English singer, actress, and songwriter. One of the most successful British female singers of her generation, Stone has sold more than 15 million records worldwide. She has also received several prestigious awards, such as Grammy Award and Brit Awards. In 2006, Joss Stone became the youngest woman to be featured in the Sunday Times Rich List.