35 Best Black Gospel Singers   

35 Best Black Gospel Singers   

Gospel music, with its wide range of styles, is a genre that is very popular in the African-American community. This is not to say that it is not enjoyed by people of other races and backgrounds, but it has its roots in the black community because enslaved Africans sang gospel songs to express their faith and hope in the face of oppression.  

During the slave era, enslaved Africans brought their musical traditions to America and blended them with other forms of music styles that included gospel music, mostly hymns and spirituals. The slaves sang these songs in coded language with messages about escaping and freedom. 

Today, gospel music is a source of comfort and hope for Christians and helps with their religious faith plus spirituality. Furthermore, being very rhythmic and energetic, it is a source of joy and celebration. Here are the 35 best black Gospel singers. 

1. Mahalia Jackson 

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We start off our list with Mahalia Jackson (1911 – 1972) a black gospel music singer who was very talented and started singing in church when she was younger than 5 years. Mahalia can be considered the mother of gospel music because she was among the genre’s pioneers. She played a crucial role in popularizing gospel and was known for her deep, powerful alto singing voice plus emotional performances. 

Mahalia released close to 30 albums and sold millions of records. Her renditions of spirituals and hymns continue to inspire and touch lives to this day. She was an influential figure in the civil rights movement.  

See the greatest alto singers of all time here. 

2. James Cleveland

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Remembered for his innovative musical arrangements, powerful vocals, and dedication to spreading the message of faith, James Cleveland (1931 – 1991) was a black gospel singer and pastor who was the undisputed Prince of Gospel music. 

He was skilled at blending traditional gospel styles with contemporary elements, creating a unique sound that many enjoyed. Some of his most famous songs include Peace Be Still, Lord, Help Me to Hold Out, and I Don’t Feel No Ways Tired. 

3. Yolanda Adams  

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Yolanda Adams is a successful award-winning black gospel singer who is well known for her beautiful voice and uplifting songs. She was born in the 1960s in Texas and is a strong, independent woman who has achieved great success in her career.   

Being a devout Christian, Yolanda uses her platform to spread the message of hope and love, encouraging people to surrender their lives to Jesus and allow Him to work in their lives. She’s won numerous awards, including multiple Grammys. Still I Rise, Never Give Up, Open My Heart and The Battle Is the Lord’s are some of her songs.

4. Kirk Franklin   

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Kirk Dewayne Franklin is an award-winning black Gospel singer who was born in Texas. Kirk sings contemporary gospel music and plays the piano beautifully. This guy has received many awards over the years and was among the first inductees into the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame.   

Kirk’s contribution to gospel music is immeasurable. Through his innovative sound, profound lyrics, and unwavering commitment to his faith, he has touched the lives of many, offering hope, inspiration, and a message of love and unity. Some of his popular songs include I Smile, Imagine Me, and Looking For You.  

5. William McDowell  

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Another black gospel singer is William McDowell, a highly respected and influential musician who was born in the mid-1970s in Ohio. He is a pastor and worship leader, known for his heartfelt and impactful worship songs that lead to amazing worship moments, where the Holy Spirit moves thus leading people into deep personal connections with God.  

His dynamic live worship recordings focus on surrender, intimacy with God, and heartfelt praise. Some of McDowell’s most popular songs include I Give Myself Away, We Fall Down, The One, and Souled Out. 

6. Jamie Grace  

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With songs that blend elements of pop, folk, and hip-hop, Jamie Grace is a black gospel singer who is known for her uplifting and positive lyrics. She began her musical journey by posting videos of herself performing original songs and cover songs on YouTube thus getting the attention of TobyMac, who signed her to his label, Gotee Records. 

Her first single, Hold Me, was a collaboration with TobyMac and it became an instant hit. Jamie is an actress as well and has a bubbly and joyful personality, which shines through in her music and performances. Some of her songs include Beautiful Day, Hold Me, Do Life Big, and The Happy Song. 

7. Travis Greene 

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Travis Greene is a black gospel singer, pastor, and worship leader who is known for his powerful vocals and unique fusion of gospel, R&B, and contemporary Christian music. He was a baseball player and had dreams of playing professionally, but changed his mind when he discovered his passion for singing.   

