The United States has long been the heartbeat of soul music, producing artists whose voices resonate with raw emotion and timeless storytelling. From the deep grooves of the South to the bustling music scenes of cities like Detroit and Memphis, American soul singers have shaped the sound of generations. In this article, we celebrate some of the best soul voices the U.S. has to offer.
The Greatest and Most Famous Soul Singers of All Time
Soul singers have been influential to the music industry for decades based on the iconic vocalists who belted out emotional and powerful lyrics. What started out as a vibrant music genre in the late 1950s, soon became a national phenomenon blending R&B, gospel, and jazz with passionate vocals, and heartfelt lyrics.
Let's explore ten of the best soul artists who's music is still loved to this day!
Aretha Franklin (1942-2018)
There can be no doubt that Aretha Franklin, dubbed the "Queen of Soul," is at the pinnacle of all soul singers. Franklin has been captivating audiences since she was a youngster, singing gospel at her father's church. At 18, she received a recording contract with Columbia Records.
From 1954 until she died in 2018, Franklin had a long and successful musical career. In fact, of the "100 greatest singers of all time," Rolling Stone voted her number one in 2010.
Marvin Gaye (1939-1984)
Marvin Gaye, the iconic male soul singer, known as the "Prince of Soul" or the "Prince of Motown," was an in-house session musician and recording artist for Motown in the 1960s. Gaye began performing doo-wop songs as a way to deal with the difficulties he faced at home.
"I Heard It on the Grapevine" was his first big success, and he became a household name throughout the country. What's Going On, which became a major influence throughout the civil rights struggle, was published by him the following year.
James Brown (1933-2006)
James Brown, who was dubbed the "Godfather of Soul," is credited with bringing soul and funk together. Brown was born to adolescent parents in a South Carolina hut and grew up in poverty. He was arrested for robbery after dropping out of school in sixth grade.
This is where the singer Bobby Byrd and he first met in a jail cell. He joined Byrd's band, The Famous Flames, after his release, laying the foundation for one of the most influential careers in American music.
In the mid-1950s, James Brown emerged as a force in soul music with emotionally charged performances rooted in gospel traditions. Songs like “Please, Please, Please” showcased his intense, pleading vocal style and dramatic stage presence, redefining how soul could be performed.
Beyond sound, Brown's career in soul carried cultural and political weight. Many of his songs reflected a growing sense of Black empowerment during the civil rights era, making him a voice of pride and resilience.
Otis Redding (1941-1967)
Otis Redding, widely regarded as one of the finest vocalists in the history of American music, was a forerunner in both souls and R&B. Little Richard's backing band was the only way he could support his family when he dropped out of school at the age of 15.
To begin with, Otis Redding was primarily known in the African-American music community, but he steadily began to gain wider recognition. After his terrible death in an aircraft accident at 26, he became a household name in the United States.
Al Green (1946 - )
Al Green, nicknamed "The Last of the Great Soul Singers," has had an illustrious career spanning more than six decades.
Green was expelled from his devout family for listening to Jackie Wilson, a rock singer. In high school, he created his first band with friends from the school he attended. After the suicide of Green's lover, he returned to religion and began making gospel music. However, he has since returned to soul.
Stevie Wonder (1950 - )
Stevie Wonder stands as one of the most gifted and influential voices in soul music! A child prodigy who signed with Motown at just 11 years old, Wonder quickly become a groundbreaking artist due to his expressive voice and masterful musicianship.
His was able to impact the music industry enormously by transforming soul into a deeply personal art form, influencing generations of singers and musicians.
Sam Cooke (1931 - 1964)
Sam Cooke is widely regarded as one of the founding fathers of soul music and is celebrated for his smooth, effortless voice and timeless songwriting. Cooke entered into popular music with his hits "You Send Me," "Chain Gang," "Cupid,", and "A Change Is Gonna Come." During his lifetime, Cooke earned multiple chart-topping singles and widespread acclaim, and his influence continued to grow after his death. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 and later received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, cementing his legacy as one of the genre's most enduring voices.
Whitney Houston (1963 - 2012)
Whitney Houston was one of the most powerful and influential vocalists in pop and soul music history. She brought gospel-rooted soul technique into the mainstream with record-breaking hits such as "Saving All My Love for You" and "I Will Always Love You." Her unmatched range, emotional depth, and flawless control reshaped modern soul singing, and set a new standard across the music industry.
Not only did she help shape the soul genre, but her success helped open doors for future Black female artists to dominate the charts while staying rooted in soul traditions. Even now, Houston is one of the most loved singers in music history.
Alicia Keys (1981 - )
Alicia Keys revitalized contemporary soul in the early 2000s by blending classic influences with modern R&B and hip-hop sensibilities. A classically trained pianist, she emerged with the critically acclaimed Songs in A Minor, featuring the hit "Fallin'," which showcased her raw, emotive voice and stripped-back, piano-driven sound. Her music continues to impact mainstream sound and influence a new wave of gospel and R&B singers and songwriters.
Tina Turner (1939 - )
Known for her dynamic stage presence and fearless energy, Tina Turner transformed soul music with every song she sang. Beginning her career with the Ike & Tina Turner Revue, she delivered hits like "Proud Mary" and "River Deep - Mountain High," before reinventing herself as a solo artist in the 1980s. Beyond her multiple Grammy Awards, Turner was an icon of empowerment in the music industries. With record-breaking tours and a legacy that bridges soul, rock, and pop, Tina Turner remains one of the most influential performers today.
Want to Learn More About the Greatest Soul Singers of All Time with Superprof
Music constantly evolves, influencing new genres and ensuring its relevance across generations. Rock music, for instance, laid the groundwork for soul, while soul itself introduced a unique aesthetic that distinguished it from the blues, emphasizing expressive vocals, intricate melodies, and emotional storytelling. Yet through all these shifts, one thing remains constant: the power of the vocalist. Soul music, above all, celebrates the voice as the ultimate instrument, capable of conveying passion, pain, and joy in ways that resonate universally.
If you’re inspired by the legendary voices of soul and want to explore your own potential, Superprof offers expert singing lessons tailored to mastering this expressive genre. Whether you’re aiming to capture the grit of classic soul or the smoothness of contemporary styles, our instructors can guide you on your journey to becoming a soulful singer yourself. Dive into the rich world of soul music, learn from the best, and let your voice tell your story from your very first lesson!
Summarize with AI:
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
Best soul singer is one that reaches your your heart and you can feel goose pimples on your arms,and body..no one does that to me except al green..yes there are some great singers,but al green has a spirit in him that tears at you..his phrasing of words,time g..nobody close.