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 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.

3. Little Anthony Gourdine

In 1958, a young seventeen-year-old from New York sang his heart out on a song that would become a doo-wop and R&B standard. "Tears on My Pillow," recorded by Little Anthony and the Imperials, was one of the most popular songs of the 1950s. This was far from Little Anthony's only success, however. In the early to mid-60s, he had numerous hits with songs such as "Hurt So Bad," "I'm On The Outside (Looking In)," and "Goin' Out of My Head."

Little Anthony has been one of my favorite singers since I was in high school. His unique falsetto is unmatched, and his contributions to classic soul are plentiful. He and the Imperials were rightfully inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame in 2009. Now in his early 80s, he still tours, and impressively, his voice hasn't changed at all. He sounds the same way he did in the 50s and 60s, just more seasoned, which blew me away.

2. Eddie Kendricks

The Temptations are a group that needs no introduction. They are one of the greatest achievements to ever come out of Motown. Eddie Kendricks, who shared co-lead singer duties with David Ruffin during the group's most successful period, had a falsetto that no one could match. His mesmerizing voice can be heard on "The Way You Do The Things You Do," "Get Ready," and "Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)." Kendricks is often regarded as one of the top falsettos in soul and R&B for good reason, he helped the Temptations become iconic. Kendricks sadly 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's falsetto led the way for more to follow. His singing and songwriting talents changed soul forever and helped make it a mainstream genre. He has received many accolades in his career, from the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame to the 2016 Library of Congress Gershwin Prize. One of my favorite voices of all time, Smokey Robinson, not only created amazing music for himself and others but made history in the process.

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