nt</div>n</div>nttt</div>ntttt</div>n”,”data”:[{“divId”:”div-gpt-dsk-tab-bb-list-in-list1-uid0″,”displayType”:”medrec”,”targeting”:[{“key”:”pos”,”value”:”in-body1″},{“key”:”pos”,”value”:”in-list1″},{“key”:”pos”,”value”:”in-list”},{“key”:”pos”,”value”:”mid”},{“key”:”refresh”,”value”:”240″}],”lazyLoad”:”no”,”lazyLoadMultiplier”:2,”zone”:”lists/in-list1″,”sizes”:[[300,250],[300,251]]}]}},{“ID”:1236272718,”position”:1,”positionDisplay”:2,”date”:”2026-06-14 18:56:23″,”modified”:”2026-06-15 12:15:38″,”title”:”49. Bar-Kays”,”subtitle”:null,”slug”:”49-bar-kays”,”caption”:””,”description”:”ntttt
nnnnnnnnnnn
ntOne of the most storied backing bands in R&B history during their time at Stax Records, the Bar-Kays supported no less a soul icon than Otis Redding during his 1967 peak, while also scoring a crossover smash of their own with the riotous (mostly) instrumental “Soul Finger.†The tragic plane crash that claimed Redding's life in late '67 also took four members of the Bar-Kays. But the group improbably recovered with a new lineup to continue as vital contributors to the soul scene of the late '60s and early '70s u2014 notching another signature hit with 1971's oft-sampled “Son of Shaftu201d and backing the legendary Isaac Hayes on one of the greatest R&B albums of all time, 1969's Hot Buttered Soul</em>. u2014 ANDREW UNTERBERGER</em></p>nnnn
</p>n</div>”,”alt”:””,”image_credit”:””,”url”:”https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-rb-groups-all-time/”,”image_id”:0,”image”:””,”sizes”:{“pmc-gallery-s”:[],”pmc-gallery-m”:[],”pmc-gallery-l”:[],”pmc-gallery-xl”:[],”pmc-gallery-xxl”:[]},”fullWidth”:0,”fullHeight”:0,”mime_type”:”image”,”ad”:””,”appleSongID”:null,”enableAppleGA”:false,”additionalDescription”:null,”subtitleColor”:null,”additionalSubtitle”:null,”additionalSubtitleColor”:null,”ads”:{“html”:”t
nttttt
nttttn
nt
nttnt</div>n</div>nttt</div>ntttt</div>n”,”data”:[{“divId”:”div-gpt-dsk-tab-bb-list-in-listx-uid1″,”displayType”:”medrec”,”targeting”:[{“key”:”pos”,”value”:”in-bodyX”},{“key”:”pos”,”value”:”in-listX”},{“key”:”pos”,”value”:”mid”},{“key”:”pos”,”value”:”in-list”}],”lazyLoad”:”yes”,”lazyLoadMultiplier”:2,”zone”:”lists/in-listx”,”sizes”:[[300,250],[300,251]]}]}},{“ID”:1236272720,”position”:2,”positionDisplay”:3,”date”:”2026-06-14 18:57:19″,”modified”:”2026-06-15 12:05:20″,”title”:”48. Martha & The Vandellas”,”subtitle”:null,”slug”:”48-martha-and-the-vandellas”,”caption”:””,”description”:”
ntttt
nnnnnnnnnnn
ntAfter nearly outshining Marvin Gaye on a few of his early classics as backup singers, Martha & The Vandellas took center stage in the mid-'60s as Motownu2019s most versatile, gritty girl group. Martha Reevesu2019 range (and the irrepressible exuberance of Rosalind Ashford and Annette Beard) meant the group could start a pounding party on u201cDancing in the Street,u201d serve introspective harmonizing on u201cIn My Lonely Room,u201d sell lovelorn sweet sighs on u201cJimmy Macku201d and belt out the ultimate encapsulation of loveu2019s pulsating chaos with u201c(Love Is Like A) Heat Wave.u201d u2014u00a0JOE LYNCH</em></p>nnnn
</p>n</div>”,”alt”:””,”image_credit”:””,”url”:”https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-rb-groups-all-time/”,”image_id”:0,”image”:””,”sizes”:{“pmc-gallery-s”:[],”pmc-gallery-m”:[],”pmc-gallery-l”:[],”pmc-gallery-xl”:[],”pmc-gallery-xxl”:[]},”fullWidth”:0,”fullHeight”:0,”mime_type”:”image”,”ad”:””,”appleSongID”:null,”enableAppleGA”:false,”additionalDescription”:null,”subtitleColor”:null,”additionalSubtitle”:null,”additionalSubtitleColor”:null,”ads”:{“html”:”t
nttttt
nttttn
nt
nttnt</div>n</div>nttt</div>ntttt</div>n”,”data”:[{“divId”:”div-gpt-dsk-tab-bb-list-in-listx-uid2″,”displayType”:”medrec”,”targeting”:[{“key”:”pos”,”value”:”in-bodyX”},{“key”:”pos”,”value”:”in-listX”},{“key”:”pos”,”value”:”mid”},{“key”:”pos”,”value”:”in-list”}],”lazyLoad”:”yes”,”lazyLoadMultiplier”:2,”zone”:”lists/in-listx”,”sizes”:[[300,250],[300,251]]}]}},{“ID”:1236272722,”position”:3,”positionDisplay”:4,”date”:”2026-06-14 18:57:53″,”modified”:”2026-06-15 12:06:41″,”title”:”47. The Dramatics”,”subtitle”:null,”slug”:”47-the-dramatics”,”caption”:””,”description”:”
ntttt
nnnnnnnnnnn
