The Dallas native, whose catalog includes “Bag Lady,” “Love of My Life” with Common and “Window Seat,” has collaborated with fellow alt-R&B progenitor Janelle Monae and even released a remix of Drake’s “Hotline Bling.” 1 singles “On & On,” “Next Lifetime” and “Tyrone,” from her live album later that year. Badu’s insightful lyrics and textured vocals powered the No. Image Credit: Photo by David A. Beloff/Getty ImagesĮrykah Badu’s early 1997 debut, Baduizm, refreshingly reconfigured R&B, hip-hop, jazz and other elements into an alternative sound tagged as neo-soul. Usher has since taken excursions into dance and pop via subsequent albums, including Here I Stand and Looking 4 Myself. While second and third albums My Way and 8701 further built his artistic credentials, it was 2004 album Confessions - featuring the singles “Yeah,” “Burn” and “Confessions Part II” - that solidified the smooth-dancing tenor’s reputation as an influential force in his own right (mentoring artists including Justin Bieber). Image Credit: Photo by Paul Hampartsoumian/REX ShutterstockĬiting Michael Jackson as a major influence, singer/songwriter Usher notched his first R&B top 10 with “Think of You” in 1995. Those lengthy absences have done nothing to dilute D’Angelo’s solid reputation as a creative force influencing such next-gen acts as Frank Ocean. The sexy crooner returned in 2005 with acclaimed Voodoo (“Untitled ) and then waited nine years to release Black Messiah. With Prince, Al Green, and Raphael Saadiq as inspirational guideposts, the singer/songwriter/musician has since become the Haley’s Comet of music. Image Credit: Photo by Frans Schellekens/RedfernsĬredited as one of neo-soul’s leading progenitors, along with Erykah Badu, Maxwell and Lauryn Hill, D’Angelo wowed the industry and fans alike in 1995 with stunning debut album Brown Sugar (featuring the title track “Lady” and “Cruisin’”). Taking an eight-year break after 2001 third album Now, the singer singlehandedly staged a soul revival with 2009’s BLACKsummers’night, spinning off the hits “Pretty Wings,” “Bad Habits” and “Fistful of Tears.” Kelly-penned “Fortunate” from the film Life, Maxwell brought a suave, sophisticated and sexy swagger to his role as an innovative foot soldier in the neo-soul movement. Whether covering Kate Bush’s “This Woman’s Work” or the R. Maxwell collaborated with songwriter/producer Leon Ware (Marvin Gaye) for his groundswell-building 1996 debut Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite (featuring “Ascension,” “Sumthin’ Sumthin’”). Image Credit: Photo by Earl Gibson/BET/Getty Images for BET 1, the singer/songwriter/actress kept the R&B fires burning with back-to-back No. Making her head-turning debut in 2000 with the platinum-selling Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol.

Image Credit: Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty ImagesĪrmed with a distinctive style melding R&B, jazz, hip-hop, spoken word, opera, country and other influences, Philadelphia native Jill Scott uses her soaring soprano to color in stories about female empowerment and love. Among other catalog notables: “If I Can’t Have You,” “Tell Mama” and “I’d Rather Go Blind.” Portrayed by Beyoncé in the 2008 film Cadillac Records, James released her last album in 2011 ( The Dreamer) - the same year that DJ Avicii (“Levels”) and Flo Rida (“Good Feeling) sampled her ’62 hit “Something’s Got a Hold on Me.” James died in 2012. Image Credit: Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Imagesīest known for her indelible 1961 version of wedding standard “At Last,” Etta James first took off in 1955 with the R&B chart-topper “The Wallflower.” Her gutsy, take-no-prisoner vocals colorfully interpreted everything from blues and R&B/soul to rock n’roll, jazz and gospel.

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