John Coltrane -  American jazz saxophonist, bandleader and composer. He is among the most influential and acclaimed figures in the history of jazz and 20th-century music. Ray Charles - American singer, songwriter, and pianist. He is regarded as one of the most iconic and influential singers in history, and was often referred to by contemporaries […]

Don Cornelius - American television show host and producer widely known as the creator of the nationally syndicated dance and music show Soul Train, which he hosted from 1971 until 1993. Cornelius sold the show to MadVision Entertainment in 2008. Allan Barnes - American jazz musician, based in Detroit for the majority of his career. […]

Ben E King - American soul and R&B singer and record producer. He is best known as the singer and co-composer of "Stand by Me".   Keni Burke - American singer, songwriter, record producer, and multi-instrumentalist who began his career with four siblings in the 1970s band the Five Stairsteps. Sean Levert - American singer-songwriter […]

Jean Luc Ponty - French jazz violinist and composer. Tommy Tate - American soul singer and songwriter, who had three hits on the R&B chart in the 1970s.

Cissy Houston -  American soul and gospel singer. After a successful career singing backup for such artists as Roy Hamilton, Dionne Warwick, Elvis Presley, and Aretha Franklin, Houston embarked on a solo career, winning two Grammy Awards for her work. Frankie Lymon - American rock and roll/rhythm and blues singer and songwriter, best known as […]

Chubby Checker - American rock and roll singer and dancer. He is widely known for popularizing many dance styles, including The Twist dance style, with his 1960 hit cover of Hank Ballard & The Midnighters' R&B song "The Twist", and the Pony dance style with the 1961 cover of the song "Pony Time". Ronnie Laws […]

Walter Bishop Jr. - American jazz pianist. Nona Hendryx - American vocalist, record producer, songwriter, musician, author, and actress. Hendryx is known for her work as a solo artist as well as for being one-third of the trio Labelle, who had a hit with "Lady Marmalade".

Arlene Smith - Lead singer of R&B group The Chantels. Darondo - American soul singer from the San Francisco Bay Area. Richard Street - American soul and R&B singer, most notable as a member of Motown vocal group The Temptations from 1971 to 1993.

Thomas McClary - American musician, guitarist, singer, songwriter, and record producer best known as the founder and lead guitarist of The Commodores. McClary is credited with having created the signature sound of The Commodores' original music.

Toni Braxton - American R&B singer. She has sold over 70 million records worldwide and is one of the best-selling female artists in history. Braxton has won seven Grammy Awards, nine Billboard Music Awards, seven American Music Awards, and numerous other accolades.