by Kimberley Heit

Created on: May 27, 2008

It's a hard job, but somebody has got to do it. In the name of "research" I've spent many, many hours watching videos featuring Usher's rock hard abs and listening to the sexy, knee weakening voices of singers like Barry White. At the end of the day I present you with the greatest male R&B singers of all time. In no particular order (drum roll please) I give you; Michael Jackson, Prince, Barry White, Usher and Stevie Wonder.

1. Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson began performing live when he was just 11 years old, as part of his family's band The Jackson 5. He went on to become one of the most well known solo artists of the 1980's and 1990s. Today he has been involved in the entertainment industry for four decades. He has been awarded 13 Grammy awards and has regularly been a best selling artist for songs like "Don't stop till you get enough", "Billie Jean", "Beat it", "The way you make me feel", "Black or white", "They don't care about us" and "Cry."

2. Barry White

Barry White, known as "The man with the velvet voice" produced hit songs for three decades from the 1970s-1990's. Barry White turned to music whilst serving time in prison for a gang related crime. His music has been used over and over again in recent years with a notable example being in the hit show Ally McBeal, in which he guest starred. He died in 2003 at aged 58 having sold 50 million albums. Some of his most famous songs are "You're the first, the last, my everything" "Can't get enough of your love, babe" and "All around the world".

3. Usher

Usher only debuted in the musical industry in the late 1990's, but he has already sold 30 millions albums in this time. Usher started singing in his church choir, then in high school started to win talent shows. It was at one of these shows that he was discovered by a recording studio executive. He has had numerous number one singles and already holds Grammy awards. He has shown great entrepreneurial skills in launching his own record label. Ushers Hits have included; "You make me wanna", "Nice and slow", "U remind me", "Yeah", "Confessions Part II" and "My Boo". He has already had a chart topper this year with "Love in this club."

4. Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder has a staggering 25 Grammy awards and has produced over 30 top ten hits. This hall of fame singer can play the piano, harmonica, drums, bass guitar, keyboard and more all whilst being blind. He was signed to Motown records when he was only 12 years old and is still singing under them today. He has sold more then 100 millions albums and also writes and produces songs for other artists. Some of his most popular hits include "That's what friends are for", "I just called to say I love you", "You are the sunshine of my life", and "Signed, sealed, delivered I'm yours".

5. Prince

Prince is one of the most diverse artists in the music industry. This diversity has earned him a place in the hall of fame. He has released hundreds of songs and written numerous more for other artists. Some of his most popular hits are "Little red corvette", "When doves cry", "Raspberry beret", "Cream", "Diamonds and pearls" and "The most beautiful girl in the world".

Finally, because it was such a hard decision a few runner ups deserve a mention they are; Marvin Gaye, Al Green and Lionel Ritchie.

Learn more about this author, Kimberley Heit.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.