Six best falsettos of classic soul and R&B
In the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s,
soul and R&B music dominated the charts in America. With the massive success of Detroit, New York, Memphis, and Philadelphia labels, R&B was a favorite among the young generation.
Motown and other labels changed the way African-American entertainers were viewed at the height of the Civil Rights Movement. Soul music brought people of all backgrounds and ethnicities together. It was happy music and a universal sound.
Many classic soul acts had a key ingredient. An immensely talented falsetto singer.
From Smokey Robinson and the Miracles to Little Anthony and the Imperials, falsetto singing was at the height of its powers. Let's take a look at the six best to ever do it.
The Best Falsetto Singers of Old School Soul and R&B
6. Eddie Holman
Eddie Holman has recorded multiple hits. However, his 1969 smash "Hey There Lonely Girl" has become a standard in the genre. Only in his early twenties, when he recorded it, Holman gave one of the best R&B falsetto performances of his generation. "Hey There Lonely Girl" is a perfect song, and it's a shame Holman could never repeat its success. His voice rivals any of the other falsetto singers mentioned in this list, that's why he's included. "Hey There Lonely Girl," among other songs, fueled my passion for the classic soul. Holman still tours and is remembered very fondly for a record he recorded more than 50 years ago.
5. Philip Bailey
Philip Bailey is one of the most recognizable falsettos in music history. Co-lead singer of Earth, Wind, and Fire, his powerful voice is heard on songs such as "September," "Fantasy," "Devotion," and many others. Bailey was the face of the falsetto in the 1970s, and his talent helped Earth, Wind, and Fire become one of the most commercially successful soul groups of all time. A list of falsetto singers would not be complete without him. He still tours and remains the leader of EWF since Maurice White's passing.
4. Russell Thompkins, Jr.
Philadelphia soul was at its prime in the 1970s, and The Stylistics were at the forefront. Known for their lead singer Russell Thompkins, Jr.'s distinctive falsetto, they were responsible for some amazing hits of the era, including "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," among many more. Thompkins, Jr. is by far one of the greatest falsettos of all time, though he is often underrated.