List of artists who reached number one on the Billboard R&B chart

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is a list of all the musicians and music groups who reached number one on the Billboard R&B singles chart.[1]

The chart was officially titled as follows:

Oct 1942 – Feb 1945 The Harlem Hit Parade
Feb 1945 – Jun 1949 Race Records
Jun 1949 – Oct 1958 Rhythm & Blues Records
Oct 1958 – Nov 1963 Hot R&B Sides
Nov 1963 – Jan 1965 No chart published
Jan 1965 – Aug 1969 Hot Rhythm & Blues Singles
Aug 1969 – Jul 1973 Best Selling Soul Singles
Jul 1973 – Jun 1982 Hot Soul Singles
Jun 1982 – Oct 1990 Hot Black Singles
Oct 1990 – Jan 1999 Hot R&B Singles
Jan 1999 – Dec 1999 Hot R&B Singles & Tracks
Dec 1999 – Apr 2005 Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks
April 2005 – present Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs

Lists are alphabetical by year.
NOTE : Annual totals may not sum to 52 weeks because:

  1. sometimes the No. 1 place was shared
  2. totals are counted from the start of the stay at No. 1 - for example, a hit which reached No. 1 in November 1945 and stayed there 11 weeks is included in the 1945 list but not 1946.

As well as the R&B best sellers (BS) chart, between 1948 and 1957 there was also an R&B juke box (JB) chart, and from 1955 to 1958 there was an R&B airplay (JY - jockeys) chart. These charts were consolidated into one in October 1958. Years at No. 1 on these different charts are listed where appropriate.

1942[]

  • Bing Crosby (3 weeks)
  • Earl Hines (1 week)
  • Andy Kirk (1 week)
  • Lucky Millinder (2 weeks)
  • Freddie Slack (2 weeks)
  • Paul Whiteman and Billie Holiday (3 weeks)

1943[]

  • Bea Booze (4 weeks)
  • Nat "King" Cole (3 weeks)
  • Bonnie Davis (5 weeks)
  • Duke Ellington (5 weeks)
  • Erskine Hawkins (14 weeks)
  • Dick Haymes (4 weeks)
  • The Ink Spots (9 weeks)
  • Harry James (1 week)
  • Louis Jordan (1 week)
  • Lucky Millinder (3 weeks)
  • Ella Mae Morse (2 weeks)

1944[]

  • Benny Carter (2 weeks)
  • Nat "King" Cole (14 weeks)
  • Duke Ellington (12 weeks)
  • Benny Goodman (1 week)
  • Lionel Hampton (6 weeks)
  • The Ink Spots and Ella Fitzgerald (12 weeks)
  • Buddy Johnson (1 week)
  • Louis Jordan (7 weeks)
  • Johnny Mercer (1 week)
  • The Mills Brothers (1 week)

1945[]

  • Cecil Gant (2 weeks)
  • Erskine Hawkins (6 weeks)
  • Louis Jordan (8 weeks)
  • Joe Liggins (18 weeks)
  • Lucky Millinder (8 weeks)
  • Roosevelt Sykes (7 weeks)
  • Cootie Williams (1 week)

1946[]

  • Ella Fitzgerald (with Louis Jordan) (5 weeks)
  • Lionel Hampton (16 weeks)
  • The Ink Spots (3 weeks)
  • Louis Jordan (35 weeks, inc. 5 weeks with Ella Fitzgerald)

1947[]

  • Savannah Churchill (8 weeks)
  • Louis Jordan (40 weeks)
  • Julia Lee (12 weeks)
  • Eddie Vinson (2 weeks)

1948[]

  • Roy Brown (1 week JB)
  • Pee Wee Crayton (1 week BS, 3 weeks JB)
  • Wynonie Harris (1 week BS, 1 week JB)
  • Ivory Joe Hunter (3 weeks BS, 3 weeks JB)
  • Bull Moose Jackson (11 weeks BS, 7 weeks JB)
  • Lonnie Johnson (7 weeks BS, 7 weeks JB)
  • Louis Jordan (2 weeks JB)
  • Julia Lee (9 weeks)
  • Memphis Slim (2 weeks JB)
  • Amos Milburn (7 weeks BS, 7 weeks JB)
  • Red Miller (4 weeks BS, 5 weeks JB)
  • The Orioles (1 week JB)
  • Hal Singer (4 weeks BS, 4 weeks JB)
  • Arbee Stidham (1 week BS, 1 week JB)
  • Sonny Thompson (4 weeks BS, 3 weeks JB)
  • Dinah Washington (1 week JB)

1949[]

  • Charles Brown (15 weeks BS, 11 weeks JB)
  • Larry Darnell (6 weeks BS, 8 weeks JB)
  • Wynonie Harris (1 week BS, 2 weeks JB)
  • John Lee Hooker (1 week JB)
  • Louis Jordan (12 weeks BS, 12 weeks JB)
  • Big Jay McNeely (1 week BS, 1 week JB)
  • Amos Milburn (2 weeks JB)
  • The Orioles (1 week BS)
  • Dinah Washington (2 weeks BS, 1 week JB)
  • Paul Williams (12 weeks BS, 14 weeks JB)
  • Jimmy Witherspoon (1 week BS)

1950[]

