A roundup of great soul music singers and artists

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

Soul music is a wonderful genre born in the United States, evolving from blues and gospel into a form of popular music that produced legendary singers, artists, and countless big hits that have gone down in music history.

Since the 1990s, genres like neo-soul have emerged, and the influence of soul music continues to flow strongly even now in the 2020s.

For those—especially beginners—who have become interested in soul music, we’ve put together an introduction to some of the most representative singers and artists.

If you want to experience the “soul” of great vocalists, be sure to check it out!

Great Soul Music Singers and Artists (21–30)

And The Beat Goes OnThe Whispers

The Whispers – “And The Beat Goes On” (Official Video)

And The Beat Goes OnThe Whispers

The Whispers, a group that produced a masterpiece worthy of being called a pinnacle of soul music.

Formed in Los Angeles in 1963, they released this 1979 track—a powerful message song themed around moving forward in life.

Riding a sprightly beat, it sings of overcoming the pain of heartbreak and finding the courage to take a new step.

It reached No.

19 on the U.S.

Billboard Hot 100, topped the R&B chart at No.

1, and achieved a brilliant No.

2 in the UK.

In 2002, it was featured in the popular game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, becoming a beloved song across generations.

Whether you want to light up the dance floor or find gentle encouragement at a crossroads in life, it continues to stand by listeners as a reassuring anthem.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Billie JeanMichael Jackson

Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (Official Video)

Billie JeanMichael Jackson

Michael Jackson, a quintessential American entertainer, left an indelible mark on music history.

With a unique style that fused pop, R&B, soul, and more, he captivated audiences around the world.

He debuted in 1964 as the lead vocalist of The Jackson 5 and launched his solo career in 1979.

He rose to prominence with the landmark album Off the Wall, and Thriller went on to sell over 65 million copies worldwide, setting a world record.

He won 13 Grammy Awards and solidified his status as a global superstar.

His innovative sound and dance performances transformed the music scene, and his commitment to social contribution—supporting 39 charitable organizations—has deeply touched countless hearts.

A true artist, he is highly recommended for anyone seeking to explore new possibilities in music and entertainment.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Great Soul Music Singers and Artists (31–40)

Everybody Plays the Foolthe main ingredient

The Main Ingredient – Everybody Plays the Fool (Audio)

Everybody Plays the Foolthe main ingredient

A groovy, soulful track from The Main Ingredient, formed in Harlem, New York in 1964.

Released in June 1972, this song wraps a universally relatable heartache in a sweet, gentle, and soulful melody.

Cuba Gooding Sr.’s emotionally rich lead vocals blend beautifully with the group’s meticulous harmonies to create a gem of a sound that reached No.

3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No.

2 on the R&B chart.

Featured on the album “Bitter Sweet,” the track has been widely used in film and television soundtracks, and Aaron Neville’s 1991 cover also became a hit.

It’s a song that quietly stays by your side on nights when your heart is in motion.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

In conclusion

The great artists and singers of soul music are far too many to cover in a single article, and as I mentioned at the beginning, countless wonderful talents have continued to emerge even after the 2000s. You might like trendy R&B but not know much about the legends of classic soul music—if this article has been helpful to people like that, I’m delighted!