The Most Unforgettable R&b Artists of the 80s

There are a number of artists that had big hits in the 80’s but they remained in the decade without moving on with the times.

Prince is one of the most respected artists of today. He reached the height of his fame in the 80’s with great hits as “Controversy,” “Little Red Corvette,” and “1999.” He then starred in “Purple Rain,” a film that was said to depict the relationship he had with his father. The movie proved Prince to be a triple threat with his acting and dancing and of course singing. The soundtrack sold over 13 million copies and stayed in the number one spot on the Billboard charts for 24 weeks. “Purple Rain” became one of the top selling albums in history delivering many hits including “Let’s Go Crazy” and “When Doves Cry.”

Lionel Richie began with the Commodores in the 70’s but branched out on his own with some of the most romantic love songs ever written. “Can’t Slow Down” was released in 1983 and won a Grammy for Album of the Year. It spawned off many hits including “All Night Long” and “Dancing on the Ceiling.” Richie was never able to match its success, but he created many unforgettable songs throughout the 80’s which makes him unforgettable.

Michael Jackson is clearly one of the most unforgettable r&b artists of the decade. He released “Thriller” which is the top selling album of all time. It broke all sorts of records and was impossible to ever be able to match its success. He followed it up with “Bad” which produced several major hits as well, but with Michael’s competitive nature it was hard for him to settle not being able to match the success of “Thriller”. He continues to try to out do himself but hasn’t been able to do so. He changed music and the industry with “Thriller” and will always be respected as a true artist.

Janet Jackson made a name for herself despite her brother’s success and popularity. She became a triple threat with her well-known acting abilities but then she popped up with fantastic songs including “Control” and “Nasty” which bounced her into super stardom. She wasn’t just Michael’s little sister anymore. She became known as an incredibly honored singer and dancer.

Paula Abdul brought various forms of dance into music. It wasn’t just her songs that made people lover her. “Forever Your Girl” was released in 1987 and delivered five Top 10 hits for the dancer/singer. She continued her career into the mid 90’s until she faded out with an injury to her back and a battle with bulimia.

Whitney Houston is one of the best singers on this list. I think she is probably one of the best singers in history. Her voice is crisp and is able to hit the highest notes with grace. Her debut self-titled album in 1985 brought an incredible amount of attention and won her several Grammy’s. She had a string of hits that lasted throughout the decade and into the next decade. “How Will I know,” “You Give Good Love,” “Saving All My Love For You” are just some of her 80’s songs. She began her career as a model but proved herself as a classy and elegant singer that no other artist has been able to compare.

The great Tina Turner is a performer that has lasted throughout the 60’s and 70’s with her now ex-husband Ike Turner. She went on her own and delivered several solo albums in the late 70’s until she signed with Capitol Records in the early 80’s and delivered her greatest project ever “Private Dancer.” This album spawned a multitude of hits including “What’s Love Got To Do With It” and “Better Be Good To Me”. Tina sells out concerts all over the world and is one of the most recognizable women in music.

There are a number of other unforgettable r&b artists throughout the 80’s. Patti Labelle gave a “New Attitude,” Jeffrey Osborne put us “On The Wings of Love,” Sade gave us a “Smooth Operator,” and Chaka Khan came to fame with “I Feel For You.” Others still are unforgettable with many hits throughout the 80’s. I cannot fail to mention the incredible all female group En Vogue, the first boy band New Edition who spawned off several other careers with Bobby Brown and BVD, and then there are Cameo, Diana Ross, Luther Vandross, Jody Whatley, Stevie Wonder, Pebbles, Ray Parker Jr., and Rick James.