  • Roy Brown (3 weeks BS)
  • Ruth Brown (11 weeks BS, 7 weeks JB)
  • Nat "King" Cole (4 weeks JB)
  • Lowell Fulson (1 week BS, 4 weeks JB)
  • Ivory Joe Hunter (2 weeks BS, 7 weeks JB)
  • Louis Jordan (7 weeks BS, 4 weeks JB)
  • Joe Liggins (11 weeks BS, 13 weeks JB)
  • Percy Mayfield (2 weeks BS, 1 week JB)
  • Joe Morris (4 weeks BS, 3 weeks JB)
  • Johnny Otis and Little Esther (13 weeks BS, 10 weeks JB) (9 weeks BS / 5 weeks JB with The Robins, 4 weeks BS / 5 weeks JB with Mel Walker)

1951[]

  • Earl Bostic (4 weeks BS)
  • Jackie Brenston (3 weeks BS, 5 weeks JB)
  • Charles Brown (13 weeks BS, 14 weeks JB)
  • The Clovers (8 weeks BS, 3 weeks JB)
  • The Dominoes (14 weeks BS, 12 weeks JB)
  • The Five Keys (4 weeks BS, 2 weeks JB)
  • Lloyd Glenn (2 weeks JB)
  • Peppermint Harris (1 week BS, 2 weeks JB)
  • John Lee Hooker (4 weeks JB)
  • Amos Milburn (1 week BS, 3 weeks JB)
  • Jimmy Nelson (1 week JB)
  • Tab Smith (2 weeks BS)

1952[]

  • Johnny Ace (9 weeks BS)
  • Eddie Boyd (2 weeks BS, 7 weeks JB)
  • Ruth Brown (7 weeks BS, 6 weeks JB)
  • Tommy Brown with The Griffin Brothers (3 weeks JB)
  • The Clovers (1 week BS, 1 week JB)
  • Fats Domino (1 week BS)
  • The Dominoes (7 weeks BS, 10 weeks JB)
  • Jimmy Forrest (6 weeks BS, 7 weeks JB)
  • The Four Blazes (3 weeks JB)
  • Rosco Gordon (1 week BS)
  • B. B. King (7 weeks BS, 5 weeks JB)
  • Little Walter (1 week BS, 8 weeks JB)
  • Willie Mabon (8 weeks BS, 7 weeks JB)
  • Lloyd Price (7 weeks BS, 1 week JB)
  • Johnnie Ray (1 week BS, 1 week JB)

1953[]

  • Johnny Ace (5 weeks BS, 4 weeks JB)
  • Faye Adams (9 weeks BS, 10 weeks JB)
  • Ruth Brown (5 weeks BS, 5 weeks JB)
  • The "5" Royales (8 weeks BS, 8 weeks JB)
  • B.B. King (3 weeks JB)
  • Willie Mabon (2 weeks BS)
  • Clyde McPhatter and The Drifters (11 weeks BS, 1 week JB)
  • The Orioles (4 weeks BS, 5 weeks JB)
  • Big Mama Thornton (6 weeks BS, 7 weeks JB)
  • Big Joe Turner (8 weeks JB)

1954[]

  • Faye Adams (6 weeks BS, 5 weeks JB)
  • Ruth Brown (5 weeks BS, 9 weeks JB)
  • The Charms (9 weeks BS, 2 weeks JB, 2 weeks JY)
  • Clyde McPhatter and The Drifters (8 weeks BS, 8 weeks JB)
  • Guitar Slim (6 weeks BS, 14 weeks JB)
  • Roy Hamilton (8 weeks BS, 5 weeks JB)
  • B.B. King (2 weeks JB)
  • The Midnighters (9 weeks BS, 4 weeks JB)
  • Big Joe Turner (3 weeks JB)

1955[]

  • Johnny Ace (9 weeks BS, 9 weeks JB, 10 weeks JY)
  • Chuck Berry (9 weeks BS, 11 weeks JB, 9 weeks JY)
  • Ray Charles (1 week JB, 1 week JY)
  • Bo Diddley (2 weeks JB)
  • Fats Domino (11 weeks BS, 8 weeks JB, 10 weeks JY)
  • The Drifters (1 week JB)
  • Roy Hamilton (3 weeks BS)
  • Al Hibbler (1 week JB)
  • Etta James (4 weeks JY)
  • Little Walter ( 4 weeks BS, 5 weeks JB, 2 weeks JY)
  • Jay McShann (3 weeks BS, 2 weeks JB, 2 weeks JY)
  • The Moonglows (2 weeks JB, 1 week JY)
  • The Penguins (3 weeks BS, 3 weeks JB, 1 week JY)
  • The Platters (7 weeks BS, 6 weeks JB, 5 weeks JY)

1956[]

  • Ray Charles (2 weeks JB, 1 week JY)
  • Bill Doggett (13 weeks BS, 1 week JB, 5 weeks JY)
  • Fats Domino (15 weeks BS, 17 weeks JB, 20 weeks JY)
  • The El Dorados (1 week JB)
  • Little Willie John (3 weeks BS, 1 week JB, 5 weeks JY)
  • Little Richard (8 weeks BS, 9 weeks JB, 5 weeks JY)
  • Frankie Lymon and The Teenagers (5 weeks BS, 2 weeks JY)
  • Clyde McPhatter (1 week JB)
  • The Platters (10 weeks BS, 11 weeks JB, 13 weeks JY)
  • Elvis Presley (1 week BS, 6 weeks JB)
  • Shirley and Lee (3 weeks JB, 3 weeks JY)

