The Most Famous Female R&B Artist, Ranked

Choose the artist you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 18, 2024 07:09
Fans of R&B know that the genre has been shaped significantly by its talented female artists. These artists bring unique stories and voices, transforming the sound of R&B with every melody and lyric. A ranking of these influential figures not only celebrates their contributions but also highlights how they have touched listeners worldwide. By participating in the ranking process, users contribute to a collective appreciation of these artists' work. This shared endeavor provides insights into which artists resonate the most with the public, fostering a deeper connection between the music and its audience. As votes are cast and preferences are revealed, the list becomes a dynamic reflection of popular sentiment and artistic impact.

Who Is the Most Famous Female R&B Artist?

  1. 1
    45
    votes

    Beyoncé

    An American singer, songwriter, and actress, Beyoncé has been a prominent figure in music, particularly in the R&B genre. She gained fame in the late 1990s as the lead singer of Destiny's Child and later embarked on a highly successful solo career.
    • Albums Sold: Over 100 million
    • Grammy Awards: 28
  2. 4
    15
    votes

    Alicia Keys

    An American singer-songwriter and musician, Alicia Keys is known for her soulful voice and classical piano skills. She has made significant contributions to R&B music with her introspective lyrics and has won numerous awards.
    • Albums Sold: Over 65 million
    • Grammy Awards: 15
  3. 5
    14
    votes

    Mariah Carey

    An American singer, songwriter, and actress, Mariah Carey is renowned for her five-octave vocal range, melismatic singing style, and signature use of the whistle register. She has been credited with inspiring a generation of singers.
    • Albums Sold: Over 200 million
    • Grammy Awards: 5
  4. 6
    9
    votes

    Toni Braxton

    An American singer, songwriter, and actress, Toni Braxton is known for her husky alto voice and has had a significant impact on the R&B genre. She has won numerous awards and is recognized for her heartfelt ballads.
    • Albums Sold: Over 70 million
    • Grammy Awards: 7
  5. 7
    8
    votes

    Mary J. Blige

    An American singer, songwriter, and actress, Mary J. Blige is known as the "Queen of Hip-Hop Soul." She has influenced the music industry with her soulful voice, emotional depth, and incorporation of hip-hop into R&B.
    • Albums Sold: Over 50 million
    • Grammy Awards: 9
  6. 8
    3
    votes

    Janet Jackson

    An American singer, songwriter, actress, and dancer, Janet Jackson is known for her innovative, socially conscious, and sexually provocative records, as well as elaborate stage shows. She has been a prominent figure in popular culture.
    • Albums Sold: Over 100 million
    • Grammy Awards: 5
  7. 9
    3
    votes

    Lauryn Hill

    An American singer, rapper, songwriter, and actress, Lauryn Hill is known for her stint with The Fugees and her solo album "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill." Her work in the industry has earned her numerous awards and critical acclaim.
    • Albums Sold: Over 19 million
    • Grammy Awards: 8
  8. 10
    0
    votes

    Rihanna

    Rihanna is a Barbadian singer, actress, and businesswoman. Known for her distinctive voice and versatile talents, she has become a global icon in the R&B and pop music scenes, with numerous chart-topping hits.
    • Albums Sold: Over 250 million
    • Grammy Awards: 9

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous female R&B artist. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or artist is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2288 views
  • 157 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each artist once every 24 hours. The rank of each artist is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Additional Information

More about the Most Famous Female R&B Artist

Beyoncé
Rank #1 for the most famous female R&B artist: Beyoncé (Source)
The world of R&B has seen many talented female artists rise to fame. These artists have shaped the genre with their unique voices and styles. Their contributions have left a lasting impact on both music and culture.

The roots of R&B go back to the early 20th century. It began as a blend of jazz, blues, and gospel music. Over time, it evolved and became a distinct genre. Female artists played a key role in this evolution. They brought their own experiences and emotions into their music, creating songs that resonated with many.

In the mid-20th century, R&B began to gain mainstream popularity. Female singers started to emerge as stars. Their powerful voices and emotive performances captivated audiences. They sang about love, heartbreak, and empowerment. Their songs often reflected the struggles and triumphs of their lives.

These artists did not just sing; they also wrote and produced music. They broke barriers in an industry dominated by men. Their success opened doors for future generations of female artists. They showed that women could excel in every aspect of the music business.

The 1980s and 1990s were a golden era for female R&B artists. They dominated the charts and won numerous awards. Their music videos became iconic. They set trends in fashion and style. They influenced not just music, but also pop culture.

These artists collaborated with other musicians, blending R&B with hip-hop, pop, and other genres. This fusion created new sounds and expanded the reach of R&B. Their innovative approach kept the genre fresh and relevant.

In the 21st century, female R&B artists continue to thrive. They use social media to connect with fans and promote their music. They address contemporary issues in their songs, such as social justice and mental health. They remain influential figures in the music industry.

Their impact goes beyond music. They inspire young women to pursue their dreams. They advocate for equality and empowerment. They use their platforms to speak out on important issues. Their legacy is one of resilience, creativity, and strength.

The journey of female R&B artists is a testament to their talent and determination. They have overcome challenges and made significant contributions to the genre. Their music continues to inspire and entertain people around the world. Their stories are a vital part of the rich history of R&B.

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