From soulful ballads to rhythmic beats, African American male singers transformed the musical landscape in the ’50s and ’60s.

Sam Cooke and James Brown were among the many voices that sang of love, freedom, and change.

Our lists cover these two important decades, focusing on the singers who influenced music genres and echoed the social changes of their era.

Read the stories of these unforgettable artists whose classic songs still move us today, proving the long-lasting impact of music as a force for change.

Come with us as we explore the ’50s and ’60s and honor the exceptional black male singers who forever changed music and society.

23 Black Male Singers of the 1950s

1. Chuck Berry

• His distinctive guitar style pioneered rock and roll, influencing generations of guitarists.
• He was known for hits like “Johnny B. Goode” and “Maybellene,” which became rock and roll classics.
• Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 in recognition of his significant contributions to the genre.

2. Little Richard

• Known as the architect of rock and roll, Little Richard’s high-energy performances and distinctive voice set the standard for the genre.
• He is famous for his flamboyant performances and powerful voice, which can be heard on hits like “Tutti Frutti” and “Long Tall Sally.”
• His influence on rock and roll is immeasurable, inspiring countless artists who followed in his footsteps.

3. Ray Charles

• Blended jazz, gospel, and blues to create groundbreaking sounds that would influence the course of popular music.
• Hits like “Georgia on My Mind” and “Hit the Road Jack” showcased his unique style and emotional depth.
• Received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1987 for his outstanding contributions to the music industry.

4. Ike Turner

• He is known for his role as an early innovator, bandleader, and talent scout in the development of rock and roll.
• Hits include “Rocket 88,” considered one of the first rock and roll records and featured Turner’s groundbreaking guitar work.
• Influential as a performer and talent scout, Turner helped launch many successful musicians’ careers, including his former wife, Tina Turner.

5. Fats Domino

• One of the pioneers of rock and roll music, Fats Domino’s piano-driven style and warm vocals were instantly recognizable.
• He was known for hits like “Ain’t That a Shame” and “Blueberry Hill,” which helped to popularize the New Orleans sound.
• He sold more than 65 million records, making him one of the most successful artists of his era.

6. Nat King Cole

• A leading jazz pianist before transitioning to a successful pop singing career, Nat King Cole’s smooth baritone voice was beloved by audiences.
• He is known for songs like “Unforgettable” and “Mona Lisa,” which showcase his emotional depth and musical versatility.
• First African American to host a national television show, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of black entertainers.

7. Bo Diddley

• He influenced many with his signature 5-accent rhythm, a rock and roll staple.
• He is known for songs like “Bo Diddley” and “Who Do You Love?” which featured his unique guitar style and infectious beats.
• He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 for his lasting impact on the genre.

8. Muddy Waters

• A major figure in the post-war blues scene, Muddy Waters’ electrified sound and powerful vocals influenced generations of blues and rock musicians.
• He is known for his deep, resonant voice and use of slide guitar, which can be heard on hits like “Mannish Boy” and “Rollin’ Stone.”
• His music laid the foundation for the Chicago blues style and inspired countless artists, from the Rolling Stones to Eric Clapton.

9. B.B. King

• One of the most influential blues musicians of all time, B.B. King’s guitar playing and vocal style were instantly recognizable.
• He is known for his expressive singing and guitar playing, particularly on hits like “The Thrill Is Gone” and “Every Day I Have the Blues.”
• His influence can be heard in the work of countless blues, rock, and R&B artists who followed in his footsteps.

10. Louis Armstrong

• He dominated the jazz scene in the early 20th century and continued influencing music into the 1950s with his innovative trumpet playing and distinctive vocal style.
• He is known for his charismatic stage presence and voice, which can be heard on famous songs like “What a Wonderful World” and “Hello, Dolly!”
• His influence on jazz and popular music is immeasurable, and his legacy inspires musicians worldwide.

11. Lloyd Price

• Known as “Mr. Personality,” after his hit song of the same name, Lloyd Price was a key figure in the early development of rock and roll.
• Hits include “Personality” and “Stagger Lee,” which showcased his charismatic vocal style and infectious beats.
• His music helped to bridge the gap between R&B and rock and roll, paving the way for the genre’s eventual mainstream success.

12. Jimmy Witherspoon

• Blues singer Jimmy Witherspoon, who crossed over into the jazz and gospel genres, had a powerful voice and performed passionately, beloved by audiences.
• He is known for his hit “Ain’t Nobody’s Business,” which became a blues standard and showcased his ability to blend different musical styles.
• He performed at numerous jazz festivals worldwide, cementing his reputation as one of his era’s most dynamic and versatile vocalists.