1957[]

  • Paul Anka (2 weeks BS)
  • LaVern Baker (1 week JY)
  • Chuck Berry (1 week BS, 1 week JB, 5 weeks JY)
  • Bobby Bland (2 weeks JY)
  • The Bobbettes (4 weeks JY)
  • The Coasters (13 weeks BS, 2 weeks JB, 7 weeks JY)
  • Nat "King" Cole (2 weeks JY)
  • Sam Cooke (6 weeks BS, 6 weeks JY)
  • Fats Domino (14 weeks BS, 13 weeks JB, 12 weeks JY)
  • The Everly Brothers (1 week JY)
  • Ivory Joe Hunter (3 weeks JB, 1 week JY)
  • Jerry Lee Lewis (2 weeks BS, 1 week JY)
  • Little Richard (2 weeks JB)
  • Clyde McPhatter (1 week JY)
  • Mickey & Sylvia (2 weeks JY)
  • Elvis Presley (10 weeks BS, 4 weeks JB, 5 weeks JY)
  • Jimmie Rodgers (2 weeks BS, 1 week JY)
  • Larry Williams (1 week JY)
  • Chuck Willis (2 weeks JY)

1958[]

  • Chuck Berry (3 weeks BS, 3 weeks JY)
  • The Champs (4 weeks BS, 4 weeks JY)
  • Jimmy Clanton (1 week BS)
  • The Coasters (7 weeks BS, 6 weeks JY)
  • Cozy Cole (6 weeks)
  • Sam Cooke (1 week JY)
  • Danny & The Juniors (5 weeks BS)
  • Bobby Darin (2 weeks JY)
  • Bobby Day (3 weeks JY)
  • Tommy Edwards (3 weeks BS)
  • The Elegants (4 weeks BS, 4 weeks JY)
  • The Everly Brothers (5 weeks BS, 3 weeks JY)
  • Ernie Freeman (2 weeks JY)
  • Bill Justis (1 week JY)
  • The Kalin Twins (1 week JY)
  • Clyde McPhatter (1 week)
  • The Platters (3 weeks BS)
  • Perez Prado (2 weeks BS, 1 week JY)
  • Elvis Presley (3 weeks JY)
  • David Seville (1 week JY)
  • The Silhouettes (4 weeks BS, 6 weeks JY)
  • Chuck Willis (1 week JY)
  • Jackie Wilson (7 weeks)

1959[]

  • Brook Benton (16 weeks)
  • James Brown (1 week)
  • Ray Charles (1 week)
  • The Coasters (4 weeks)
  • Fats Domino (1 week)
  • The Drifters (1 week)
  • Wilbert Harrison (7 weeks)
  • Phil Phillips (1 week)
  • Lloyd Price (11 weeks)
  • Della Reese (2 weeks)
  • The Spacemen (3 weeks)
  • Jackie Wilson (1 week)

1960[]

  • Hank Ballard and The Midnighters (3 weeks)
  • Brook Benton (23 weeks, inc. 14 weeks with Dinah Washington)
  • Bill Black (8 weeks)
  • Buster Brown (1 week)
  • Jerry Butler (7 weeks)
  • The Drifters (1 week)
  • The Everly Brothers (1 week)
  • Bobby Marchan (1 week)
  • Dinah Washington (15 weeks, inc. 14 weeks with Brook Benton)
  • Jackie Wilson (7 weeks)

1961[]

  • Bobby Bland (1 week)
  • Ray Charles (6 weeks)
  • Chubby Checker (2 weeks)
  • Lee Dorsey (1 week)
  • The Jive Five (3 weeks)
  • Ernie K-Doe (5 weeks)
  • Ben E. King (4 weeks)
  • Bobby Lewis (10 weeks)
  • The Marcels (2 weeks)
  • The Marvelettes (7 weeks)
  • The Miracles (8 weeks)
  • The Pips (1 week)

1962[]

  • Booker T. & the MGs (4 weeks)
  • Gene Chandler (5 weeks)
  • Ray Charles (15 weeks)
  • Sam Cooke (3 weeks)
  • King Curtis (2 weeks)
  • The Four Seasons (1 week)
  • Barbara George (4 weeks)
  • Little Eva (3 weeks)
  • Barbara Lynn (3 weeks)
  • Esther Phillips (3 weeks)
  • Dee Dee Sharp (4 weeks)
  • Mary Wells (1 week)

1963[]

  • Bobby Bland (2 weeks)
  • The Chiffons (4 weeks)
  • Sam Cooke (1 week)
  • The Essex (2 weeks)
  • Jimmy Gilmer and the Fireballs (1 week)
  • Lesley Gore (3 weeks)
  • The Impressions (2 weeks)
  • Barbara Lewis (2 weeks)
  • Little Peggy March (1 week)
  • Martha and the Vandellas (4 weeks)
  • Garnet Mimms and the Enchanters (3 weeks)
  • The Miracles (1 week)
  • Paul and Paula (2 weeks)
  • Ruby and the Romantics (2 weeks)
  • Jimmy Soul (1 week)
  • Little Johnny Taylor (1 week)
  • Mary Wells (4 weeks)
  • Jackie Wilson (3 weeks)
  • Little Stevie Wonder (6 weeks)

1964[]

NOTE: No R&B charts were published between November 1963 and January 1965. The following R&B artists (as assessed by Joel Whitburn) had No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 pop chart during that period :

