Artist Index How to use Artist INDEX

Ike & Tina Turner　

As husband and wife, Ike ＆ Tina Turner headed up one of the most potent live acts on the R＆B circuit during the ’60s and early ’70s. Guitarist and bandleader Ike kept his ensemble tight and w ..more

Isley Brothers　

First formed in the early ’50s, the Isley Brothers enjoyed one of the longest, most influential, and most diverse careers in the pantheon of popular music -- over the course of nearly a half centur ..more

Akira Kosemura　

Ashford & Simpson　

Nick Ashford (born May 4, 1942, Fairfield, South Carolina) and Valerie Simpson (born Aug 26, 1946, New York City, New York) have two careers, as songwriters and as performers, with the former se ..more

Usher　

After Usher Raymond was spotted by a LaFace record executive at a talent show in his hometown of Atlanta, it took no time for his career to take off. The 14-year-old auditioned for LaFace co- ..more

Atlantic Starr　

Atlantic Starr was among the top urban contemporary acts of the ’80s and fared well in the adult contemporary market as well, but their roots were ’70s soul and funk. Several members fi ..more

Above & Beyond　

One of the most successful trance acts of the 2000s, Above ＆ Beyond are a British trio known for their production and remix work, as well as their DJ performances and record label. Founded in 2000 ..more

Average White Band　

Their self-effacing name to the contrary, Average White Band was anything but -- one of the few white groups to cross the color line and achieve success and credibility playing funk, with their tig ..more

Alicia Keys　

By mixing R＆B with a sultry dose of neo-soul, Alicia Keys became an international star in 2001 with the release of her debut album. Songs in A Minor sold more than 50,000 copies during its first ..more

Al Kent　

Al Green　

Al Green was the first great soul singer of the ’70s and arguably the last great Southern soul singer. With his seductive singles for Hi Records in the early ’70s, Green bridged the gap ..more

Alexander O Neal　

This Minneapolis, Minnesota (via Natchez, Mississippi) soul man cut his teeth in the Time but bounced before the band signed with Warner Bros. His tough voice has the same grain and range as tha ..more

Aretha Franklin　

For nearly 40 years, Aretha Franklin has been an icon of contemporary pop music, known around the world as the Queen of Soul. With her extraordinary range and incendiary gospel-inspired phrasing, Fr ..more

Ann Peebles　

A diminutive singer with a powerful voice and an even stronger attitude, Ann Peebles was one of the artists who defined Willie Mitchell’s legendary Memphis soul label Hi Records, along wit ..more

Underworld　

Dance production team Underworld - Karl Hyde and Rick Smith - remain the personification of electronica music since the mid nineties. Despite the departure of DJ Darren Emerson, they are very successf ..more

Andy Stott　

Andre Cymone　

Andre Cymone, a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer, is more than a branch in the Prince musical family tree. Born Andre Simon Anderson in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Cymone grew u ..more

Avant　

Hailed as the new voice of ghetto soul and the first act signed to basketball great Magic Johnson’s Magic Johnson Music, Cleveland native Avant (born Myron Avant) debuted in 1998 with th ..more

Arthur Conley　

Arthur Conley sang and (with mentor Otis Redding) co-wrote the 1967 classic Sweet Soul Music, arguably the finest record ever made about the genre it celebrates. Born January 4, 1946, in Mc ..more

Earth Wind & Fire　

Earth, Wind ＆ Fire were one of the most musically accomplished, critically acclaimed, and commercially popular funk bands of the ’70s. Conceived by drummer, bandleader, songwriter, kalimba playe ..more