50 Most Powerful R&B Stars of All Time

Black Music Month is one of our favorite months of the year. We get to reflect on legendary artists and songs that uplift, soothe, energize and put us in the best of moods.

The artists on this list have done all of the above time and time again. From classic stars like Aretha Franklin and Diana Ross, to newcomers like Mary J. Blige and Beyonce, ESSENCE.com celebrates the soul singers and producers who went hard and made history.

Read more: here

The Top 10:

1. Aretha Franklin
2. Michael Jackson
3. Mary J Blige

4. Diana Ross
5. Whitney Houston
6. Beyonce
7. Patti LaBelle
8. Teena Marie
9. Maxwell
10. Lauryn Hill

THE REST:
11. Rihanna
12. Usher
13. Quincy Jones
14. Aaliyah
15. Timbaland
16. Ashford & Simpson
17. Janet Jackson
18. Sam Cooke
19. Marvin Gaye
20. Isley Brothers
21. Sade
22. Frankie Beverly & Maze
23. Alicia Keys
24. Chaka Kahn
25. Donny Hathaway
26. New Edition
27. D’Angelo
28. Etta James
29. R. Kelly
30. Anita Baker
31. Erykah Badu
32. Luther Vandross
33. James Brown
34. Teddy Pendergrass
35. TLC
36. Marvin Gaye
37. Prince
38. Gladys Knight
39. Curtis Mayfield
40. Earth, Wind, and Fire
41. Ray Charles
42. Stevie Wonder
43. Lionel Richie
44. Sean Combs
45. Jill Scott
46. Will Smith
47. Gamble & Huff
48. Boys 2 Men
49. Barry White
50. Babyface