Solomon Burke
Known as the King of Rock and Soul, Solomon Burke died on Oct. 10, 2010 of natural causes. He created soulful tunes such as, “Cry to Me” and “Tonight’s the Night.”
(AP Photo/Ric Francis, File)
Tammi Terrell
With Marvin Gaye, Tammi Terrell has created some of the most memorable, classic black love duets like “Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” Unfortunately after several operations, Terrell passed away from cancer on March 16, 1970.
(File Photo)
Patti LaBelle
Starting off in the R&B girl group, LaBelle (“Lady Marmalade”), Patti LaBelle – known for her powerhouse voice – has created some of the best R&B hits of the 1980s and 1990s, such as “On My Own” and “Somebody Loves You Baby (You Know Who It Is).”
(Getty Images)
Blue Magic
One of Philadelphia soul’s smoothest groups, Blue Magic scored success with the classic R&B hit “Sideshow” – a metaphoric, romantic song.
1974’s “Blue Magic” album cover. Photo courtesy of Atco Records and Rhino Records.
The Stylistics
Another one of Philadelphia soul’s leading groups, The Stylistics brought hits like “You Are Everything”, “Betcha by Golly, Wow” – with style. They were created when two Philadelphia groups, The Percussions and The Monarchs combined their talents.
1975’s “The Very Best of The Stylistics.” Photo courtesy of Avco Records.
The Delfonics
Credited as one of the signature groups of Philadelphia Soul, The Delfonics created smooth R&B hits like “La-La (Means I Love You),” “Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time)” and “Ready or Not Here I Come (Can’t Hide from Love).”
1970’ds “The Delfonics” album cover. Photo courtesy of Buddha Records.
Billy Paul
We all know somebody whom somebody dedicated his signature song to about affair with a married woman. Yes, a married woman. “Me and Mrs. Jones” is Billy Paul’s number one cross over pop hit.
Photo courtesy of Sony.
Teddy Pendergrass
Known for songs our parents made us listen to, Teddy Pendergrass produced hits like “Close the Door” and “Turn Off the Lights.” Pendergrass died from respiratory failure on January 13, 2010.
(AP Photo/Suzanne Plunkett/file)
Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes
Incorporating genres from doo-wop to R&B/soul to disco, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes are known for hits “If You Don’t Know Me by Know” and “The Love I Lost.”
1975’s “To Be True” album cover. Photo courtesy of Philadelphia International.
Hall & Oates
Known for their blue-eyed soul tunes, the duo, Hall & Oates mixed singing with playing instruments while crossing over to the R&B charts with hits like “I Can’t Go for That (No Can Do).”
(Getty Images)
McFadden & Whitehead
The R&B duo, McFadden & Whitehead, is known for their signature song, “Ain’t No Stoppin Us Now” – frequently used as a theme song in popular culture and also, moving black America with the hit.
(Getty Images)
Frankie Beverly & Maze
Creators of ‘Silky Soul,’ Frankie Beverly and Maze created number one R&B hits, “Back in Stride” and “Can’t Get Over You.”
(Getty Images)
DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince
The hip-hop duo was the first hip-hop artists to gain popularity from Philadelphia – producing the first Grammy-award winning hit for best rap performance, “Parents Just Don’t Understand.”
(Getty Images)
Boyz II Men
As the R&B group who incorporated a classic sound of doo-wop to the early 1990s new jack swing, Boyz II Men’s R&B ballads were some of the biggest number one pop hits of the ‘90s, “End of the Road” and “I’ll Make Love to You.”
(Getty Images)
Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes
One-third of R&B girl group, TLC, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes untimely died on April 25, 2002. Left Eye reigned with TLC as the top girl group of 1990s with hits “Waterfalls,” “Creep” and “No Scrubs.”
(Getty Images)
The Roots
Known for combining hip-hop and neo-soul, The Roots have released 13 albums since 1987. Saturday, June 4, 201l the Roots are having their 4th Annual Roots Picnic at Festival Pier at Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia.
(File Photo)
Eve
One of the biggest female rappers of late 1990s and 2000s, Eve garnered platinum/multi-platinum success with albums “Let There Be Eve… Ruff Ryders’ First Lady” and “Scorpion.”
(Getty Images)
Musiq Soulchild
Known for his neo-soul tunes of the early 2000s, Musiq Soulchild produced hits “Just Friends (Sunny)” and “Love.”
(Getty Images)
Beanie Sigel
East Coast rapper, Beanie Sigel, received success with his debut album, “The Truth” – under the Roc-A-Fella label with fellow East Coast rappers Jay-Z and Freeway. The rapper is also for the “State Property” series.
2000’s “The Truth” album cover. Photo Courtesy of Roc-A-Fella and Def Jam.
Jill Scott
Living her life like it’s golden, Jill Scott – a poet as well – was discovered by a fellow Philadelphia native, The Roots’ drummer Questlove. Since then, she has become a Grammy-winning neo-soul artist –producing R&B hits like “A Long Walk” and “Hate on Me.”
(Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)
Great musicians come from major cities across the globe, and Philadelphia is home to some of the best – from Philly Soul to developing East Coast Hip Hop.
Check out our slideshow highlighting famous black musicians from one of the most prominent cities in black music: Philadelphia.