  • The Dixie Cups (3 weeks)
  • The Shangri-Las (1 week)
  • The Supremes (6 weeks)
  • Mary Wells (2 weeks)

1965[]

  • Fontella Bass (4 weeks)
  • James Brown (14 weeks)
  • Solomon Burke (3 weeks)
  • The Four Tops (9 weeks)
  • Marvin Gaye (2 weeks)
  • Little Milton (3 weeks)
  • Wilson Pickett (1 week)
  • The Supremes (1 week)
  • The Temptations (6 weeks)
  • Joe Tex (3 weeks)
  • Jr. Walker & the All Stars (4 weeks)

1966[]

  • James Brown (2 weeks)
  • Ray Charles (1 week)
  • Eddie Floyd (1 week)
  • The Four Tops (2 weeks)
  • Slim Harpo (2 weeks)
  • Wilson Pickett (8 weeks)
  • Lou Rawls (1 week)
  • Sam & Dave (1 week)
  • Percy Sledge (4 weeks)
  • The Supremes (6 weeks)
  • The Temptations (16 weeks)
  • Joe Tex (1 week)
  • Stevie Wonder (6 weeks)

1967[]

  • James Brown (3 weeks)
  • Aretha Franklin (17 weeks)
  • Gladys Knight & The Pips (6 weeks)
  • Martha and the Vandellas (1 week)
  • Aaron Neville (5 weeks)
  • Wilson Pickett (1 week)
  • Sam & Dave (7 weeks)
  • Freddie Scott (4 weeks)
  • The Supremes (2 weeks)
  • Bettye Swann (2 weeks)
  • Jackie Wilson (1 week)
  • Stevie Wonder (4 weeks)

1968[]

  • Archie Bell & The Drells (2 weeks)
  • James Brown (8 weeks)
  • Jerry Butler (1 week)
  • The Dells (3 weeks)
  • Aretha Franklin (10 weeks)
  • Marvin Gaye (13 weeks, inc. 6 weeks with Tammi Terrell)
  • The Intruders (1 week)
  • Hugh Masekela (4 weeks)
  • Otis Redding (3 weeks)
  • Smokey Robinson & The Miracles (1 week)
  • Johnnie Taylor (3 weeks)
  • The Temptations (4 weeks)
  • Stevie Wonder (1 week)

1969[]

  • James Brown (4 weeks)
  • Jerry Butler (2 weeks)
  • Tyrone Davis (3 weeks)
  • The Dells (1 week)
  • Aretha Franklin (5 weeks)
  • Marvin Gaye (6 weeks)
  • The Impressions (1 week)
  • The Isley Brothers (4 weeks)
  • The Originals (5 weeks)
  • Diana Ross and The Supremes (4 weeks)
  • Joe Simon (3 weeks)
  • Sly & The Family Stone (2 weeks)
  • The Temptations (7 weeks)
  • Jr. Walker & the All Stars (2 weeks)

1970[]

  • Brook Benton (1 week)
  • James Brown (2 weeks)
  • Tyrone Davis (2 weeks)
  • Aretha Franklin (5 weeks)
  • The Jackson Five (20 weeks)
  • The Moments (5 weeks)
  • Smokey Robinson & The Miracles (3 weeks)
  • Diana Ross (1 week)
  • Sly & The Family Stone (5 weeks)
  • The Supremes (1 week)
  • Stevie Wonder (6 weeks)

1971[]

  • James Brown (3 weeks)
  • The Chi-Lites (2 weeks)
  • King Floyd (4 weeks)
  • Aretha Franklin (5 weeks)
  • Marvin Gaye (9 weeks)
  • The Honey Cone (5 weeks)
  • The Jackson Five (3 weeks)
  • Gladys Knight & The Pips (1 week)
  • Jean Knight (5 weeks)
  • Denise LaSalle (1 week)
  • The Persuaders (2 weeks)
  • Wilson Pickett (1 week)
  • Sly & The Family Stone (5 weeks)
  • Johnnie Taylor (2 weeks)
  • The Temptations (3 weeks)
  • Rufus Thomas (2 weeks)

1972[]

  • James Brown (5 weeks)
  • The Chi-Lites (2 weeks)
  • The Dramatics (4 weeks)
  • Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway (1 week)
  • Aretha Franklin (2 weeks)
  • Al Green (12 weeks)
  • Luther Ingram (4 weeks)
  • Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes (2 weeks)
  • The O'Jays (1 week)
  • Billy Paul (4 weeks)
  • Billy Preston (1 week)
  • Joe Simon (2 weeks)
  • The Spinners (5 weeks)
  • The Staple Singers (4 weeks)
  • Joe Tex (1 week)
  • Bill Withers (1 week)
  • Bobby Womack (1 week)

1973[]

  • Aretha Franklin (2 weeks)
  • Marvin Gaye (6 weeks)
  • The Independents (1 week)
  • Eddie Kendricks (2 weeks)
  • Gladys Knight & The Pips (8 weeks)
  • Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes (2 weeks)
  • The Ohio Players (1 week)
  • The O'Jays (4 weeks)
  • Billy Preston (1 week)
  • The Spinners (5 weeks)
  • The Staple Singers (3 weeks)
  • Sylvia (2 weeks)
  • Johnnie Taylor (2 weeks)
  • The Temptations (2 weeks)
  • Timmy Thomas (2 weeks)
  • Fred Wesley & The J.B.s (2 weeks)
  • Barry White (2 weeks)
  • Stevie Wonder (6 weeks)

