In a historic recognition of musical genius, Billboard has officially named Stevie Wonder the greatest R&B artist of all time, placing him at the top of its newly released Greatest of All Time Top R&B/Hip-Hop Artists list.
The announcement, made on June 20, 2025, celebrates Stevie Wonder’s decades-long influence on the global music scene, particularly in rhythm and blues. The 25-time Grammy Award-winning artist was recognized for his unmatched songwriting, groundbreaking albums, and enduring chart performance that spans over six decades.
According to Billboard, the ranking was based on a combination of chart success, influence on the genre, longevity, and cultural impact. Wonder, born Stevland Hardaway Morris, first emerged as a child prodigy on Motown Records in the early 1960s and has since become synonymous with musical innovation and social consciousness.
Stevie Wonder’s rise began at just 11 years old when he was signed to Motown under the name “Little Stevie Wonder.” He achieved his first Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 single at age 13 with “Fingertips Pt. 2,” making him the youngest artist ever to top the chart.
Throughout the 1970s, Wonder released a string of critically acclaimed and commercially successful albums, including Talking Book, Innervisions, Songs in the Key of Life, and Fulfillingness’ First Finale. His hits like Superstition, Isn’t She Lovely, I Just Called to Say I Love You, and Sir Duke remain staples in R&B and pop playlists worldwide.
What separates Wonder from many of his peers is not just his technical brilliance, but his role as a trailblazer who fused genres like funk, jazz, gospel, and reggae into his unique R&B sound. His socially conscious lyrics also addressed issues ranging from civil rights to poverty and love, making him a voice for both art and activism.
In naming him the greatest, Billboard placed Stevie Wonder above other legendary R&B stars such as Aretha Franklin, Beyoncé, Prince, Marvin Gaye, Usher, Whitney Houston, and Luther Vandross. The list blends classic and modern artists, acknowledging the contributions of both vintage soul pioneers and today’s chart-toppers.
Usher, one of the few modern R&B artists to appear in the top 10, was noted for his commercial dominance in the early 2000s, particularly with the success of his Confessions album. Meanwhile, Beyoncé, who has often cited Wonder as a major influence, was recognized for her vocal mastery and genre-crossing appeal.
The honor comes as Billboard continues to celebrate the 125th anniversary of its charts with special rankings across music genres, including pop, rock, hip-hop, gospel, and Latin music.
Following the announcement, tributes poured in from fans, fellow musicians, and industry leaders. Social media lit up with messages honoring Wonder’s legacy, with many praising Billboard for giving the recognition to an artist who shaped the sound of modern R&B.
Music executive Clive Davis called Wonder “the beating heart of American R&B,” while Alicia Keys tweeted, “Stevie Wonder is the blueprint. A genius. A soul we’ve all learned from.”
Though Wonder has kept a relatively low profile in recent years, he continues to perform selectively and remains a powerful advocate for civil rights and humanitarian causes.
Now 75, Stevie Wonder’s contribution to music remains unparalleled. He is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and one of the most sampled artists in modern music.
His influence can be heard in the works of artists across generations — from Michael Jackson to John Legend and H.E.R. — solidifying his place not just in R&B history, but in global musical heritage.
As Billboard rightly affirms, Stevie Wonder is not just an R&B artist — he is R&B itself.