ntThe Dramatics understood that great music must be heard, felt and seen deep in the soul. The Detroit group distinguished itself through impeccable harmonies, coordinated choreography and emotionally rich storytelling. Their catalog includes classics such as u201cWhatcha See Is Whatcha Get,u201d u201cIn the Rainu201d and u201cMe and Mrs. Jones.u201d Their signature ballad, u201cIn the Rain,u201d topped Billboard</em>u2019s then-named Hot Soul Singles chart and remains a defining soul recording of the u201870s. While Motown dominated much of Detroitu2019s musical narrative, The Dramatics showcased the cityu2019s theatrical side. The group's blend of showmanship and vocal precision influenced generations of R&B performers, while later collaborations with Snoop Dogg and extensive hip-hop sampling underscore their enduring legacy. u2014u00a0RAQUELLE HARRIS</em></p>nnnn
</p>n</div>”,”alt”:””,”image_credit”:””,”url”:”https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-rb-groups-all-time/”,”image_id”:0,”image”:””,”sizes”:{“pmc-gallery-s”:[],”pmc-gallery-m”:[],”pmc-gallery-l”:[],”pmc-gallery-xl”:[],”pmc-gallery-xxl”:[]},”fullWidth”:0,”fullHeight”:0,”mime_type”:”image”,”ad”:””,”appleSongID”:null,”enableAppleGA”:false,”additionalDescription”:null,”subtitleColor”:null,”additionalSubtitle”:null,”additionalSubtitleColor”:null,”ads”:{“html”:”t
nttttt
nttttn
nt
nttnt</div>n</div>nttt</div>ntttt</div>n”,”data”:[{“divId”:”div-gpt-dsk-tab-bb-list-in-listx-uid3″,”displayType”:”medrec”,”targeting”:[{“key”:”pos”,”value”:”in-bodyX”},{“key”:”pos”,”value”:”in-listX”},{“key”:”pos”,”value”:”mid”},{“key”:”pos”,”value”:”in-list”}],”lazyLoad”:”yes”,”lazyLoadMultiplier”:2,”zone”:”lists/in-listx”,”sizes”:[[300,250],[300,251]]}]}},{“ID”:1236272724,”position”:4,”positionDisplay”:5,”date”:”2026-06-14 18:58:23″,”modified”:”2026-06-15 12:08:08″,”title”:”46. The Time”,”subtitle”:null,”slug”:”46-the-time”,”caption”:””,”description”:”
ntttt
nnnnnnnnnnn
ntu201cSomebody bring me a mirror so I can look at myself!u201d The Time started as an outlet for Prince to write, produce and release music outside of his solo career, but soon morphed into a vehicle for flashy frontman Morris Day and his performative preening. If Prince was distant, Day was audaciously demonstrative. His fun, appealing personality fueled the wild synth-funk of the 1982 classicu00a0What Time Is It?</em>u00a0and sublimely ridiculous jams like u201cThe Birdu201d and u201cJungle Love.u201d For Morris, more was more, and onstage, the Minneapolis bandu2019s indisputable chops routinely proved they were far more than just Prince protegu00e9s. Among its members: future songwriting/production stars Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. u2014u00a0J.L.</em></p>nnnn
</p>n</div>”,”alt”:””,”image_credit”:””,”url”:”https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-rb-groups-all-time/”,”image_id”:0,”image”:””,”sizes”:{“pmc-gallery-s”:[],”pmc-gallery-m”:[],”pmc-gallery-l”:[],”pmc-gallery-xl”:[],”pmc-gallery-xxl”:[]},”fullWidth”:0,”fullHeight”:0,”mime_type”:”image”,”ad”:””,”appleSongID”:null,”enableAppleGA”:false,”additionalDescription”:null,”subtitleColor”:null,”additionalSubtitle”:null,”additionalSubtitleColor”:null,”ads”:{“html”:”t
nttttt
nttttn
nt
nttnt</div>n</div>nttt</div>ntttt</div>n”,”data”:[{“divId”:”div-gpt-dsk-tab-bb-list-in-listx-uid4″,”displayType”:”medrec”,”targeting”:[{“key”:”pos”,”value”:”in-bodyX”},{“key”:”pos”,”value”:”in-listX”},{“key”:”pos”,”value”:”mid”},{“key”:”pos”,”value”:”in-list”}],”lazyLoad”:”yes”,”lazyLoadMultiplier”:2,”zone”:”lists/in-listx”,”sizes”:[[300,250],[300,251]]}]}},{“ID”:1236272726,”position”:5,”positionDisplay”:6,”date”:”2026-06-14 18:58:58″,”modified”:”2026-06-15 12:08:52″,”title”:”45. Atlantic Starr”,”subtitle”:null,”slug”:”45-atlantic-starr”,”caption”:””,”description”:”
ntttt
nnnnnnnnnnn
ntBeginning as a funk-oriented ensemble before evolving into one of the defining R&B vocal groups of the 1980s, the New York-based act built a catalog that resonated with both R&B and pop audiences. Hits such as u201cSecret Lovers,u201d u201cCircles,u201d u201cTouch a Four Leaf Cloveru201d and u201cAlwaysu201d showcased the groupu2019s versatility, with u201cAlwaysu201d reaching No. 1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts. Despite lineup changes and shifting musical trends, Atlantic Starr earned nine top 10 R&B hits. Their polished harmonies, romantic ballads and crossover appeal helped define the Quiet Storm era. Later sampled by Usher, Mary J. Blige and others, Atlantic Starr also helped influence the next generation of R&B/hip-hop. u2014u00a0R.H.</em></p>nnnn