1974[]

  • Blue Magic (1 week)
  • James Brown (5 weeks)
  • Shirley Brown (2 weeks)
  • B.T. Express (1 week)
  • William DeVaughn (1 week)
  • Roberta Flack (5 weeks)
  • Aretha Franklin (3 weeks)
  • Al Green (1 week)
  • The Impressions (2 weeks)
  • The Jackson Five (1 week)
  • Eddie Kendricks (3 weeks)
  • Gladys Knight & The Pips (5 weeks)
  • Kool & The Gang (2 weeks)
  • Latimore (2 weeks)
  • George McCrae (2 weeks)
  • MFSB featuring The Three Degrees (1 week)
  • Rufus featuring Chaka Khan (1 week)
  • The Spinners (2 weeks)
  • Tavares (1 week)
  • The Temptations (1 week)
  • Barry White (3 weeks)
  • Bobby Womack (3 weeks)
  • Stevie Wonder (4 weeks)

1975[]

  • B.T. Express (1 week)
  • Natalie Cole (2 weeks)
  • The Commodores (1 week)
  • Carl Douglas (1 week)
  • Earth, Wind & Fire (2 weeks)
  • Faith Hope & Charity (1 week)
  • Graham Central Station (1 week)
  • Al Green (3 weeks)
  • Major Harris (1 week)
  • The Isley Brothers (3 weeks)
  • K.C. & The Sunshine Band (2 weeks)
  • Eddie Kendricks (1 week)
  • Ben E. King (1 week)
  • Kool & The Gang (1 week)
  • LaBelle (1 week)
  • Love Unlimited (1 week)
  • Van McCoy (1 week)
  • Gwen McCrae (1 week)
  • The Moments (1 week)
  • New Birth (1 week)
  • The Ohio Players (4 weeks)
  • The O'Jays (2 weeks)
  • Sharon Paige with Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes (1 week)
  • Peoples Choice (1 week)
  • The Pointer Sisters (2 weeks)
  • Smokey Robinson (1 week)
  • Shirley and Company (1 week)
  • Silver Convention (1 week)
  • Joe Simon (2 weeks)
  • The Spinners (1 week)
  • The Staple Singers (2 weeks)
  • Tavares (1 week)
  • The Temptations (2 weeks)
  • War (1 week)
  • Barry White (2 weeks)

1976[]

  • Brass Construction (1 week)
  • Brick (4 weeks)
  • The Brothers Johnson (1 week)
  • Natalie Cole (2 weeks)
  • The Commodores (2 weeks)
  • Tyrone Davis (1 week)
  • Earth, Wind & Fire (4 weeks)
  • Aretha Franklin (4 weeks)
  • Marvin Gaye (1 week)
  • K.C. & The Sunshine Band (4 weeks)
  • L.T.D. (2 weeks)
  • The Manhattans (1 week)
  • Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. (1 week)
  • Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes (2 weeks)
  • The Ohio Players (1 week)
  • The O'Jays (3 weeks)
  • Lou Rawls (2 weeks)
  • Rose Royce (2 weeks)
  • Diana Ross (1 week)
  • David Ruffin (1 week)
  • Rufus featuring Chaka Khan (2 weeks)
  • The Spinners (1 week)
  • Candi Staton (1 week)
  • The Sylvers (1 week)
  • Johnnie Taylor (6 weeks)
  • Wild Cherry (2 weeks)

1977[]

  • William Bell (1 week)
  • The Brothers Johnson (1 week)
  • Natalie Cole (5 weeks)
  • The Commodores (1 week)
  • Earth, Wind & Fire (7 weeks)
  • The Emotions (4 weeks)
  • The Floaters (6 weeks)
  • Aretha Franklin (1 week)
  • Marvin Gaye (5 weeks)
  • Thelma Houston (1 week)
  • The Isley Brothers (1 week)
  • K.C. & The Sunshine Band (1 week)
  • L.T.D. (2 weeks)
  • The O'Jays (1 week)
  • Rufus featuring Chaka Khan (2 weeks)
  • Slave (1 week)
  • Tavares (1 week)
  • Barry White (5 weeks)
  • Stevie Wonder (6 weeks)

1978[]

  • Bootsy's Rubber Band (1 week)
  • Chic (5 weeks)
  • Natalie Cole (2 weeks)
  • The Commodores (3 weeks)
  • Con Funk Shun (2 weeks)
  • Earth, Wind & Fire (1 week)
  • Enchantment (1 week)
  • Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway (2 weeks)
  • Foxy (2 weeks)
  • Funkadelic (6 weeks)
  • The Isley Brothers (2 weeks)
  • Rick James (2 weeks)
  • Quincy Jones (1 week)
  • Chaka Khan (3 weeks)
  • L.T.D. (2 weeks)
  • Johnny Mathis and Deniece Williams (4 weeks)
  • The O'Jays (5 weeks)
  • Parliament (3 weeks)
  • Teddy Pendergrass (2 weeks)
  • Stargard (2 weeks)
  • A Taste Of Honey (1 week)

1979[]

