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Unveiling the Legends: Top Soul Music Grammy Winners You Need to Know

by | Aug 6, 2025 | Blog | 0 comments


Soul music has always been a cornerstone of American musical heritage, blending heartfelt emotion, rich harmonies, and deep cultural resonance. Over the years, the GRAMMY Awards have celebrated the finest talents in the soul music genre, honoring artists whose contributions have left an indelible mark on music history. From the legendary icons who redefined the genre to the contemporary voices carrying its legacy forward, the GRAMMY winners in soul music represent the pinnacle of artistic achievement. This article delves into the fascinating world of soul music GRAMMY winners, exploring their iconic achievements, the history of the awards, and the ongoing evolution of the genre. Whether you’re a seasoned soul music enthusiast or new to the genre, this exploration will shed light on the legends who have shaped soul music through their GRAMMY-winning works.

Key Takeaways

Cardi B became the first solo female rapper to win a GRAMMY, taking home Best Rap Album at the 2019 GRAMMY Awards for Invasion of Privacy.

Stevie Wonder has won 5 GRAMMYs for his soulful compositions, including iconic tracks like ‘Superstition’ and ‘Isn’t She Lovely.’

Aretha Franklin, the “Queen of Soul,” holds the record with 18 GRAMMY wins, solidifying her status as one of the greatest vocalists in music history.

Marvin Gaye, often called the “King of Soul,” won 3 GRAMMYs for his emotionally resonant hits like ‘What’s Going On’ and ‘Let’s Get It On.’

Ethel Waters, a pioneer of soul music, won 2 GRAMMYs and left an indelible mark on the genre with her powerful voice.

Dionne Warwick has earned 11 GRAMMYs, known for her sophisticated takes on soul music with timeless hits like ‘I Say a Little Prayer.’

Sam & Dave won 2 GRAMMYs for their dynamic harmonies and soulful anthems such as ‘Soul Man’ and ‘Hold On, I Feel Alright.’

Isaac Hayes won 4 GRAMMYs for his groundbreaking fusion of soul, funk, and jazz, notably with ‘Theme From Shaft.’

Donnie Hathaway, despite passing away at 25, won 2 GRAMMYs for his innovative soul music blending styles like rock and pop.

Patti LaBelle earned 3 GRAMMYs, earning her the title of “Queen of Soul” with powerful vocals and hits like ‘Lady Marm.’

Chaka Khan has won 2 GRAMMYs, redefining soul music with her bold vocals and high-energy performances, such as ‘I’m Every Woman.’

The legacy of soul music lives on through these GRAMMY-winning legends, shaping generations of musicians and fans worldwide.

Explore Tiger Funk’s curated list of soul music icons and dive deeper into the rich history of this timeless genre.

What R&B Artist Won a GRAMMY?

The GRAMMY Awards have celebrated numerous R&B artists over the years, recognizing exceptional talent and contributions to the genre. Here are some notable winners:

  • Burna Boy – Winner of Best R&B Album in 2020 for his album “Twilight.”
  • SZA – Winner of Best R&B Performance in 2022 for her track “Collaboration” featuring Jazmine Sullivan and H.E.R.
  • D’Angelo – Two-time GRAMMY winner, including Best R&B Song in 2016 for “Black Skinhead.”
  • Robert Glasper – GRAMMY winner in 2021 for Best R&B Song, collaborating with H.E.R. on “We Win.”
  • Jay Z – Multiple GRAMMY winner, including Best R&B Song in 2016 for “Formation,” and earlier successes like “99 Problems” and “Candy Shop.”

These artists exemplify the diversity and innovation in R&B music, showcasing its global appeal and artistic evolution. Explore more GRAMMY-winning tracks and artists on our platform dedicated to celebrating music’s rich history and cultural significance.

Tiger Funk is your go-to resource for in-depth articles, artist profiles, and historical retrospectives on funk, soul, and jazz fusion. Discover the stories behind the music and connect with fellow fans who share your passion for these iconic genres.

Visit Tiger Funk today to dive deeper into the world of R&B and uncover the legends who shaped this timeless art form.

Natalie Cole vs. Aretha Franklin: The Grammy Showdown

The 19th Annual Grammy Awards in 1977 became a pivotal moment in the careers of Natalie Cole and Aretha Franklin, marking the beginning of a notable rivalry.

In what was seen as a significant upset, Natalie Cole won the Best Female R&B Vocal Performance category, a category that Aretha Franklin had dominated for the first eight years of its existence. This victory over the legendary Aretha Franklin sparked media speculation and fueled the rivalry between the two iconic singers.

This competition highlighted the growing recognition of Natalie Cole’s talent and her rising status in the music industry, despite Aretha Franklin’s established dominance in the same category. The event marked a turning point in their professional relationship, as the media began to frame Cole as a potential successor to Franklin’s throne.

Who Won the 2008 Grammys?

Amy Winehouse was the standout winner at the 2008 Grammy Awards, taking home several prestigious accolades. She won the Best New Artist category, marking her rise to fame. Her debut album, “Back to Black,” earned her two wins: Best R&B Album and Best R&B Performance for the track “Nothin’ on Me.” Despite not attending the ceremony in person, her performance was broadcasted live from London, adding to the excitement.

Does Cardi B Have a GRAMMY?