13. Clyde McPhatter

• As the lead tenor for The Drifters, Clyde McPhatter’s high, clear voice and emotional delivery set the standard for R&B and soul vocalists before going solo.
• He is known for hits like “Money Honey” and “White Christmas,” which showcased his range and versatility as a performer.
• His style influenced many other artists, including Sam Cooke and Jackie Wilson, and helped to shape the sound of R&B and soul music in the 1950s and beyond.

14. Brook Benton

• Known for his silky smooth baritone voice, Brook Benton’s romantic ballads and uptempo R&B numbers were hugely popular with audiences.
• Hits include “It’s Just a Matter of Time” and “Endlessly,” which showcased his emotional depth and musical versatility.
• Throughout his career, he scored over 50 Billboard chart hits, cementing his status as one of his era’s most successful black male vocalists.

15. Billy Ward

• Leader of Billy Ward and his Dominoes, one of the most influential vocal groups of the 1950s.
• The group was known for launching the careers of several influential singers, including Clyde McPhatter and Jackie Wilson.
• Hits include “Sixty Minute Man” and “Stardust,” which showcased the group’s tight harmonies and dynamic vocal arrangements.

16. Solomon Burke

• Known as the “King of Rock ‘n’ Soul,” Solomon Burke’s powerful voice and vibrant performances helped to define the soul music genre.
• Recorded the hit “Cry to Me,” which was later featured in several films and became a soul standard.
• He influenced many artists in soul and country music, and his legacy inspired new generations of musicians.

17. Billy Eckstine

• One of the first romantic black male balladeers, Billy Eckstine’s smooth baritone voice and sophisticated style set him apart from his contemporaries.
• Hits include “I Apologize” and “Caravan,” which showcased his emotional depth and musical versatility.
• His smooth baritone voice won him wide acclaim and helped to pave the way for future generations of romantic crooners.

18. Arthur Alexander

• The Beatles and the Rolling Stones covered his songs, a testament to his influence on the development of rock and roll.
• He is known for hits like “You Better Move On” and “Anna,” which showcased his dynamic vocal style and songwriting talent.
• His music influenced the development of rock music, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians.

19. Jackie Wilson

• Known for his dynamic vocal style and impressive stage presence, Jackie Wilson was a true showman and one of the most influential vocalists of his era.
• Hits include “Lonely Teardrops” and “Reet Petite,” which showcased his powerful voice and energetic performance style.
• A major influence on the development of soul and R&B, Wilson’s music and style continue to inspire new generations of artists.

20. Screamin’ Jay Hawkins

• Famous for his powerful, operatic vocal delivery and theatrical performances, Screamin’ Jay Hawkins was a true original and a shock rock pioneer.
• He is known for the classic song “I Put a Spell on You,” which became a hit and showcased his unique style and stage presence.
• He influenced rock and roll with his dramatic flair and over-the-top performances, paving the way for future generations of theatrical rockers.

21. Joe Tex

• Known for his funky soul style and storytelling in his music, Joe Tex was a key figure in the development of Southern soul music.
• Hits include “The Love You Save” and “Hold What You’ve Got,” which showcased his gritty vocal style and socially conscious lyrics.
• Influenced the southern soul music scene and helped to pave the way for future generations of soul and funk artists.

22. Otis Rush

• Chicago blues singer Otis Rush, famous for his passionate vocal style and searing guitar playing, was a major influence on the development of blues rock.
• He is known for hits like “I Can’t Quit You Baby” and “Double Trouble,” which showcased his raw, emotional style and virtuosic musicianship.
• He influenced rock musicians like Eric Clapton and Led Zeppelin, who admired his powerful voice and innovative guitar techniques.

23. Percy Mayfield

• Known as “The Poet of the Blues,” Percy Mayfield was a gifted songwriter and vocalist whose lyrics and delivery were both eloquent and deeply moving.
• Best known for the song “Hit the Road Jack,” which was made famous by Ray Charles and became a pop standard.
• His lyrical style influenced many artists, and countless musicians across multiple genres have covered his songs.

24 Black Male Singers of the 1960s

1. James Brown

• Dubbed the “Godfather of Soul,” James Brown was known for his energetic performances and social activism, using his platform to advocate for civil rights.
• Hits include “I Got You (I Feel Good)” and “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World,” which showcase his dynamic vocals and showmanship.
• He played a pivotal role in developing funk music, influencing countless artists across various genres with his innovative style and rhythms.

2. Marvin Gaye

• Known for his soulful voice and contributions to Motown, Marvin Gaye’s music often addressed social issues and pushed the boundaries of R&B.
• Hits include “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)” and “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” which exemplify his smooth, emotive vocals.
• His socially conscious albums, such as “What’s Going On,” paved the way for concept albums in R&B and inspired future generations of artists.