Travis has won many awards over the years and has helped in spreading the good news of salvation. His ministry work reflects his passion for worship and his desire to create a space for people to encounter God. Some of his songs include Intentional, Worship Rise, Made a Way, You Waited, and Good and Loved.  

8. Cece Winans 

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Priscilla Marie Winans Love, nicknamed Cece by her grandmother, is a black gospel singer who was born in the 1960s in Detroit, Michigan. She comes from the famous Winans family, which is influential in the gospel and Christian music industry. Cece began as part of a duo with her elder brother BeBe, and so far, she has released over 10 albums. 

This black gospel singer has won many awards over the years and even has a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame. Apart from singing, CeCe is an author and has written three books so far. Goodness of God, Worthy Of It All, I’ll Live for You, Heavenly Father, and Believe For It are some of her songs. 

9. Tye Tribbett  

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Tye Tribbett is an exceptional award-winning black gospel singer and rapper who is known for his electrifying stage performances and soulful voice. He was born in the mid-1970s in a Christian family and had parents who were ministers in the church, a path which he chose to follow.  

Apart from being a gifted singer, Tye also writes songs, produces music, and has close to 10 albums not forgetting his multiple hit singles. Tye Tribbett is known for his dynamic and high-energy performances, filling up concert halls with enthusiastic praisers and worshippers, as well as moments of introspection and spiritual reflection.

Immanuel, If He Did It Before …Same God, Be Alright, Only One Night Tho, and Get Up are some of his songs. 

10. Mandisa 

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Mandisa Lynn Hundley is a black gospel singer, who was born in the mid-1970s in California. She is an amazing artist, a brilliant songwriter with powerful vocals, and has co-written songs with some great artists like Mathew West. 

Mandisa is known for her energetic and engaging live performances, with concerts often featuring a combination of music, personal stories, and moments of worship. She is also a motivational speaker and author who is keen on mental health awareness.

Mandisa openly shares about her faith journey and how she overcame depression. Joy Unspeakable, Good Morning, Overcomer, Way Maker, and Unfinished are some of her songs.

11. Marvin Sapp    

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Marvin Sapp is an award-winning black gospel singer who started as a member of a musical group called Commissioned before going solo. His ministry extends beyond music, serving as the senior pastor of Lighthouse Full Life Center Church in Michigan, where he provides spiritual guidance and leadership to his congregation.  

Marvin lost his wife to colon cancer in 2010, but he did not give up his faith. He is a radio show host and has always been consistent in his career. This guy has more than 10 albums so far and Never Would Have Made It, He Has His Hands On You, and Worshipper in Me are some of his songs. 

12. Tamela Mann  

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Tamela Mann is a black gospel singer and actress with a beautiful and powerful voice. She began her career as a member of Kirk Franklin and the Family gospel group before she embarked on a successful solo career. 

Tamela does some of the soundtracks in Tyler Perry’s films and her music is mainly positive messages of faith, hope, and the power of God’s love for his people. Her beautiful voice and performances set her apart from other singers. Take Me to the King, I Can Only Imagine, and Change Me are some of her songs.  

13. Donnie McClurkin   

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Born in the late 50s, Donald Andrew McClurkin II is a Grammy award-winning black gospel singer, choir leader, and pastor who is based in New York. McClurkin has a powerful voice and is known for infusing contemporary gospel with elements of traditional and R&B styles.   

He has released many albums over the years and is a true luminary in the gospel music industry. His powerful voice, unwavering faith, and compassionate spirit have touched the hearts of many, providing comfort, inspiration, and a sense of unity in the universal language of music. I Call You Faithful, Great Is Your Mercy, We Fall Down, and Wait on the Lord are some of his songs. 

14. Shirley Caesar 

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Born in North Carolina in the 1930s, Shirley Caesar is a black gospel singer and pastor who is known as the First Lady of Gospel Music. She has been active for over 60 years and has won many awards for her music during this period. 

One unique thing about Shirley is that she is a master of the spoken word and most of the time, she incorporates sermons into her performances. Hold My Mule, No Charge, Jesus, I Love Calling Your Name, and You’re Next in Line for a Miracle are some of her songs. 