Cardi B has been awarded a GRAMMY, specifically winning the Best Rap Album category at the 2019 GRAMMY Awards for her debut album *Invasion of Privacy*. This made her the first solo female rapper to achieve this honor.

Cardi B’s GRAMMY win is one of many accolades, further solidifying her status as a prominent figure in the music industry. Her success spans across various award categories, showcasing her influence and impact on contemporary music.

  • Best Rap Album: *Invasion of Privacy* (2019)
  • Multiple wins at the Billboard Music Awards (8 times)
  • Guinness World Records (6 times)
  • BET Hip Hop Awards (14 times)
  • ASCAP Songwriter of the Year (2 times)
  • American Music Awards (6 times)
  • MTV Video Music Awards (4 times)

Her GRAMMY win continues to highlight her contributions to music and her ability to connect with audiences worldwide.

Who are some of the most iconic soul music Grammy winners?

Tiger Funk presents a curated list of the most iconic soul music Grammy winners, showcasing their remarkable contributions to the genre:

  • Stevie Wonder – Known as the “Prince of Soul,” Wonder has won 5 Grammy Awards for his soulful compositions. His hits like “Superstition” and “Isn’t She Lovely” define classic soul music.
  • Aretha Franklin – The “Queen of Soul” earned 18 Grammy Awards, solidifying her status as one of the greatest vocalists in music history. Her tracks like “Respect” and “Natural Woman” are timeless.
  • Marvin Gaye – With 3 Grammy wins, Gaye’s smooth vocals and heartfelt lyrics made him a soul legend. Songs like “What’s Going On” and “Let’s Get It On” remain staples in the genre.
  • Ethel Waters – Often referred to as the “First Lady of Soul,” Waters won 2 Grammys and influenced countless artists with her powerful voice and emotional performances.
  • Dionne Warwick – A three-time Grammy winner, Warwick’s sophisticated take on soul music brought elegance to the genre with hits like “Walkin’ Back to Baby” and “I’m a Little Bit Lonely.”
  • Sam & Dave – This dynamic duo won 2 Grammys for their infectious harmonies and upbeat soul anthems such as “Soul Man” and “Hold On, I Feel Alright.”
  • Isaac Hayes – Hayes won 4 Grammys for his groundbreaking work in soul music, blending funk and jazz elements. His track “Theme From Shaft” is a classic.
  • Donnie Hathaway – Known for his unique style, Hathaway won 2 Grammys and left an indelible mark on soul music with his innovative sound.
  • Chaka Khan – A two-time Grammy winner, Khan’s bold vocals and high-energy performances redefined soul music in the 70s and 80s.
  • Patti LaBelle – With 3 Grammy wins, LaBelle’s powerful voice and stage presence made her a standout in soul music, earning her the title of “Queen of Soul.”

These artists have not only won Grammys but have also shaped the trajectory of soul music, influencing generations of musicians and fans worldwide. Their contributions continue to resonate deeply in the world of music.

Iconic Soul Music Grammy Winners

The world of soul music has been graced by numerous legendary artists who have won Grammy Awards for their exceptional contributions to the genre. Here are some of the most iconic soul music Grammy winners:

  • Stevie Wonder – Known as the “Prince of Soul,” Stevie Wonder has won 5 Grammy Awards for his soulful compositions. His hits like “Superstition” and “Isn’t She Lovely” define classic soul music.
  • Aretha Franklin – The “Queen of Soul,” Aretha Franklin has won 18 Grammy Awards, making her one of the most decorated artists in music history. Her powerful vocals and timeless hits like “Respect” and “Natural Woman” are staples of soul music.
  • Marvin Gaye – Often referred to as the “King of Soul,” Marvin Gaye won 3 Grammy Awards. His iconic tracks such as “What’s Going On” and “Let’s Get It On” are celebrated for their emotional depth and musical innovation.
  • Ethel Waters – One of the earliest pioneers of soul music, Ethel Waters won 2 Grammy Awards. Her powerful voice and performances set the foundation for future soul artists.
  • Dionne Warwick – A multi-time Grammy winner, Dionne Warwick has earned 11 Grammy Awards. Her soulful renditions of songs like “I Say a Little Prayer” and “Walk on By” remain timeless.
  • Sam & Dave – This dynamic duo won 2 Grammy Awards for their soulful collaborations. Their hits like “Soul Man” and “Hold On, I Feel Alright” are classics of the genre.
  • Donnie Hathaway – Though he passed away before reaching his prime, Donnie Hathaway won 2 Grammy Awards. His unique style and ability to blend soul with rock made him a beloved artist.
  • Isaac Hayes – Known for his deep, gravelly voice, Isaac Hayes won 4 Grammy Awards. His work on films like ” Shaft” and his album “Hot Buttered Soul” revolutionized soul music.
  • Patti LaBelle – Patti LaBelle has won 3 Grammy Awards. Her powerful voice and stage presence have made her a staple in soul music, with hits like “Lady Marm” and “If Only You Were Mine.”
  • Chaka Khan – Chaka Khan has won 2 Grammy Awards. Her high-energy performances and soulful vocals have made her a standout artist, with tracks like “I’m Every Woman” and “Tell Me Something Good.”

Soul music has left an indelible mark on the world of music, and these Grammy-winning artists are a testament to its enduring legacy. At Tiger Funk, we celebrate the icons of soul and their incredible contributions to music.

Explore more about soul music’s rich history and the artists who shaped it by visiting Tiger Funk .

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