</p>n</div>”,”alt”:””,”image_credit”:””,”url”:”https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-rb-groups-all-time/”,”image_id”:0,”image”:””,”sizes”:{“pmc-gallery-s”:[],”pmc-gallery-m”:[],”pmc-gallery-l”:[],”pmc-gallery-xl”:[],”pmc-gallery-xxl”:[]},”fullWidth”:0,”fullHeight”:0,”mime_type”:”image”,”ad”:””,”appleSongID”:null,”enableAppleGA”:false,”additionalDescription”:null,”subtitleColor”:null,”additionalSubtitle”:null,”additionalSubtitleColor”:null,”ads”:{“html”:”t
nttttt
nttttn
nt
nttnt</div>n</div>nttt</div>ntttt</div>n”,”data”:[{“divId”:”div-gpt-dsk-tab-bb-list-in-listx-uid5″,”displayType”:”medrec”,”targeting”:[{“key”:”pos”,”value”:”in-bodyX”},{“key”:”pos”,”value”:”in-listX”},{“key”:”pos”,”value”:”mid”},{“key”:”pos”,”value”:”in-list”}],”lazyLoad”:”yes”,”lazyLoadMultiplier”:2,”zone”:”lists/in-listx”,”sizes”:[[300,250],[300,251]]}]}},{“ID”:1236272728,”position”:6,”positionDisplay”:7,”date”:”2026-06-14 18:59:35″,”modified”:”2026-06-15 12:10:00″,”title”:”44. DeBarge”,”subtitle”:null,”slug”:”44-debarge”,”caption”:””,”description”:”
ntttt
nnnnnnnnnnn
ntSigned to Motownu2019s Gordy label in the early u201880s the sibling group led by El and Bunny DeBarge instantly stood out for the brothers' velvety harmonies and lush, melodic songwriting. DeBarge's blend of pop and soul yielded a run of indelible R&B hits, including u201cI Like It,u201d u201cAll This Love,u201d and u201cRhythm of the Night.u201d Even as the lineup shifted, the groupu2019s signature sound remained: a seamless mix of falsetto leads and tight vocal interplay, earning DeBarge a lasting place among R&Bu2019s elite. The group disbanded in 1989, while as a solo act, El scored the top five R&B/pop single u201cWhou2019s Johnny,u201d among other R&B hits. u2014u00a0G.M.</em></p>nnnn
</p>n</div>”,”alt”:””,”image_credit”:””,”url”:”https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-rb-groups-all-time/”,”image_id”:0,”image”:””,”sizes”:{“pmc-gallery-s”:[],”pmc-gallery-m”:[],”pmc-gallery-l”:[],”pmc-gallery-xl”:[],”pmc-gallery-xxl”:[]},”fullWidth”:0,”fullHeight”:0,”mime_type”:”image”,”ad”:””,”appleSongID”:null,”enableAppleGA”:false,”additionalDescription”:null,”subtitleColor”:null,”additionalSubtitle”:null,”additionalSubtitleColor”:null,”ads”:{“html”:”t
nttttt
nttttn
nt
nttnt</div>n</div>nttt</div>ntttt</div>n”,”data”:[{“divId”:”div-gpt-dsk-tab-bb-list-in-listx-uid6″,”displayType”:”medrec”,”targeting”:[{“key”:”pos”,”value”:”in-bodyX”},{“key”:”pos”,”value”:”in-listX”},{“key”:”pos”,”value”:”mid”},{“key”:”pos”,”value”:”in-list”}],”lazyLoad”:”yes”,”lazyLoadMultiplier”:2,”zone”:”lists/in-listx”,”sizes”:[[300,250],[300,251]]}]}},{“ID”:1236272731,”position”:7,”positionDisplay”:8,”date”:”2026-06-14 19:00:26″,”modified”:”2026-06-15 12:10:39″,”title”:”43. War”,”subtitle”:null,”slug”:”43-war”,”caption”:””,”description”:”
ntttt
nnnnnnnnnnn
ntEmerging from Long Beach, Calif. in the late u201860s, the intrepid War fused R&B, funk and Latin rhythms into a distinctive, genre-bending sound. The multicultural collective made its mark with crossover hits like u201cSpill the Wineu201d (with the Animalsu2019 Eric Burdon), u201cThe World Is a Ghetto,u201d u201cThe Cisco Kid,u201c u201cWhy Canu2019t We Be Friends?u201d and u201cLow Rider.u201d Powered by hypnotic grooves and socially conscious lyrics, Waru2019s ever-evolving lineup delivered both infectious party jams and pointed commentary, with an innovation and crossover appeal that cemented the band's status as fearless pioneers. u2014u00a0G.M.</em></p>nnnn
</p>n</div>”,”alt”:””,”image_credit”:””,”url”:”https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-rb-groups-all-time/”,”image_id”:0,”image”:””,”sizes”:{“pmc-gallery-s”:[],”pmc-gallery-m”:[],”pmc-gallery-l”:[],”pmc-gallery-xl”:[],”pmc-gallery-xxl”:[]},”fullWidth”:0,”fullHeight”:0,”mime_type”:”image”,”ad”:””,”appleSongID”:null,”enableAppleGA”:false,”additionalDescription”:null,”subtitleColor”:null,”additionalSubtitle”:null,”additionalSubtitleColor”:null,”ads”:{“html”:”t
