Top R&B/Soul Artist Of All Time

I asked all my Facebook friends their favorite RB/Soul artist of all time. The list was surprising. I expected the top ten will have the artist that it does, but I just thought the order would be a little different. Some artist I thought would rank a little higher didn't. Well, there is next year, when I pose the question again.
 
25. The Commodores
24. Mary J. Blige
23. Maze featuring Frankie Beverly
22. Rufus featuring Chaka Khan

21. Parliament/Funkadelic

20. Diana Ross & The Supremes

19. Sade

18. R. Kelly

17. Ohio Players

16. Whitney Houston

15. Teddy Pendergrass

14. The Temptations

13. Barry White

12. Luther Vandross

11. Anita Baker

10. The Isley Brothers-the Isley Brothers started turning out hits in the late 50's with the party anthem "Shout". Throughout the 70's, this was the band to beat with a string of impressive hits: "That Lady", "Fight The Power", "Groove With You".

Most of their hits came from their own imprint label T-Neck. Ronald and his brothers continued the hits in the eighties with songs: "Between the Sheets" "Smooth Sailing"

The brothers have had a hit in five decades, how many others artist can claim such a feat.

 9. Gladys Knight & The Pips-Gladys voice is unmistakable, the harmonies of the Pips is legendary. Gladys and The Pips had a large string of hits in the 70's: "Midnight Train To Georgia" "Neither One Of Us" "Mr. Welfare". The 80's would prove just as successful with "Love Overboard" "You're Number One"  & "Save Your Overtime" Gladys Knight & the Pips have scored 10 number hit records.

8. Earth, Wind & Fire Maurice White, Phillip Bailey & Verdine White were the vocals to this large ensemble group. The group released several albums in the 70's

including "Open Yours Eyes" "Keep Your Head To the Sky" and the awesome "That's The Way Of The World". It was after "That's The Way of The World", that the world took noticed, propelling the group to mega status. They would later have a string of unforgettable hits: "Reasons" "After The Love Is Gone" "Boogie Wonderland" and "Let's Groove". Earth, Wind & Fire scored 8 number one hit records and 6 number one hit albums.

 7. Al Green- The minister of soul. Al green voice croons over rich melodies and strong production. When it comes to love making music Al Green is the man. His songs are classic bedroom action "Let's Get Married", "Love & Happiness", & "Here I Am" are still played at gatherings till this day. Al Green recorded 6 consecutive number one albums and scored 7 number one hit records.

 6. Marvin Gaye Mr. soul! Marvin prolific writing abilities worked perfectly with his incredible sexy voice. The tone of voice just oozes sexy appeal even on political and social songs. "What's Going On" has to be one of the best album of all times. Marvin's voice is rich and heartfelt on songs "Inner City Blues" "What's  Going On" and "Let's Get It On" Marvin duets with Tami Terrell are still some of R&B biggest duets.  Marvin Gaye recorded 7 number one albums including two live ones. He topped the single charts 12 times.

5. Stevie Wonder Steveland Morris is a music genius. At the age of 11, Stevie had a massive hit with "Fingertips part 1". He would later prove to be more than a novelty act. Stevie dominated the 70's with a string of hits "Isn't she Lovely" "I Wish" "Boogie On Reggae Woman" "Sir Duke" & "Living For The City". The 80's Stevie continued to prove this golden touch "Do I Do", "That Girl" "Ribbon In The Sky" & "Part Time Lovers". Stevie Wonder has won a stunning 22 Grammys, 21 number one hit records and 13 number one albums.

4. James Brown The Godfather of Soul, The hardest working man in show business, The Funky Soul Brother, Mr. Please  Please, all names bestowed this artist. James Brown would have 2 songs appear on the top 100 songs of all time (Rolling Stone magazine). James Brown would score 15 number one hit singles including the dance hit "Goliath". James Brown songs were sampled by many hip-hop artist including NWA, Ice Cube, Eric B. & Rakim. You can't say the phrase "I Feel Good" without thinking of James Brown.

3. Aretha Franklin- The Queen Of Soul has an impressive 23 number one hits. She has won 18 Grammys. It has been said that if Aretha covers a songs people forget the original such is the case for Otis Redding's "Respect", Carole King's  "You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman" or Martha Wash "Deeper Love".
Aretha has proven herself in several music genre: jazz, gospel, pop and recently her true diva voice on an opera tune "Nessum Dorma".

2. Prince -Prince Roger Nelson is a music genius. He has won 7 Grammies, a Golden Globe, a Oscar and has been inducted in Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. There are not many artist that can change their name to a symbol and everyone still know their name. Prince had massive success in the late 80's, early 90's with hits: "Purple Rain" "Little Red Corvette" "When Doves Cry" "Let's Go Crazy". Prince return the b-side of singles with like "Erotic City" "She's Always In My Hair" "Irresistible B*tch" 

1. Michael Jackson- King of Pop,Rock & Soul. The Gloved One. Mr Moonwalker, Mike has sold over 30 millions copies of "Thriller". He sold over 70 millions copies of his catalogue. Micheal Jackson has some of the most infectious pop tunes ever: "Billie Jean" "Beat It" "Remember The Time" & "Rock Witcha You". Now let's play the number game.  Michael Jackson has won 17 Grammys, 8 of them in one night.He recorded 19 number one hit records,6 of them with his brothers.  He has 17 gold singles and 9 platinum ones. He recorded 7 number one albums and sold more than a staggering 213 million copies of his albums worldwide. Michael Jackson sold little than half a million tickets in one day for his concerts.  Who will ever forget the Motown 25 Anniversary when Mike introduced us to the Moonwalk.