The 70s and 80s were a golden age for black male singers, with many leaving a lasting impact on music. These artists not only topped the charts but also broke barriers and inspired future generations.

This blog post will examine the 24 most influential black male singers of the 1970s and 1980s.

From soul and R&B to funk and pop, these singers showcased their incredible talents and unique styles, cementing their place in music history.

Join us as we celebrate their contributions and explore what made each of them stand out.

The 70s: A Decade of Soul, Funk, and Emerging Genres

The 1970s was a time of great change in the music industry, with soul, funk, and other genres gaining popularity.

Black male singers played a big role in shaping the sound of this decade, bringing their unique styles and powerful voices to the forefront.

1. Marvin Gaye

Marvin Gaye was a key figure in the soul and funk scene of the 70s. His smooth voice and socially conscious lyrics made songs like “What’s Going On” and “Let’s Get It On” timeless classics.

• Genre: Soul
• Birth Place: Washington, D.C., USA
• Years Active: 1959–1984
• Instruments Used: Vocals, piano, drums

2. Stevie Wonder 

Stevie Wonder’s albums in the 70s, such as “Talking Book” and “Songs in the Key of Life,” showcased his amazing talent as a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. His work inspired many artists who followed.

• Genre: Soul/ Funk
• Birth Place: Saginaw, Michigan, USA
• Years Active: 1961–present
• Instruments Used: Vocals, piano, harmonica, synthesizer

3. Al Green

Al Green’s distinctive falsetto and heartfelt delivery defined his signature style. Hits like “Let’s Stay Together” and “I’m Still in Love with You” made him a soul icon.

• Genre: Soul
• Birth Place: Forrest City, Arkansas, USA
• Years Active: 1967–present
• Instruments Used: Vocals, guitar

4. Barry White 

Known for his deep, velvety voice, Barry White created romantic ballads that set the mood for lovers worldwide. Songs like “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe” and “You’re the First, the Last, My Everything” were instant classics.

• Genre: Soul/ Funk
• Birth Place: Galveston, Texas, USA
• Years Active: 1959–2003
• Instruments Used: Vocals, piano

5. Isaac Hayes 

Isaac Hayes was an innovator in the funk and soul genres. His album “Hot Buttered Soul” and the theme from “Shaft” showcased his unique style and made him a major force in the music industry.

• Genre: Soul/ Funk
• Birth Place: Covington, Tennessee, USA
• Years Active: 1962–2008
• Instruments Used: Vocals, piano, saxophone

6. Curtis Mayfield

Curtis Mayfield’s solo work in the 70s, including the soundtrack for “Super Fly,” addressed social issues and greatly impacted soul music. His lyrics were often thought-provoking and poignant.

• Genre: Soul
• Birth Place: Chicago, Illinois, USA
• Years Active: 1958–1999
• Instruments Used: Vocals, guitar, bass guitar

7. Teddy Pendergrass

As the lead singer of Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes and later as a solo artist, Teddy Pendergrass’s powerful voice made him a leading figure in R&B. Albums like “Teddy Pendergrass” and “Life Is a Song Worth Singing” showcased his talent.

• Genre: Soul/ R&B
• Birth Place: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
• Years Active: 1969–2008
• Instruments Used: Vocals, drums

8. Bill Withers

Bill Withers’ simple yet effective songwriting and soulful delivery created classics like “Ain’t No Sunshine,” “Lean on Me,” and “Just the Two of Us,” which continue to resonate with listeners today.

• Genre: Soul
• Birth Place: Slab Fork, West Virginia, USA
• Years Active: 1970–1985
• Instruments Used: Vocals, guitar, piano

9. Donny Hathaway

Donny Hathaway’s contributions to soul music included his solo work and memorable duets with Roberta Flack. His passionate voice and skillful piano playing made him a standout artist of the decade.

• Genre: Soul
• Birth Place: Chicago, Illinois, USA
• Years Active: 1967–1979
• Instruments Used: Vocals, piano, keyboards

The 80s: The Rise of R&B, Pop, and Rap

The 1980s saw a shift in the music landscape, with R&B, pop, and rap gaining popularity.

Black male singers continued to make their mark, adapting to the changing tastes while introducing new styles and sounds.

10. Michael Jackson 

Michael Jackson, the undisputed King of Pop, released groundbreaking albums like “Thriller” and “Bad,” which featured hit singles that dominated the charts and became cultural touchstones.

• Genre: Pop
• Birth Place: Gary, Indiana, USA
• Years Active: 1964–2009
• Instruments Used: Vocals, piano, guitar

11. Prince 

Prince, a musical genius, pushed boundaries with his innovative style and electrifying performances. His albums, such as “Purple Rain” and “Sign o’ the Times,” showcased his versatility and creativity.