nttttt
nttttn
nt
nttnt</div>n</div>nttt</div>ntttt</div>n”,”data”:[{“divId”:”div-gpt-dsk-tab-bb-list-in-listx-uid7″,”displayType”:”medrec”,”targeting”:[{“key”:”pos”,”value”:”in-bodyX”},{“key”:”pos”,”value”:”in-listX”},{“key”:”pos”,”value”:”mid”},{“key”:”pos”,”value”:”in-list”}],”lazyLoad”:”yes”,”lazyLoadMultiplier”:2,”zone”:”lists/in-listx”,”sizes”:[[300,250],[300,251]]}]}},{“ID”:1236272733,”position”:8,”positionDisplay”:9,”date”:”2026-06-14 19:00:58″,”modified”:”2026-06-15 12:14:32″,”title”:”42. The Whispers”,”subtitle”:null,”slug”:”42-the-whispers”,”caption”:””,”description”:”
ntttt
nnnnnnnnnnn
ntFormed in 1964, Los Angelesu2019 own legends The Whispers built a reputation for silky-smooth harmonies and enduring ballads that defined radiou2019s Quiet Storm era. Anchored by the identical Scott twins, Walter and Wallace (aka u201cScottyu201d), the group u2014 whose lineup included Marcus Hutson, Nicholas Caldwell and Leaveil Degree (succeeding original member Gordy Harmon) u2014 found chart-topping success on Dick Griffeyu2019s S.O.L.A.R.u00a0u00a0label with the classics u201cAnd the Beat Goes Onu201d and u201cRock Steady,u201d plus top 10 fan faves through the u201880s into the u201890s such as u201cLady,u201d u201cItu2019s a Love Thingu201d and u201cKeep on Lovinu2019 Me.u201d Never straying from a signature sumptuous blend of romance and groove, The Whispers remain a lasting touchstone for R&B lovers. u2014u00a0G.M.</em></p>nnnn
</p>n</div>”,”alt”:””,”image_credit”:””,”url”:”https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-rb-groups-all-time/”,”image_id”:0,”image”:””,”sizes”:{“pmc-gallery-s”:[],”pmc-gallery-m”:[],”pmc-gallery-l”:[],”pmc-gallery-xl”:[],”pmc-gallery-xxl”:[]},”fullWidth”:0,”fullHeight”:0,”mime_type”:”image”,”ad”:””,”appleSongID”:null,”enableAppleGA”:false,”additionalDescription”:null,”subtitleColor”:null,”additionalSubtitle”:null,”additionalSubtitleColor”:null,”ads”:{“html”:”t
nttttt
nttttn
nt
nttnt</div>n</div>nttt</div>ntttt</div>n”,”data”:[{“divId”:”div-gpt-dsk-tab-bb-list-in-listx-uid8″,”displayType”:”medrec”,”targeting”:[{“key”:”pos”,”value”:”in-bodyX”},{“key”:”pos”,”value”:”in-listX”},{“key”:”pos”,”value”:”mid”},{“key”:”pos”,”value”:”in-list”}],”lazyLoad”:”yes”,”lazyLoadMultiplier”:2,”zone”:”lists/in-listx”,”sizes”:[[300,250],[300,251]]}]}},{“ID”:1236272735,”position”:9,”positionDisplay”:10,”date”:”2026-06-14 19:01:38″,”modified”:”2026-06-15 12:12:43″,”title”:”41. The Stylistics”,”subtitle”:null,”slug”:”41-the-stylistics”,”caption”:””,”description”:”
ntttt
nnnnnnnnnnn
ntThe Stylistics defined Philadelphia soul. Led by frontman Russell Thompkins Jr.u2019s signature falsetto and songwriting/production duo Thom Bell and Linda Creed, the group raised a generation of yearners on lush romantic R&B ballads. Their dominant run in the u201870s was capped off by 12 straight top 10 hits on the R&B chart: u201cYou Make Me Feel Brand New,u201d u201cYou Are Everythingu201d and u201cBreak Up to Make Upu201d to name a few, as The Stylistics became a key cog in the machine powering Quiet Storm radio, while also providing an early example for groups like fellow Philly natives Boyz II Men to build on u2014 in the decades to come.u00a0u2013u00a0MICHAEL SAPONARA</em></p>nnnn
</p>n</div>”,”alt”:””,”image_credit”:””,”url”:”https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-rb-groups-all-time/”,”image_id”:0,”image”:””,”sizes”:{“pmc-gallery-s”:[],”pmc-gallery-m”:[],”pmc-gallery-l”:[],”pmc-gallery-xl”:[],”pmc-gallery-xxl”:[]},”fullWidth”:0,”fullHeight”:0,”mime_type”:”image”,”ad”:””,”appleSongID”:null,”enableAppleGA”:false,”additionalDescription”:null,”subtitleColor”:null,”additionalSubtitle”:null,”additionalSubtitleColor”:null}],”galleryCount”:”10″,”galleryID”:”1236272710″,”previousPageLink”:””,”nextPageLink”:””,”template”:”item-featured-image”,”ordering”:””,”galleryTitle”:”The 50 Best R&B Groups of All Time (Nos. 50-41): Staff Picksu00a0″,”isList”:”1″,”logo”:[],”i10n”:{“backToArticle”:”Back to Article”,”backToAllGalleries”:”Back to All