This list illustrates that soul music comes from within, and is not based on your skin color. When people are criticizing musicians such as Macklemore, Miley Cyrus or Iggy Azalea it is because these artists are appropriating R&B and Rap music, making it into something that the white audience wants to see, taking away these genres' authenticity. Here are eight white artists which build the R&B genre up instead of tearing it down, and show that you are accepted as long as you respect the history and essence of the R&B genre.
Teena Marie (1956-2010)
Reigning from a black neighborhood in Venice, CA, Teena Marie is not only a singer, but also an instrumentalist and songwriter. From 1979-2009 she released albums filled with soul-soothing, danceable, and groovy songs. Her passion for singing and performing is unmatched and, as she's one of my favorite performers, I had to post two videos.
'80s
Soul Train (1980)
B.E.T (Black Entertainment Awards) (2004)
"I'm Rick James Bitch"... R.I.P. Aaliyah
Rick Astley (1966)
Born in 1966, this man is known for his single Never Gonna Give You Up, which is legendary. Not only does the song play great, but the fact that the shrimpy and cute looking white boy is singing with that old black man sound makes this song take the cake.
Never Gonna Give You Up (1983)
'90s
Jon B. (1974)
Born in Pasadena, Jon B. made three albums which consisted of some of the smoothest 90's r&b grooves. With his three albums from 1995-2001, he captivated mainstream music listeners with his swag, charisma, and dreaminess... and people kept wanting more.
They Don't Know (1997)
Lisa Stansfield (1966)
Since the release of this woman's 1989 album Affection, Stansfield and her swagalicious 90's pixie cut have been able to sell over 20 million singles. Her vocal range, oftentimes compared to Mariah Carey's was definetely enough to make her an it-girl of the 90's. Her voice flowed stunningly with the dance-able and infections tunes.
The Real Thing (1997)
'00s
Robin Thicke (1977)
Thicke has worked with numerous artists including, Kid Cudi, Pharrell Williams, Mary J. Blige, Usher, Jennifer Hudson... the list goes on and on! Since 2002, this singer has made many R&B, hits and just like his predecessor Jon B., Thicke is also into the sisters. (Paula Patton). Ayeeee.
Wanna Love You Girl (2005)
Elliot Yamin (1978)
From all those Sweet-sounding R&B and Soul songs he performed on American Idol in 2006, his voice gained viewers' recognition, and was able to land himself a spot in the top 3! With songs like Wait For You, Yamin, did not fail to make great songs during his solo career.
Wait for You (2007)
'10s
Sam Smith (1992)
Sam Smith is from the U.K, and says that he loved to listen to the massive voices of Chacka Khan and Whitney Houston his whole life, which we can definitely tell from his singing.
I'm Not The Only One (2014)
Adele (1988)
Originating from the heavily African-Carribean populated city of Tottenhaum, England, she grew up in a single-parent household listening to Aaliyah, Mary J. Blige, and Beyoncé. She said that she hasn't read a book since Matilda when she was six years old, because singing is so entirely her life. Etta James is her biggest musical influence, and artists such as Kanye West and Beyoncé have praised her singing and song-writing ever since the release of her 2011 album. Enjoy....
Someone Like You (2011)