  • Chuck Brown & The Soul Searchers (4 weeks)
  • Chic (6 weeks)
  • The Commodores (1 week)
  • Earth, Wind & Fire (1 week)
  • Funkadelic (3 weeks)
  • G.Q. (2 weeks)
  • Instant Funk (3 weeks)
  • The Isley Brothers (1 week)
  • Michael Jackson (5 weeks)
  • Kool & The Gang (3 weeks)
  • Cheryl Lynn (1 week)
  • McFadden & Whitehead (1 week)
  • Parliament (4 weeks)
  • Peaches & Herb (4 weeks)
  • Prince (2 weeks)
  • Rufus and Chaka Khan (3 weeks)
  • Sister Sledge (2 weeks)
  • Donna Summer (1 week)
  • Anita Ward (5 weeks)

1980[]

  • George Benson (3 weeks)
  • The Brothers Johnson (2 weeks)
  • Tom Browne (4 weeks)
  • Larry Graham (2 weeks)
  • The Isley Brothers (4 weeks)
  • Jermaine Jackson (6 weeks)
  • Michael Jackson (6 weeks)
  • Kool & The Gang (6 weeks)
  • Ray, Goodman & Brown (1 week)
  • Diana Ross (4 weeks)
  • Shalamar (1 week)
  • The S.O.S. Band (5 weeks)
  • The Whispers (5 weeks)
  • Stevie Wonder (7 weeks)

1981[]

  • Earth, Wind & Fire (8 weeks)
  • The Four Tops (2 weeks)
  • The Gap Band (2 weeks)
  • Rick James (5 weeks)
  • Chaka Khan (2 weeks)
  • Evelyn King (1 week)
  • Kool & The Gang (1 week)
  • Lakeside (2 weeks)
  • Ray Parker Jr. & Raydio (2 weeks)
  • Smokey Robinson (5 weeks)
  • Roger (2 weeks)
  • Diana Ross and Lionel Richie (7 weeks)
  • Frankie Smith (4 weeks)
  • A Taste Of Honey (1 week)
  • Luther Vandross (2 weeks)
  • Yarbrough & Peoples (5 weeks)

1982[]

  • George Benson (1 week)
  • The Dazz Band (5 weeks)
  • Richard "Dimples" Fields (3 weeks)
  • Aretha Franklin (4 weeks)
  • The Gap Band (3 weeks)
  • Marvin Gaye (10 weeks)
  • Daryl Hall & John Oates (1 week)
  • Jennifer Holliday (4 weeks)
  • Evelyn King (5 weeks)
  • Skyy (2 weeks)
  • Deniece Williams (2 weeks)
  • Stevie Wonder (9 weeks)
  • Zapp (2 weeks)

1983[]

  • George Clinton (4 weeks)
  • DeBarge (5 weeks)
  • Aretha Franklin (2 weeks)
  • The Gap Band (1 week)
  • Michael Jackson (13 weeks, inc. 3 weeks with Paul McCartney)
  • Rick James (6 weeks)
  • Gladys Knight & The Pips (1 week)
  • Mtume (8 weeks)
  • New Edition (1 week)
  • Lionel Richie (7 weeks)
  • Rufus and Chaka Khan (1 week)
  • Donna Summer (3 weeks)

1984[]

  • Ashford & Simpson (3 weeks)
  • Cameo (4 weeks)
  • Chaka Khan (3 weeks)
  • Kool & The Gang (2 weeks)
  • Patti LaBelle (4 weeks)
  • Cheryl Lynn (1 week)
  • Midnight Star (5 weeks)
  • New Edition (1 week)
  • O'Bryan (1 week)
  • Billy Ocean (4 weeks)
  • Ray Parker Jr. (2 weeks)
  • Prince (9 weeks)
  • Lionel Richie (3 weeks)
  • Rockwell (5 weeks)
  • Deniece Williams (3 weeks)
  • Stevie Wonder (3 weeks)
  • Yarbrough & Peoples (1 week)

1985[]

  • The Commodores (4 weeks)
  • DeBarge (1 week)
  • Aretha Franklin (5 weeks)
  • Whitney Houston (2 weeks)
  • Isley Jasper Isley (3 weeks)
  • Freddie Jackson (8 weeks)
  • Kool & The Gang (2 weeks)
  • Loose Ends (1 week)
  • Maze featuring Frankie Beverly (2 weeks)
  • New Edition (3 weeks)
  • Ready For The World (2 weeks)
  • Rene & Angela (2 weeks)
  • Diana Ross (3 weeks)
  • USA for Africa (2 weeks)
  • Eugene Wilde (4 weeks)
  • Stevie Wonder (6 weeks)

1986[]

  • Gregory Abbott (2 weeks)
  • Bobby Brown (2 weeks)
  • Cameo (3 weeks)
  • Jean Carn (2 weeks)
  • El DeBarge (1 week)
  • Gwen Guthrie (1 week)
  • Whitney Houston (1 week)
  • Freddie Jackson (5 weeks inc. 1 week with Melba Moore)
  • Janet Jackson (4 weeks)
  • Oran "Juice" Jones (2 weeks)
  • Shirley Jones (2 weeks)
  • Patti LaBelle & Michael McDonald (4 weeks)
  • Levert (1 week)
  • Stephanie Mills (2 weeks)
  • Melba Moore with Freddie Jackson (1 week)
  • Meli'sa Morgan (3 weeks)
  • Billy Ocean (3 weeks)
  • Prince (4 weeks)
  • Ready For The World (2 weeks)
  • Rene & Angela (1 week)
  • Lionel Richie (2 weeks)
  • Timex Social Club (2 weeks)
  • Dionne Warwick with Elton John, Gladys Knight and Stevie Wonder (3 weeks)

