It’s the perfect time of year to kick back, relax, and crank the R&B hits high. Today, we’re celebrating some of the best female R&B singers of all time — legends who’ve contributed to the genre with this round-up of truly legendary women.
From Diana Ross to Janelle Monáe, we’re talking about the biggest voices around. Whether you’re looking for a soft, sultry soundtrack to your afternoon or some sing-along stunners, we’ve got you covered. Look at five of our favourites Queens of R&B below and then listen to all of them and many more on SiriusXM’s Queens of R&B on the SiriusXM app.
Diana Ross’s legendary solo career began back in 1970 with the release of her eponymous debut album and two smash-hit singles: “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Hand).” The range Ross shows in those two songs shows why she’s such a memorable performer! Ross has made an indelible mark on the music world with her contributions to the R&B genre, so much so that she is a two-time winner of the GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award.
Is there a more joyful song out there than “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)”? Natalie Cole may be Nat King Cole’s daughter, but her success was based on her own phenomenal voice and immeasurable talent. With nine GRAMMYs and over 30 million records sold worldwide, Cole truly earned her title as a Queen of R&B.
Not only does Gladys Knight have two No. 1 Hot 100 singles to her name, but a staggering eleven No. 1 singles on the R&B chart and six No. 1 R&B albums. Knight has also racked up four GRAMMYs for her solo career and three as part of Gladys Knight & the Pips. We’d hop on a “Midnight Train to Georgia” any time if it meant we’d get to live in the Empress of Soul’s world!
A true powerhouse of the genre, Tina Turner‘s on-stage energy was unrivalled. Considered one of the greatest comebacks of all time, Turner’s second wind in 1984 with Private Dancer spawned “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” which was her first and only Hot 100 No. 1.
With their latest album making serious waves, the world is well and truly Janelle Monáe’s oyster. After a few years spent flexing their acting chops, their return to music with The Age of Pleasure has reminded everyone of just how sublime, slinky, and innovative their R&B is. They’d do anything for their “Lipstick Lover,” and we’d do anything for Janelle Monáe!
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