Galleries”,”backToReview”:”Back to Review”,”backToAllReviews”:”Back to All Reviews”,”thumbnail”:”Thumbnails”,”nextSlide”:”Next Slide”,”prevSlide”:”Previous Slide”,”skipAd”:”Skip Ad”,”skipIn”:”Skip In”,”of”:”of”,”missingSomething”:”You’re missing something!”,”subscribeNow”:”Subscribe Now”,”next”:”Next”,”nextGallery”:”Next Gallery”,”closeThisMessage”:”Close this message”,”closeModal”:”Close Modal”,”closeGallery”:”Close Gallery”,”startSlideShow”:”Start Slideshow”,”lightBox”:”Lightbox”,”scrollUp”:”Scroll Up”,”scrollDown”:”Scroll Down”,”look”:”Look”,”readMore”:”Read More”,”showLess”:”Show Less”,”vertical”:{“photo”:”Photo”}},”ads”:{“rightRailGallery”:{“html”:”t
nttttt
nttttn
nt
nttnt</div>n</div>nttt</div>ntttt</div>n”,”data”:[{“divId”:”div-gpt-dsk-tab-bb-gallery-horizontal-uid9″,”displayType”:”flexrec”,”targeting”:[{“key”:”pos”,”value”:”top”},{“key”:”pos”,”value”:”atf”},{“key”:”pos”,”value”:”rail”},{“key”:”pos”,”value”:”rail1″},{“key”:”pos”,”value”:”rail-top”},{“key”:”pos”,”value”:”top”}],”lazyLoad”:”no”,”lazyLoadMultiplier”:2,”zone”:”gallery-horizontal”,”sizes”:[[300,250],[300,251],[300,600]]}]}},”adsProvider”:”boomerang”,”railBottomAdRefreshInterval”:”1″,”adhesionAdRefreshInterval”:”2″,”adAfter”:null,”listAdFrequency”:”1″,”socialIconsUseMenu”:”1″,”socialIcons”:{“facebook”:[],”twitter”:[],”pinterest”:[],”tumblr”:[]},”twitterUserName”:”billboard”,”timestamp”:{“date”:”June 15, 2026, 4:01pm”,”datetime”:”2026-06-15T16:01:03-04:00″},”showThumbnails”:””,”siteTitle”:”Billboard”,”siteUrl”:”/”,”pagePermalink”:”https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-rb-groups-all-time/”,”enableInterstitial”:null,”interstitialAdAfter”:null,”zoom”:”1″,”pinit”:null,”sponsored”:””,”sponsoredStyle”:[],”runwayMenu”:[],”mobileCloseButton”:””,”galleryFetchUrl”:null,”styles”:{“header-height”:”79px”,”theme-color”:”var(–color-brand-primary)”,”vertical-album-image-margin-top”:”0″,”vertical-album-image-margin-right”:”1.25rem”,”vertical-album-image-margin-bottom”:”2.5rem”,”vertical-album-image-margin-left”:”0″,”vertical-headline-font-weight”:700,”vertical-caption-font-weight”:300,”vertical-subtitle-font-weight”:500,”vertical-player-font-weight”:500,”vertical-headline-font-family”:”inherit”,”vertical-caption-font-family”:”inherit”,”vertical-subtitle-font-family”:”inherit”,”vertical-player-font-family”:”inherit”,”vertical-max-image-width”:”inherit”,”horizontal-intro-card-font-family”:”inherit”},”forceSameEnding”:””,”subscriptionsLink”:””,”isMobile”:””,”listItemsPerPage”:”100″,”listItemStyles”:{“rankNumberStyle”:{“backgroundColor”:”var(–color-white)”,”color”:”var(–color-black)”},”videoPlayButtonStyle”:{“fill”:”rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.7)”,”stroke”:”#000000″,”strokeWidth”:”4px”},”videoPlayButtonHoverStyle”:{“stroke”:”rgb(0, 255, 154)”,”strokeWidth”:”4px”},”videoPlayButtonIconStyle”:{“fill”:”rgb(0, 255, 154)”},”shareButtonStyle”:{“backgroundColor”:”rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.4)”,”borderWidth”:”0px”},”shareButtonIconStyle”:{“fill”:”#ffffff”},”paginationButtonStyle”:{“color”:”inherit”,”border”:”solid 1px #000″,”padding”:”10px 30px”,”fontWeight”:”700″}},”listNavBar”:{“minimumNumberOfItems”:”50″,”numberOfRangesAtMinWidth”:{“0″:5,”530″:7,”800″:10},”parentElementQuerySelector”:”.header-sticky”,”parentElementStyle”:{“transition”:”margin 250ms ease-in”,”marginBottom”:”0″,”zIndex”:”9999″,”overflow”:”visible”},”containerElementAttributes”:{“id”:”pmc-gallery-list-nav-bar-container”,”className”:””,”style”:{“transition”:”opacity 500ms ease-in”,”position”:”absolute”,”top”:”100%”,”right”:”0″,”left”:”0″,”width”:”100%”,”height”:”36px”,”backgroundColor”:”var(–background-color-grey-light)”}},”renderElementAttributes”:{“id”:”pmc-gallery-list-nav-bar-render”,”className”:””,”style”:{“backgroundColor”:”var(–background-color-grey-light)”,”color”:”black”,”height”:”100%”,”fontWeight”:”500″,”display”:”flex”,”alignItems”:”center”,”justifyContent”:”space-evenly”,”textAlign”:”center”,”max-width”:”80%”,”margin”:”0 auto”}},”rangeElementAttributes”:{“style”:{“color”:”var(–color-black)”,”padding”:”8px”,”height”:”100%”},”className”:”u-font-size-15 a-font-secondary