1987[]

  • Herb Alpert with Janet Jackson (2 weeks)
  • Atlantic Starr (2 weeks)
  • Cameo (2 weeks)
  • Earth, Wind & Fire (1 week)
  • Force M.D.'s (2 weeks)
  • Freddie Jackson (3 weeks)
  • Janet Jackson (5 weeks, inc. 2 with Herb Alpert)
  • Michael Jackson (8 weeks)
  • Levert (2 weeks)
  • Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam (3 weeks)
  • L.L. Cool J (1 week)
  • Loose Ends (1 week)
  • Stephanie Mills (4 weeks)
  • Melba Moore (1 week)
  • The O'Jays (1 week)
  • Alexander O'Neal (2 weeks)
  • Prince (3 weeks)
  • Roger (1 week)
  • The System (1 week)
  • Luther Vandross (3 weeks, inc. 1 with Gregory Hines)
  • Jody Watley (3 weeks)
  • The Whispers (1 week)
  • Angela Winbush (2 weeks)
  • Stevie Wonder (2 weeks)

1988[]

  • Al B. Sure! (5 weeks)
  • Anita Baker (2 weeks)
  • The Boys (1 week)
  • Bobby Brown (4 weeks)
  • Cherrelle (1 week)
  • Terence Trent D'Arby (1 week)
  • Morris Day (2 weeks)
  • E.U. (1 week)
  • Freddie Jackson (4 weeks)
  • Michael Jackson (2 weeks)
  • Rick James feat. Roxanne Shante (1 week)
  • Johnny Kemp (2 weeks)
  • Gladys Knight & The Pips (1 week)
  • Levert (2 weeks)
  • The Mac Band featuring the McCampbell Brothers (1 week)
  • Teena Marie (1 week)
  • Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers (2 weeks)
  • George Michael (1 week)
  • Billy Ocean (1 week)
  • Jeffrey Osborne (1 week)
  • Pebbles (3 weeks)
  • Teddy Pendergrass (2 weeks)
  • Cheryl Pepsii Riley (1 week)
  • Sade (1 week)
  • Keith Sweat (3 weeks)
  • Tony! Toni! Tone! (1 week)
  • Luther Vandross (1 week)
  • Karyn White (1 week)
  • Stevie Wonder (1 week)

1989[]

  • Atlantic Starr (1 week)
  • Babyface (2 weeks)
  • Anita Baker (1 week)
  • Regina Belle (1 week)
  • Chuckii Booker (1 week)
  • The Boys (1 week)
  • Bobby Brown (2 weeks)
  • Peabo Bryson (1 week)
  • Natalie Cole (1 week)
  • De La Soul (1 week)
  • Roberta Flack (1 week)
  • Eric Gable (1 week)
  • The Gap Band (2 weeks)
  • Miki Howard (1 week)
  • Janet Jackson (2 weeks)
  • Jermaine Jackson (1 week)
  • Levert (1 week)
  • Maze feat. Frankie Beverly (2 weeks)
  • Stephanie Mills (2 weeks)
  • New Edition (2 weeks)
  • The O'Jays (2 weeks)
  • Prince (1 week)
  • Teddy Riley feat. Guy (1 week)
  • Skyy (2 weeks)
  • Soul II Soul (3 weeks)
  • Surface (5 weeks)
  • Today (1 week)
  • Luther Vandross (2 weeks)
  • Jody Watley (1 week)
  • Karyn White (5 weeks)
  • Vanessa Williams (2 weeks)

1990[]

  • After 7 (3 weeks)
  • Al B. Sure! (2 weeks, inc. 1 week with Quincy Jones)
  • Babyface (1 week)
  • Bell Biv DeVoe (3 weeks)
  • Regina Belle (1 week)
  • The Boys (1 week)
  • Mariah Carey (3 weeks)
  • En Vogue (3 weeks)
  • Johnny Gill (5 weeks, inc. 2 weeks with Stacy Lattisaw)
  • Whitney Houston (2 weeks)
  • Janet Jackson (2 weeks)
  • Quincy Jones (4 weeks, inc. 2 weeks with Ray Charles and Chaka Khan; 1 week with Al B. Sure!, James Ingram, El DeBarge and Barry White; 1 week with Tevin Campbell)
  • Stacy Lattisaw with Johnny Gill (2 weeks)
  • M.C. Hammer (1 week)
  • Pebbles (3 weeks)
  • Prince (1 week)
  • Samuelle (2 weeks)
  • Skyy (1 week)
  • Lisa Stansfield (3 weeks)
  • Keith Sweat (1 week)
  • The Time (1 week)
  • Tony! Toni! Tone! (6 weeks)
  • Ralph Tresvant (1 week)
  • Troop (3 weeks)
  • Ruby Turner (1 week)

1991[]

