Six best falsettos of classic soul and R&B

As a soul music enthusiast who grew up in the heart of Motown’s golden era, I can confidently say that these six falsetto singers have left an indelible mark on my life and the world of R&B. Each one of them brought something unique to the table, but if I had to rank them based on personal preference, Smokey Robinson would undoubtedly top my list.

During the 50s, 60s, and 70s, Soul and R&B tunes reigned supreme on American music charts. The popularity of record labels from Detroit, New York, Memphis, and Philadelphia made R&B a go-to choice for the youth.

During the peak of the Civil Rights Movement, labels like Motown transformed the public perception of African-American entertainers. Through soul music, diverse groups of individuals, regardless of their ethnicity, found unity. This music was uplifting and universally appealing.

Numerous iconic soul groups featured a crucial element: exceptional falsetto vocalists. From Smokey Robinson & The Miracles to Little Anthony & The Imperials, falsetto singing was at its peak during that era. Let’s explore the top six who excelled in this style.

The Best Falsetto Singers of Old School Soul and R&B

6. Eddie Holman

Eddie Holman has produced numerous chart-toppers, but his 1969 anthem “Hey There Lonely Girl” stands out as a timeless hit in the R&B genre. At just twenty-something when he sang it, Holman delivered one of the most exceptional falsetto performances among his contemporaries in the R&B scene. The song “Hey There Lonely Girl” is a classic, and it’s unfortunate that Holman didn’t match its success again. His vocal talent is on par with other notable falsetto singers mentioned here, which is why he’s included. This song, along with others, sparked my interest in classic soul music. Despite the passage of more than 50 years, Holman continues to tour and remains fondly remembered for this iconic record.

5. Philip Bailey

Philip Bailey is well-known for his distinctive use of falsetto singing in music, particularly as a co-lead vocalist for Earth, Wind & Fire (EWF). His voice, marked by its power, can be heard on popular tracks like “September,” “Fantasy,” and “Devotion,” among others. During the 1970s, Bailey was synonymous with falsetto singing, playing a significant role in EWF’s commercial success, making them one of the most successful soul groups ever. A comprehensive list of falsetto singers would be incomplete without him. To this day, he continues touring and has led EWF since Maurice White’s passing.

4. Russell Thompkins, Jr.

In the 1970s, Philadelphia soul reached its zenith with The Stylistics leading the charge. Renowned for the distinctive falsetto vocals of their lead singer Russell Thompkins, Jr., they produced some outstanding hits from that era, such as “Betcha By Golly, Wow,” “You Make Me Feel Brand New,” “Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart),” “You Are Everything,” and “I’m Stone in Love With You,” to name just a few. Thompkins, Jr., whose falsetto is considered among the best of all time, is often underestimated despite his greatness.

3. Little Anthony Gourdine

1958 saw a seventeen-year-old from New York pouring his soul into a song that would later be iconic in doo-wop and R&B – “Tears on My Pillow.” The track was famously recorded by Little Anthony and the Imperials, and it was one of the most played songs in the 1950s. Yet, this wasn’t Little Anthony’s only triumph; in the early to mid-60s, he enjoyed numerous chart-toppers with hits like “Hurt So Bad,” “I’m On The Outside (Looking In),” and “Goin’ Out of My Head.

Since my high school days, Little Anthony has been one of my cherished vocalists. His exceptional falsetto is unparalleled, and his influence on classic soul music is significant. Justifiably, he and the Imperials were enshrined in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 2009. Now in his early eighties, he continues to tour, an astounding fact given that his voice remains unaltered from the 1950s and 60s – a development that left me awestruck, as it seems he’s merely grown more refined over time.

2. Eddie Kendricks

Without a doubt, The Temptations are a legendary musical group that requires no introduction. They stand as one of the most remarkable accomplishments to emerge from Motown Records. During their most prosperous era, Eddie Kendricks and David Ruffin shared co-lead vocal duties, with Kendricks showcasing an unparalleled falsetto. His enchanting voice graced hits such as “The Way You Do The Things You Do,” “Get Ready,” and “Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me).” It’s no wonder that Kendricks is frequently hailed as one of the best falsettos in soul and R&B, contributing significantly to the Temptations’ iconic status. Tragically, Kendricks passed away at 52 in October 1992.

1. Smokey Robinson

Smokey Robinson played many roles at Motown. For years, he was the company’s Vice President. Before he became a beloved songwriter and producer responsible for songs such as “My Girl,” Robinson was simply an incredible singer. It was his group, the Miracles, that gave Motown its first million-selling record, “Shop Around”, in 1960. Robinson would lead his group by writing and singing their hits, songs such as “Tracks of My Tears,” “Ooo Baby Baby,” “I Second That Emotion,” “Baby, Baby Don’t Cry,” and many others.

Smokey Robinson, with his high-pitched voice, paved the path for many to follow. His exceptional singing and songwriting abilities reshaped soul music, ultimately transforming it into a widely accepted genre. Throughout his illustrious career, he has been honored with numerous awards, including induction into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame and the 2016 Gershwin Prize from the Library of Congress. One of my all-time favorite voices, Smokey Robinson, not only produced fantastic music for himself and others but also made significant historical strides in the process.

2024-10-03 16:00