lrv-u-background-color-brand-primary:hover”},”activeRangeElementAttributes”:{“style”:{“color”:”var(–color-brand-primary)”,”backgroundColor”:”var(–background-color-black)”,”fontFamily”:”var(–font-family-basic)”}},”progressBarElementAttributes”:{“style”:{“position”:”absolute”,”bottom”:”0″,”height”:”3px”,”width”:”100%”,”backgroundColor”:”black”,”transform”:”scaleX(0)”,”transformOrigin”:”left center”,”transition”:”transform 240ms cubic-bezier( 0.215, 0.610, 0.355, 1.000 )”,”willChange”:”transform”}},”generatedRanges”:{“0”:[{“indexStart”:0,”indexEnd”:1,”positionDisplayStart”:1,”positionDisplayEnd”:2,”link”:”https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-rb-groups-all-time/50-the-drifters”},{“indexStart”:2,”indexEnd”:3,”positionDisplayStart”:3,”positionDisplayEnd”:4,”link”:”https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-rb-groups-all-time/48-martha-and-the-vandellas”},{“indexStart”:4,”indexEnd”:5,”positionDisplayStart”:5,”positionDisplayEnd”:6,”link”:”https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-rb-groups-all-time/46-the-time”},{“indexStart”:6,”indexEnd”:7,”positionDisplayStart”:7,”positionDisplayEnd”:8,”link”:”https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-rb-groups-all-time/44-debarge”},{“indexStart”:8,”indexEnd”:9,”positionDisplayStart”:9,”positionDisplayEnd”:10,”link”:”https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-rb-groups-all-time/42-the-whispers”}],”530″:[{“indexStart”:0,”indexEnd”:1,”positionDisplayStart”:1,”positionDisplayEnd”:2,”link”:”https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-rb-groups-all-time/50-the-drifters”},{“indexStart”:2,”indexEnd”:3,”positionDisplayStart”:3,”positionDisplayEnd”:4,”link”:”https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-rb-groups-all-time/48-martha-and-the-vandellas”},{“indexStart”:4,”indexEnd”:5,”positionDisplayStart”:5,”positionDisplayEnd”:6,”link”:”https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-rb-groups-all-time/46-the-time”},{“indexStart”:6,”indexEnd”:7,”positionDisplayStart”:7,”positionDisplayEnd”:8,”link”:”https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-rb-groups-all-time/44-debarge”},{“indexStart”:8,”indexEnd”:9,”positionDisplayStart”:9,”positionDisplayEnd”:10,”link”:”https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-rb-groups-all-time/42-the-whispers”}],”800″:[{“indexStart”:0,”indexEnd”:0,”positionDisplayStart”:1,”positionDisplayEnd”:1,”link”:”https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-rb-groups-all-time/50-the-drifters”},{“indexStart”:1,”indexEnd”:1,”positionDisplayStart”:2,”positionDisplayEnd”:2,”link”:”https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-rb-groups-all-time/49-bar-kays”},{“indexStart”:2,”indexEnd”:2,”positionDisplayStart”:3,”positionDisplayEnd”:3,”link”:”https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-rb-groups-all-time/48-martha-and-the-vandellas”},{“indexStart”:3,”indexEnd”:3,”positionDisplayStart”:4,”positionDisplayEnd”:4,”link”:”https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-rb-groups-all-time/47-the-dramatics”},{“indexStart”:4,”indexEnd”:4,”positionDisplayStart”:5,”positionDisplayEnd”:5,”link”:”https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-rb-groups-all-time/46-the-time”},{“indexStart”:5,”indexEnd”:5,”positionDisplayStart”:6,”positionDisplayEnd”:6,”link”:”https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-rb-groups-all-time/45-atlantic-starr”},{“indexStart”:6,”indexEnd”:6,”positionDisplayStart”:7,”positionDisplayEnd”:7,”link”:”https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-rb-groups-all-time/44-debarge”},{“indexStart”:7,”indexEnd”:7,”positionDisplayStart”:8,”positionDisplayEnd”:8,”link”:”https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-rb-groups-all-time/43-war”},{“indexStart”:8,”indexEnd”:8,”positionDisplayStart”:9,”positionDisplayEnd”:9,”link”:”https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-rb-groups-all-time/42-the-whispers”},{“indexStart”:9,”indexEnd”:9,”positionDisplayStart”:10,”positionDisplayEnd”:10,”link”:”https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-rb-groups-all-time/41-the-stylistics”}]}},”closeButtonLink”:”/”};
/* ]]> */
Skip to main content
 Billboard celebrates Black Music Month with list of the genre’s legendary acts.
