The Evolution of R&B Vocal Techniques: A Deep Dive
Singing is an art
R&B vocals just hit different, don’t they? Whether it’s the soul-stirring belts of the ‘80s, the dreamy, breathy tones of today, or the intricate vocal runs that make your jaw drop, R&B has always been defined by its signature vocal style.
But here’s the thing—R&B vocals haven’t always sounded the way they do now. The way singers phrase their lyrics, shape their tone, and even use harmonies has evolved so much over the decades.
I remember growing up listening to my mom blast Whitney Houston and Toni Braxton, while my older cousins swore by Brandy and Aaliyah. Meanwhile, my playlist had Jhene Aiko, Summer Walker, and SZA—all completely different styles, yet still undeniably R&B. That’s when I realized: R&B vocals have constantly shifted and adapted, but the soul never left.
So, how did we get here? Let’s take a deep dive into how R&B vocal techniques have evolved, from the gospel-infused belting of the past to the soft, effortless sound of today.
1. The Gospel-Driven Power of Early R&B (1950s–1970s)
The Church Influence: Where R&B Vocals Started
R&B was born out of gospel, and you can hear it all over early records. The vocal style was big, powerful, and emotional—a direct result of singers training in church choirs.
Call-and-response singing (think a congregation echoing the preacher) laid the foundation for soulful ad-libs and vocal layering in R&B.
The raw emotion and intensity of gospel translated into gut-wrenching, heartfelt R&B performances.
Who embodied this sound?
Aretha Franklin – The literal Queen of Soul, her voice had that church-trained richness that made every song feel holy.
Ray Charles – Fused gospel-style belting with bluesy storytelling.
Sam Cooke – Balanced gospel power with smooth, romantic delivery.
Listen to: Aretha Franklin – “Ain’t No Way” (her vocal runs and emotional delivery? Pure magic.)
Belting & Vocal Strength
Before we had the breathy, vibey vocals of today, R&B was all about powerful, controlled belting.
The key was diaphragm control—singers projected from their core, not their throat.
Belting wasn’t just about being loud; it was about precision and emotion.
Who mastered this technique?
Patti LaBelle – Her vocal power could literally shake a room.
Gladys Knight – Balanced strength with rich, storytelling tones.
Donny Hathaway – His belting was full of soulful grit.
Must-listen: Patti LaBelle – “If Only You Knew”
2. The Rise of Smooth & Sensual Vocals (1980s–1990s)
The Art of Soft, Sultry Singing
As R&B moved into the ‘80s and ‘90s, singers started embracing softness—not every vocal had to be a full-force belt. Instead, we got silky, controlled tones that oozed sensuality.
This shift made R&B more intimate, perfect for slow jams and love songs.
Singers started using falsetto more, making their vocals feel lighter and airier.
Who mastered this sound?
Anita Baker – Her low, velvety tone felt like butter melting on a track.
Sade – Soft, smooth vocals that felt almost hypnotic.
Al B. Sure! – Brought that soft, laid-back tone into male R&B.
Listen to: Anita Baker – “Sweet Love”
The Melisma Boom
If the ‘80s and ‘90s did anything, they perfected melisma—those long, intricate vocal runs that every aspiring singer tries (and usually fails) to copy.
Singers stretched out syllables over multiple notes, making their vocals more expressive and dynamic.
This became a signature R&B skill, separating the greats from the rest.
Who defined melisma?
Mariah Carey – Could hit 20-note runs in a single breath.
Boyz II Men – Smooth, perfect execution of vocal riffs.
Brandy – Brought a laid-back, jazzy approach to runs.
Vocal masterclass: Mariah Carey – “Vision of Love”
Conclusion: The Future of R&B Vocals
R&B vocals have constantly evolved, but the heart of the genre remains: emotion, storytelling, and soul.
Where are we headed next?
A mix of classic techniques (belting, harmonies) blended with modern styles (breathy tones, conversational delivery).
More Afrobeats and global influences shaping the way R&B vocals sound.
A return to raw, unfiltered vocals, similar to how it started in gospel.
No matter how R&B changes, one thing’s for sure: the vocals will always be the soul of the genre.
I’d love to hear your thoughts—who are your favorite R&B vocalists, and how do you feel about where the genre is headed?
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