• Genre: Pop/ R&B
• Birth Place: Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
• Years Active: 1975–2016
• Instruments Used: Vocals, guitar, piano, bass, drums

12. Lionel Richie 

Lionel Richie’s smooth R&B style and catchy pop tunes made him a major solo artist in the 80s, with hits like “All Night Long” and “Hello” becoming classics.

• Genre: R&B/ Pop
• Birth Place: Tuskegee, Alabama, USA
• Years Active: 1968–present
• Instruments Used: Vocals, piano, saxophone

13. Rick James 

Rick James brought funk to the forefront with his unique style and famous songs like “Super Freak” and “Give It to Me Baby,” which influenced many artists.

• Genre: Funk, R&B
• Birth Place: Buffalo, New York, USA
• Years Active: 1965–2004
• Instruments Used: Vocals, bass guitar, keyboards

14. Luther Vandross

Luther Vandross’s velvety voice and romantic R&B ballads, such as “Never Too Much” and “Here and Now,” made him a favorite among fans and inspired future generations of singers.

• Genre: R&B
• Birth Place: New York City, New York, USA
• Years Active: 1968–2005
• Instruments Used: Vocals, keyboards

15. Jeffrey Osborne 

Jeffrey Osborne’s memorable hits, including “On the Wings of Love” and “Stay with Me Tonight,” solidified his place in the R&B world.

• Genre: R&B
• Birth Place: Providence, Rhode Island, USA
• Years Active: 1969–present
• Instruments Used: Vocals, drums

16. Billy Ocean 

Billy Ocean’s chart-topping hits, such as “Caribbean Queen” and “Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car,” showcased his unique voice and appeal.

• Genre: Pop, R&B
• Birth Place: Fyzabad, Trinidad and Tobago
• Years Active: 1969–present
• Instruments Used: Vocals

17. Peabo Bryson 

Peabo Bryson’s romantic ballads and duet collaborations, such as “Feel the Fire” and “Beauty and the Beast,” made him a standout R&B artist.

• Genre: R&B
• Birth Place: Greenville, South Carolina, USA
• Years Active: 1976–present
• Instruments Used: Vocals

18. Bobby Womack 

Bobby Womack’s contributions to soul and R&B music throughout the 80s demonstrated his versatility and staying power as an artist.

• Genre: Soul, R&B
• Birth Place: Cleveland, Ohio, USA
• Years Active: 1952–2014
• Instruments Used: Vocals, guitar

19. James Ingram

James Ingram’s smooth voice and significant collaborations, like “Baby, Come to Me” with Patti Austin, made him a memorable R&B singer of the decade.

• Genre: R&B
• Birth Place: Akron, Ohio, USA
• Years Active: 1973–2019
• Instruments Used: Vocals, piano

20. Alexander O’Neal 

Alexander O’Neal’s R&B hits, such as “If You Were Here Tonight” and “Criticize,” left a lasting impact on the genre.

• Genre: R&B
• Birth Place: Natchez, Mississippi, USA
• Years Active: 1981–present
• Instruments Used: Vocals

21. George Benson 

George Benson’s successful crossover from jazz to R&B, with hits like “Give Me the Night” and “Turn Your Love Around,” showcased his musical range.

• Genre: Jazz, R&B
• Birth Place: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
• Years Active: 1954–present
• Instruments Used: Vocals, guitar

22. Ray Parker Jr.

Ray Parker Jr., famous for the “Ghostbusters” theme song, also had R&B hits that made him a popular artist of the era.

• Genre: R&B, Pop
• Birth Place: Detroit, Michigan, USA
• Years Active: 1973–present
• Instruments Used: Vocals, guitar, keyboards

23. Grandmaster Flash 

Grandmaster Flash, a hip-hop pioneer, released influential tracks like “The Message,” which addressed social issues and helped shape the genre.

• Genre: Rap
• Birth Place: Bridgetown, Barbados
• Years Active: 1977–present
• Instruments Used: Turntables, vocals

24. Kurtis Blow 

Kurtis Blow, one of the first rappers to achieve mainstream success, paved the way for the growth of hip-hop with hits like “The Breaks.”

• Genre: Rap
• Birth Place: Harlem, New York, USA
• Years Active: 1979–present
• Instruments Used: Vocals

Summing It Up

The 70s and 80s were a golden age for black male singers, who left an indelible mark on the music industry.

From the soul and funk pioneers of the 70s to the R&B, pop, and rap innovators of the 80s, these artists showcased their incredible talent, unique styles, and ability to break barriers.

Their influence continues to inspire and shape the music we listen to today. As we celebrate their contributions, it’s important to recognize the significance of their work in the context of music history and the ongoing struggle for racial equality.

So, the next time you find yourself humming along to a classic tune from this era, take a moment to appreciate the artistry and impact of these legendary singers.

Who’s your favorite black male singer from the 70s or 80s?