From left: Michael Jackson, Beyonce, Sly Stone, Diana Ross. Illustration by Vanessa Morsse.
Jackson, Beyonce: Kevin Mazur/Wi
What does it take to be considered one of the greatest R&B groups of all time? That's the question at the heart of this year's ambitious dive into the genre's collective legacy. Our last GOAT ranking was 2025's “Best 75 R&B Artists of All Time.†Now as Black Music Month 2026 unfolds, we're turning our focus to the ensembles whose harmonies, innovation and resilience have shaped — and continue to shape — generations.
Our staff cast a wide net, pulling from decades of music history to narrow down the 50 best R&B groups ever. The debates were as lively as any classic Verzuz battle, with fierce and enlightening exchanges over the merits of vocal collectives from Motown's heyday to the genre's ‘90s renaissance and beyond.Â
One topic that surfaced repeatedly: the noticeable scarcity of breakout R&B groups in the 2000s, a decade when solo stars increasingly dominated the charts and group acts started to become rare exceptions. Social media only amplified the discourse, as fans lined up to defend the enduring influence of groups like The Temptations, TLC, Boyz II Men and Destiny's Child — and to argue for the inclusion of cult favorites and modern icons alike.
To make the cut, groups were evaluated on a rigorous set of criteria. We weighed not just their discography and chart success, but also their staying power, cultural significance, influence on both R&B and hip-hop, and the legacy they've left in their wake. Whether they set trends, broke records or redefined what it means to collaborate, these groups have left indelible marks on both music and culture at large.
Of course, any attempt to rank the best is bound to spark disagreement. The passionate debates are part of that tradition, and we welcome them as a sign of R&B's vibrancy and evolution. The unveiling begins today (June 15) with Nos. 50-41. Ten more rankings will be revealed each day, culminating with the final top 10 on the Juneteenth holiday (June 19).Â
Above all, this list is meant to celebrate the artistry and impact of the genre's greatest collectives — honoring the past, present and future of Black music during a month dedicated to its enduring power.Â
-
50. The Drifters
Signed to Atlantic, the quartet — formed as the backing group for lead singer Clyde McPhatter — scored its first R&B Songs chart-topper in 1953 with “Money Honey.†A string of additional top 10 hits ensued, as did a rotating round of sonorous-voiced lead singers, including Bill Pinkney, Ben E. King and Rudy Lewis. Throughout the course of these various group iterations, the result was the same: heavenly harmonizing that still resonates today thanks to a crop of R&B/pop hits from the late ‘50s through the mid-‘60s, like “There Goes My Baby,†“Save the Last Dance for Me,†“Up on the Roof, “On Broadway†and “Under the Boardwalk.†— GAIL MITCHELL
-
49. Bar-Kays
One of the most storied backing bands in R&B history during their time at Stax Records, the Bar-Kays supported no less a soul icon than Otis Redding during his 1967 peak, while also scoring a crossover smash of their own with the riotous (mostly) instrumental “Soul Finger.†The tragic plane crash that claimed Redding's life in late '67 also took four members of the Bar-Kays. But the group improbably recovered with a new lineup to continue as vital contributors to the soul scene of the late '60s and early '70s — notching another signature hit with 1971's oft-sampled “Son of Shaft†and backing the legendary Isaac Hayes on one of the greatest R&B albums of all time, 1969's Hot Buttered Soul. — ANDREW UNTERBERGER
-
48. Martha & The Vandellas
After nearly outshining Marvin Gaye on a few of his early classics as backup singers, Martha & The Vandellas took center stage in the mid-'60s as Motown's most versatile, gritty girl group. Martha Reeves' range (and the irrepressible exuberance of Rosalind Ashford and Annette Beard) meant the group could start a pounding party on “Dancing in the Street,†serve introspective harmonizing on “In My Lonely Room,†sell lovelorn sweet sighs on “Jimmy Mack†and belt out the ultimate encapsulation of love's pulsating chaos with “(Love Is Like A) Heat Wave.†— JOE LYNCH
-
47. The Dramatics