3. Otis Redding

• Known for his passionate delivery and profound influence on soul music, Otis Redding’s raw, powerful vocals conveyed deep emotion.
• Hits include “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” and “Try a Little Tenderness,” which have become timeless classics.
• Tragically died in a plane crash at the height of his career, aged 26, leaving behind a lasting legacy that continues to inspire artists today.

4. Stevie Wonder

• Signed with Motown at age 11, Stevie Wonder had numerous hits throughout the ’60s, like “My Cherie Amour” and “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours.”
• He is known for his musical innovation, incorporating various genres and instruments into his sound, and his fight for civil rights.
• He continues influencing music across genres with his songwriting, musicianship, and socially conscious lyrics.

5. Sam Cooke

• Often referred to as the King of Soul for his distinctive vocal abilities and significance in the civil rights movement, Sam Cooke’s music bridged the gap between gospel and popular music.
• His hits include “A Change Is Gonna Come,” which became an anthem for the civil rights movement, and “Chain Gang,” which showcases his smooth, soulful voice.
• His music remains influential in the soul and R&B genres, and his legacy as a pioneer in music and social activism continues to inspire.

6. Smokey Robinson

• Lead vocalist and principal songwriter for The Miracles, Smokey Robinson’s contributions to Motown helped shape the label’s sound.
• Hits include “The Tracks of My Tears” and “I Second That Emotion,” which showcase his smooth tenor voice and poetic songwriting.
• He is known for his ability to craft intricate, emotionally resonant lyrics that elevated the art of songwriting in popular music.

7. Wilson Pickett

• Known for his raw, passionate singing style, Wilson Pickett’s powerful vocals and energetic performances made him a standout in the soul genre.
• His hits include “In the Midnight Hour” and “Mustang Sally,” which demonstrate his gritty, forceful delivery and dynamic stage presence.
• A major figure in the development of American soul music, Pickett’s influence can be heard in the work of countless artists who followed in his footsteps.

8. Curtis Mayfield

• Started with The Impressions and later had a successful solo career, Curtis Mayfield’s music was known for its socially conscious themes and innovative production.
• Known for the soundtrack of “Super Fly,” which addressed issues of poverty, drug abuse, and urban life, and helped to establish the blaxploitation film genre.
• His style melded soul, funk, and R&B, creating a unique sound that influenced the development of these genres.

9. Barry White

• Known for his deep bass-baritone voice and romantic image, Barry White’s music was synonymous with seduction and sensuality.
• His music gained popularity in the late ’60s, setting the stage for his success in the ’70s with hits like “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe” and “You’re the First, the Last, My Everything.”
• White’s lush orchestral arrangements and smooth, deep vocals created a signature sound that defined the “love man” persona in popular music.

10. Al Green

• Known for his smooth, soulful voice and hits like “Let’s Stay Together,” Al Green’s music often dealt with love, devotion, and forgiveness themes.
• His passionate vocals and heartfelt delivery made him one of his generation’s most beloved soul singers.
• Later in his career, Green became an ordained pastor and transitioned into gospel music, bringing his signature sound to a new genre.

11. Isaac Hayes

• He is known for his musical score for the film Shaft, which laid the groundwork for disco and became a cultural phenomenon.
• His deep vocal delivery and use of orchestral sounds were innovative at the time, creating a cinematic, sophisticated sound that set him apart from his contemporaries.
• He has won multiple Grammy Awards for his work, cementing his status as a groundbreaking artist and influential figure in the development of soul and disco.

12. Levi Stubbs

• Levi Stubbs, lead vocalist of The Four Tops, was known for his powerful and emotional singing style, which helped define the sound of Motown in the 1960s.
• His hits include “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)” and “Reach Out, I’ll Be There,” which showcase his dynamic vocal range and ability to convey deep feelings.
• Stubbs’ voice was a key component of The Four Tops’ success, and his contributions to the group made them one of the era’s most popular and influential acts.

13. David Ruffin

• Known for his tenure with The Temptations during their “Classic Five” period, David Ruffin’s distinctive voice and charismatic stage presence made him a standout performer.
• Sang leads on hits like “My Girl” and “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” which showcase his smooth, soulful vocals and emotional delivery.
• Ruffin’s contributions to The Temptations helped establish them as one of the most successful and influential groups of the ’60s, and his legacy as a solo artist continues to inspire new generations of singers.

14. Eddie Kendricks

• Co-founder of The Temptations and known for his distinctive falsetto, Eddie Kendricks’ voice was a key component of the group’s sound.
• Hits include “Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me),” which showcases his smooth, soaring vocals and ability to convey romantic longing.
• Kendricks enjoyed a successful solo career post-Temptations, cementing his status as one of his generation’s most influential falsetto singers.