15. Fred Hammond 

Fred Hammond is an award-winning black gospel musician who has made a profound impact on the gospel music industry thanks to his soulful voice, musical versatility, and dedication to his craft. He effortlessly blends gospel, R&B, funk, and soul, creating a unique sound that appeals to a wide range of listeners. 

Fred, like Sapp, was a member of Commissioned the gospel group and his music spreads messages of faith, love, and hope. No Weapon, Let the Praise Begin, and Glory to Glory to Glory. 

16. Sinach

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Osinachi Kalu Okoro Egbu, professionally known as Sinach, is a Nigerian gospel singer and worship leader whose uplifting and inspiring music blends African rhythms and melodies into Christian worship. She was born in the early 70s in Eastern Nigeria, where she began singing for family and friends as a hobby, before joining her local church choir. 

Sinach is humble and dedicated to her faith. She has won many awards over the years and has many albums plus hit singles. I Know Who I Am, Great Are You Lord, The Name of Jesus, and I Stand Amazed are some of her songs. 

17. Todd Dulaney    

Todd Dulaney is a talented black gospel singer and worship leader who is known for his soulful vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and unique worship style. His lyrics reflect a genuine heart for God and often center around themes of surrender, faith, and the transformative power of encountering the presence of the Lord.  

Todd was a professional baseball player, playing for the New York Mets and the Chicago White Sox. Ultimately, he followed his musical passion and is living his best life. Your Great Name, Victory Belongs to Jesus, King of Glory, and The Anthem are some of his songs. 

18. Mary Mary 

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Made up of two Atkins-Campbell sisters, Erica and Trecina, Mary Mary is a black gospel music duo that was popular in the early 2000s. Their music is a blend of gospel, R&B, and hip-hop creating a unique sound that appeals to a wide range of listeners. The duo has powerful vocal harmonies and uplifting lyrics and has won multiple awards for their music.  

The duo had a reality TV show between 2012 and 2017 that focused on their personal lives, music careers, and the challenges they faced as sisters and performers. Shackles (Praise You), God in Me, Get Up, and Walking are some of their songs. 

19. Israel Houghton   

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Israel Houghton is a popular black gospel singer who serves as a worship leader and is known for his unique and engaging musical performances. He has had a major impact on the worship scene and his music often fuses gospel, R&B, rock, and Latin influences, creating a vibrant and diverse sound.

Israel has released numerous albums both as a solo artist and with his band, Israel & New Breed. His music often focuses on themes of worship, redemption, and the love of God. He aims to inspire and lead people into a deeper connection with God through his songs. 

You Are Good, Friend of God, Jesus at the Center, Hosanna, and Reckless Love are some of his songs.

20. Kurt Carr 

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Kurt Carr is a highly respected award-winning black gospel singer who leads powerful worship experiences. He is known for his blend of traditional gospel music with R&B, soul, and jazz. His dynamic stage presence, coupled with his passion for ministry, creates an atmosphere of praise and adoration. 

Kurt is a skilled pianist and composer with a deep love for gospel music. Blessing After Blessing, In the Sanctuary, For Every Mountain, and My Time for God’s Favor are some of his songs.  

21. Nathaniel Bassey  

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With music that has a unique traditional African rhythm, Nathaniel Bassey is a Nigerian gospel singer, worship leader, and trumpeter who was born in the late 1970s in Lagos, Nigeria. He began playing the trumpet at a young age and developed a strong passion for gospel music. 

As a worship leader, he uses the trumpet to enhance the worship experience thus allowing listeners to connect with God on a personal level. Imela, Onise Iyanu, Alagbada Ina, Hallelujah Eh, Olowogbogboro, and Book of Life are some of his songs. 

22. Sarah K 

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Sarah K is a Kenyan award-winning gospel singer and worship leader who is known for her powerful vocals and her passionate delivery. Her songs, which are mostly in Kiswahili, are deeply spiritual and are common in praise and worship sets in most local churches in her home country. She is a popular figure in the Kenyan gospel music scene. 

Sarah’s music inspires and uplifts people. Mbele Yetu, Mnyunyizi Wangu, Nitazidi Kukutukuza, Usiyeshindwa, Mfalme wa Mbingu, and Nimekuona are some of her songs. 

23. Jonathan McReynolds  

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Born at the end of the 80s decade, Jonathan McReynolds is an award-winning black gospel singer and guitar player who is known for his beautiful Christian songs that draw people to their creator. His songs are self-searching and honest which makes them meaningful and relatable.