The Dramatics understood that great music must be heard, felt and seen deep in the soul. The Detroit group distinguished itself through impeccable harmonies, coordinated choreography and emotionally rich storytelling. Their catalog includes classics such as “Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get,†“In the Rain†and “Me and Mrs. Jones.†Their signature ballad, “In the Rain,†topped Billboard's then-named Hot Soul Singles chart and remains a defining soul recording of the ‘70s. While Motown dominated much of Detroit's musical narrative, The Dramatics showcased the city's theatrical side. The group's blend of showmanship and vocal precision influenced generations of R&B performers, while later collaborations with Snoop Dogg and extensive hip-hop sampling underscore their enduring legacy. — RAQUELLE HARRIS
-
46. The Time
“Somebody bring me a mirror so I can look at myself!†The Time started as an outlet for Prince to write, produce and release music outside of his solo career, but soon morphed into a vehicle for flashy frontman Morris Day and his performative preening. If Prince was distant, Day was audaciously demonstrative. His fun, appealing personality fueled the wild synth-funk of the 1982 classic What Time Is It? and sublimely ridiculous jams like “The Bird†and “Jungle Love.†For Morris, more was more, and onstage, the Minneapolis band's indisputable chops routinely proved they were far more than just Prince protegés. Among its members: future songwriting/production stars Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. — J.L.
-
45. Atlantic Starr
Beginning as a funk-oriented ensemble before evolving into one of the defining R&B vocal groups of the 1980s, the New York-based act built a catalog that resonated with both R&B and pop audiences. Hits such as “Secret Lovers,†“Circles,†“Touch a Four Leaf Clover†and “Always†showcased the group's versatility, with “Always†reaching No. 1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts. Despite lineup changes and shifting musical trends, Atlantic Starr earned nine top 10 R&B hits. Their polished harmonies, romantic ballads and crossover appeal helped define the Quiet Storm era. Later sampled by Usher, Mary J. Blige and others, Atlantic Starr also helped influence the next generation of R&B/hip-hop. — R.H.
-
44. DeBarge
Signed to Motown's Gordy label in the early ‘80s the sibling group led by El and Bunny DeBarge instantly stood out for the brothers' velvety harmonies and lush, melodic songwriting. DeBarge's blend of pop and soul yielded a run of indelible R&B hits, including “I Like It,†“All This Love,†and “Rhythm of the Night.†Even as the lineup shifted, the group's signature sound remained: a seamless mix of falsetto leads and tight vocal interplay, earning DeBarge a lasting place among R&B's elite. The group disbanded in 1989, while as a solo act, El scored the top five R&B/pop single “Who's Johnny,†among other R&B hits. — G.M.
-
43. War
Emerging from Long Beach, Calif. in the late ‘60s, the intrepid War fused R&B, funk and Latin rhythms into a distinctive, genre-bending sound. The multicultural collective made its mark with crossover hits like “Spill the Wine†(with the Animals' Eric Burdon), “The World Is a Ghetto,†“The Cisco Kid,“ “Why Can't We Be Friends?†and “Low Rider.†Powered by hypnotic grooves and socially conscious lyrics, War's ever-evolving lineup delivered both infectious party jams and pointed commentary, with an innovation and crossover appeal that cemented the band's status as fearless pioneers. — G.M.
-
42. The Whispers
Formed in 1964, Los Angeles' own legends The Whispers built a reputation for silky-smooth harmonies and enduring ballads that defined radio's Quiet Storm era. Anchored by the identical Scott twins, Walter and Wallace (aka “Scottyâ€), the group — whose lineup included Marcus Hutson, Nicholas Caldwell and Leaveil Degree (succeeding original member Gordy Harmon) — found chart-topping success on Dick Griffey's S.O.L.A.R.  label with the classics “And the Beat Goes On†and “Rock Steady,†plus top 10 fan faves through the ‘80s into the ‘90s such as “Lady,†“It's a Love Thing†and “Keep on Lovin' Me.†Never straying from a signature sumptuous blend of romance and groove, The Whispers remain a lasting touchstone for R&B lovers. — G.M.
-
41. The Stylistics
The Stylistics defined Philadelphia soul. Led by frontman Russell Thompkins Jr.'s signature falsetto and songwriting/production duo Thom Bell and Linda Creed, the group raised a generation of yearners on lush romantic R&B ballads. Their dominant run in the ‘70s was capped off by 12 straight top 10 hits on the R&B chart: “You Make Me Feel Brand New,†“You Are Everything†and “Break Up to Make Up†to name a few, as The Stylistics became a key cog in the machine powering Quiet Storm radio, while also providing an early example for groups like fellow Philly natives Boyz II Men to build on — in the decades to come. – MICHAEL SAPONARA
Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox
Sign Up
