by PC Marks

Created on: July 07, 2008   Last Updated: August 31, 2008

The greatest R & B singers of all times have staying power. Your parents listened to them, you were introduced to them and fell in love and your children are still listening to them, tapping their toes and snapping their fingers.

Thirty years in the business definitely makes you an R& B Superstar! Michael Joseph Jackson born August 29, 1958 maybe eccentric but definitely can be classified as one of the all time great R&B singers of our times. He got his start in October 1969, at 11 years old. "I Want You Back," "ABC," "The Love You Save," and "I'll Be There" all hit number one in 1970, making the Jackson 5 the first group in pop history to have their first four singles top the charts. In 1978 Jackson went solo hitting the charts producing four top ten singles from his solo debut "Off the Wall" album. When I think back to the eighties, I can only remember Michael Jackson, one glove, glittery socks, red leather jack and "moon walking" across the stage and "Thriller." Powerful!

Quincy Jones -birth date March 14, 1933 better known as "Q" and very well respected for his tributes to R & B as well as being a pioneer of composing theme songs for television shows such as Ironside (the first synthesizer-based TV theme song), Sanford and Son, and The Bill Cosby Show. The 1960s and '70s were also years of social activism for Quincy Jones, a major supporter of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Operation Breadbasket, an effort to promote economic development in the inner cities. Don't call him a senior citizen; he's still too cool today.

Ray Charles1930-2004 nicknamed the Genius; from 1940 until his death in 2004 Ray Charles Robinson soothed our souls with jazz, country and R &B. He was also a legendary singer/pianist/composer. And working with young up and comers such as Jamie Foxx, who is just as good as singing as he is acting.

Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly over 30 years ago (1977). After three decades in the music business, nearly 30 hit singles, nine Top Ten hits, and eight gold records, he is still going strong. Beverly and Maze is one of the most consistently popular R&B bands. The pioneers of Neo-soul.

Gerald Levert- the original one and only Velvet Teddy Bear. They tried to give Gerald's title to Reuben Studdard who could not hold a candle let alone a note to this great man and son of Eddie Levert from the O'Jays. A notable mention goes to his brother Shawn, may they both rest in peace.

John Legend -the best thing to happen to R & B in my opinion. born John Stephens, a multi-talented singer, songwriter, musician, arranger and producer is fulfilling his childhood dreams and ambitions. He's the one to watch. I'd say he along with Alicia Keys and Beyonce are going to be around forever and a day!

Sam Cooke- birth date January 22, 1931 born to a Baptist minister, an "A" student voted most likely to succeed. In 1951 he began his writing and recording career singing Gospel music. A Change is Going to Come.

Temptations- in the business for nearly fifty years! Formed in Detroit back in 1960 and known for its recognizable choreography, distinct harmonies, and onstage suits. The temptations are as influential to soul as the Beatles are to rock and roll.

The O" Jays- originated as a popular group in Cleveland Ohio, gaining notoriety and world wide acceptance must be considered one of the most important Soul Music groups of the past 35 years.

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