15. Lou Rawls

• Known for his smooth baritone and extensive range that included gospel, jazz, and blues, Lou Rawls’ rich voice and classy demeanor brought him a broad audience.
• Hits include “You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine,” which showcases his smooth, sophisticated vocal style and ability to convey romantic devotion.
• Rawls’ success helped to bring a touch of elegance and refinement to the soul genre, and his influence can be heard in the work of many contemporary R&B and jazz artists.

16. Bobby Womack

• Started as a guitarist for Sam Cooke before launching a solo career, Bobby Womack’s raw voice and emotive songwriting made him a standout in the soul genre.
• His hits include “Lookin’ For a Love” and “That’s The Way I Feel About Cha,” which showcase his gritty, powerful vocals and ability to convey deep feelings.
• Womack’s music often dealt with themes of love, loss, and personal struggle, and his honest, direct approach to songwriting helped establish him as one of his generation’s most authentic and influential soul artists.

17. Arthur Conley

• Best known for the hit “Sweet Soul Music,” which celebrated the soul genre and became an anthem for the era’s music.
• A protege of Otis Redding, Conley’s music was heavily influenced by his mentor’s raw, emotional style.
• His work contributed to the popularity of soul music in the ’60s, and his joyful, energetic performances helped spread the gospel of soul to audiences worldwide.

18. Jerry Butler

• Known as “The Iceman” for his cool demeanor and soulful voice, Jerry Butler helped to shape the sound of Chicago soul music in the ’60s.
• Hits include “Only the Strong Survive” and “He Will Break Your Heart,” which showcase his smooth, elegant vocal style and ability to convey emotional depth.
• Butler’s music was characterized by its sophistication and refinement, and his influence can be heard in the work of countless soul and R&B artists who followed in his footsteps.

19. Solomon Burke

• Dubbed one of the founding fathers of soul music, Solomon Burke’s powerful vocals and energetic performances helped to establish the genre in the early ’60s.
• He is known for hits like “Everybody Needs Somebody to Love” and “Cry to Me,” which showcase his ability to convey deep emotion and connect with his audience.
• Burke’s voice combined the fervor of gospel with the intensity of blues, creating a unique sound that would become the foundation of soul music.

20. Rufus Thomas

• Known for his funky, dance-driven music, Rufus Thomas’ energetic performances and infectious grooves made him a beloved figure in the soul and funk genres.
• Hits include “Walking the Dog” and “Do the Funky Chicken,” which showcase his playful lyrics and ability to get audiences moving.
• Thomas’ music celebrated the joy and vitality of dance, and his influence can be heard in the work of countless funk and R&B artists who followed in his footsteps.

21. Ben E. King

• Initially gained fame as a member of The Drifters before embarking on a successful solo career, Ben E. King’s smooth, soulful voice left a lasting impact on R&B and soul music.
• Hits include “Stand by Me” and “Spanish Harlem,” which showcase his ability to convey romantic devotion and emotional depth.
• King’s music transcended genre boundaries and appealed to a wide range of audiences, cementing his status as one of his generation’s most beloved and influential soul singers.

22. Percy Sledge

• Best known for his heartfelt delivery of the soul anthem “When a Man Loves a Woman,” Percy Sledge’s deep, soulful voice conveyed a sense of raw emotion and vulnerability.
• His music resonated with listeners worldwide, thanks to his ability to tap into universal themes of love, loss, and longing.
• Sledge’s style helped to define the sound of Southern soul, and his influence can be heard in the work of countless artists who followed in his footsteps.

23. Johnnie Taylor

• Known as “The Philosopher of Soul,” Johnnie Taylor’s versatile voice and socially conscious lyrics made him a standout in the genre.
• Hits include “Who’s Making Love” and “Disco Lady,” which showcase his ability to adapt to changing musical trends while remaining true to his soulful roots.
• Taylor’s music often addressed issues of love, relationships, and social justice, and his insightful lyrics and powerful vocals helped establish him as one of his generation’s most influential soul artists.

24. Donny Hathaway

• Known for his collaborations with Roberta Flack and solo hits like “The Ghetto,” Donny Hathaway’s music was characterized by its emotional depth and social consciousness.
• His soulful, robust voice conveyed a sense of honesty and authenticity, and his lyrics often addressed issues of poverty, inequality, and the struggles of everyday life.
• Hathaway’s influence can be heard in the work of countless R&B and soul artists who followed in his footsteps, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians.

Conclusion

The iconic artists of the ’50s and ’60s left a lasting impact beyond music; they became part of society’s heartbeat and shaped future generations.

These singers were more than just performers; they created new genres and sparked cultural changes. Their legacies are forever part of music history, from smooth jazz clubs to lively soul stages.

As we look back on these exciting decades, we recognize the strength of their harmonies, which continue to motivate and push us forward.

Their music ensures that their world-changing notes will always be heard.

These black male singers gave us unforgettable songs and taught us that music can make a real difference in our lives and communities.