  • Boyz II Men (1 week)
  • Peabo Bryson (2 weeks)
  • Mariah Carey (1 week)
  • C & C Music Factory feat. Freedom Williams (1 week)
  • Color Me Badd (3 weeks)
  • Damian Dame (2 weeks)
  • DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince (1 week)
  • En Vogue (1 week)
  • Lisa Fischer (2 weeks)
  • Johnny Gill (1 week)
  • Hi-Five (3 weeks)
  • Whitney Houston (2 weeks)
  • Phyllis Hyman (1 week)
  • Freddie Jackson (3 weeks)
  • Jodeci (2 weeks)
  • Levert (1 week)
  • Gerald Levert (1 week)
  • Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam (1 week)
  • Pebbles (2 weeks)
  • Teddy Pendergrass (1 week)
  • Phil Perry (1 week)
  • The Rude Boys (2 weeks)
  • Shanice (4 weeks)
  • Tracie Spencer (1 week)
  • Surface (1 week)
  • Keith Sweat (1 week)
  • Tony! Toni! Tone! (2 weeks)
  • Luther Vandross (2 weeks)
  • Keith Washington (1 week)
  • Karyn White (1 week)
  • Christopher Williams (1 week)
  • Vanessa Williams (2 weeks)
  • BeBe & CeCe Winans (3 weeks, inc. 1 week feat. Mavis Staples)

1992[]

  • Al B. Sure! (1 week)
  • Mariah Carey (3 weeks)
  • Arrested Development (1 week)
  • Mary J. Blige (3 weeks)
  • Chuckii Booker (1 week)
  • Boyz II Men (5 weeks)
  • Bobby Brown (2 weeks)
  • Tevin Campbell (2 weeks)
  • En Vogue (3 weeks)
  • Aaron Hall (2 weeks)
  • Whitney Houston (11 weeks)
  • Miki Howard (1 week)
  • Michael Jackson (3 weeks)
  • Jodeci (4 weeks)
  • Glenn Jones (1 week)
  • R. Kelly and Public Announcement (3 weeks)
  • Gerald Levert (1 week)
  • Lo-Key? (1 week)
  • Prince (1 week)
  • Lionel Richie (1 week)
  • Lisa Stansfield (1 week)
  • Keith Sweat (2 weeks)
  • TLC (2 weeks)
  • Troop (1 week)
  • Luther Vandross and Janet Jackson with BBD and Ralph Tresvant (1 week)
  • Vanessa Williams (3 weeks)

1993[]

  • Tevin Campbell (3 weeks)
  • Dr. Dre featuring Snoop Doggy Dogg (2 weeks)
  • D.R.S. (6 weeks)
  • Mariah Carey (10 weeks)
  • H-Town (4 weeks)
  • Ice Cube featuring Das EFX (1 week)
  • Janet Jackson (4 weeks)
  • Jodeci (4 weeks)
  • Naughty By Nature (1 week)
  • Silk (8 weeks)
  • SWV (Sisters With Voices) (9 weeks)
  • Tag Team (1 week)
  • Xscape (4 weeks)

1994[]

  • Aaliyah (3 weeks)
  • Mariah Carey (2 weeks)
  • Boyz II Men (9 weeks)
  • Brandy (4 weeks)
  • Janet Jackson (10 weeks)
  • Jodeci (4 weeks)
  • R. Kelly (12 weeks)
  • TLC (9 weeks)
  • Barry White (3 weeks)
  • Xscape (2 weeks)

1995[]

  • Brandy (4 weeks)
  • Mariah Carey (6 weeks)
  • Whitney Houston (8 weeks)
  • Michael Jackson (4 weeks)
  • Montell Jordan (7 weeks)
  • R. Kelly (1 week)
  • Method Man feat. Mary J. Blige (3 weeks)
  • Monica (2 weeks)
  • The Notorious B.I.G. (9 weeks)
  • Shaggy (1 week)
  • Soul For Real (3 weeks)
  • Xscape (1 week)

1996[]

  • Monica (2 weeks)
  • Mary J. Blige (5 weeks)
  • R. Kelly (15 weeks inc. 1 with Ronald Isley)
  • SWV (1 week)
  • Mariah Carey (1 week)
  • Bone Thugs N Harmony (7 weeks)
  • Toni Braxton (2 weeks)
  • 2Pac (3 weeks)
  • K-Ci & JoJo (3 weeks with 2Pac)
  • Roger Troutman (3 weeks with 2Pac)
  • Keith Sweat (6 weeks inc. 3 with Athena Cage)
  • New Edition (3 weeks)
  • Aaliyah (2 weeks)
  • Az Yet (1 week)
  • Blackstreet (4 weeks)
  • Dr. Dre (4 weeks with Blackstreet)
  • Ginuwine (2 weeks)

1997[]

  • En Vogue (1 week)
  • Mariah Carey (3 weeks)
  • Erykah Badu (2 weeks)
  • Dru Hill (3 weeks)
  • Puff Daddy (14 weeks)
  • The Notorious B.I.G. (3 weeks)
  • Changing Faces (7 weeks)
  • Mase (6 weeks with Puff Daddy)
  • Faith Evans (8 weeks with Puff Daddy)
  • Usher (11 weeks)
  • LSG (7 weeks)
  • Boyz II Men (2 weeks)
  • 112 (8 weeks with Puff Daddy)

1998[]

  • Boyz II Men (1 week)
  • LSG (2 weeks)
  • Usher (8 weeks)
  • Destiny's Child (1 week)
  • Montell Jordan (3 weeks)
  • Next (3 weeks)
  • Janet Jackson (2 weeks)
  • Brandy (8 weeks)
  • Monica (14 weeks)
  • Kelly Price (5 weeks)
  • Dru Hill (3 weeks)
  • Deborah Cox (8 weeks)


Sources[]

  1. ^ Joel Whitburn's "Top R&B Singles" (ISBN 0-89820-115-2).
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