Jonathan has collaborated with various artists in the industry and is committed to spreading the gospel. No Gray, Cycles, Make Room, Pressure, and Not Lucky, I’m Loved are some of his songs. 

24. Naomi Raine 

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Born in the late 1980s, Naomi Raine is a black gospel singer and worship leader best known for her powerful voice and for creating inspiring worship music. Raine was born in New York City and began singing at a young age. Her gift as a songwriter manifested at a young age because, by the time she was 10, she had written several songs. 

Raine attended the Berklee College of Music. Some of her songs are Be The Place, Pour It Out, and You Are Here.

25. Lucinda Simmons Moore

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Lucinda is an award-winning black gospel singer with a beautiful voice, who is known for releasing amazing songs that are mainly praise and worship. She was born in Connecticut just before the start of the ’70s decade and developed a passion for singing from a young age. Before her solo career, she began by backing up other singers as a background vocalist but she was destined for greatness. 

Pressure into Praise, Lord, I Hear You, Unlimited Praise, and Walking In My Favor are some of her songs. 

26. Luciano Claw 

Luciano Claw is a black gospel singer from Brazil who sings contemporary worship songs in Portuguese. He has a powerful voice and his music is easy to listen to even for those who can’t understand the language. Singing mostly about the transformative power of God’s love, Despertar, Me Perdoa, Pedaço de Mim, and Quem Sabe are some of his songs.  

27. Le’Andria Johnson 

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Le’Andria Johnson is a black gospel singer with a beautiful voice who sings songs with positive messages that uplift Christians in their low moments. Her live performances earn her standing ovations, and most of her songs are about her personal experiences. 

Though she struggles with addiction, Miss Johnson is open about her recovery journey and her faith in God. Better Days, All I Got, Jesus, Make Him Like You, and Deliver Me (This Is My Exodus) are some of her songs. 

28. Bebe Winans 

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Best known as half of a duo with his sister Cece, Benjamin ‘BeBe’ Winans, is a black gospel singer who is from the well-known Winans musical family. Bebe has had a successful solo career and has won awards over the years for his music. To Be Loved by You, In Harm’s Way, and Thank You are some of his songs. 

29. Judith McAllister   

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With folks from Jamaica and Barbados, Judith is a black gospel singer and worship leader who plays the piano beautifully. She is passionate about music and uses her talent to worship her creator. Her songs are widely used in church worship services and have touched the hearts of many with their powerful messages of praise and inspiration. 

Like the Dew, High Praise, In His Presence, God Is On My Side, and I Won’t Go Back are some of her songs. 

30. Ricky Dillard 

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Ricky Dillard is a black gospel singer and choir director who is known for his energetic and dynamic choir performances. He has performed with different choirs over the years, plus released numerous albums and gospel hits over the years. 

Things Are Gonna Get Better, Our Father – You Are Holy, I’ve Got the Victory, and Thank You are some of his songs. 

31. Kim Burrell 

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Kim Burrell is an award-winning black gospel singer and preacher with a deep and soulful voice. She is a gifted singer whose music is used in churches during praise and worship services plus also in movies. This singer has released a lot of songs over the years and collaborated with many artists. 

Kim was bashed and withdrawn from performing at events several years ago when she preached against what she termed as ‘the perverted homosexual spirit’. I See a Victory, A Little More Jesus, Open Up the Door, and Thank You Jesus (That’s What He’s Done) are some of her songs. 

32. VaShawn Mitchell 

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VaShawn Mitchell is a black gospel singer who is passionate about music and sings heartfelt worship songs. He has a beautiful voice and is very talented. As a worship leader, his songs touch many hearts, instigating an atmosphere of praise and spiritual connection.  

VaShawn has had a successful career, releasing lots of albums and hit songs over the years. Nobody Greater, Turning Around For Me, See The Goodness, and Joy are some of his songs. 

33. Maranda Curtis   

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Maranda Curtis is an award-winning black gospel singer who is one of the most talented in the U.S. Her music inspires and uplifts Christians throughout the world. She has an extraordinary vocal range enabling her to deliver emotive and powerful performances during worship services that get Christians to a point of speaking in tongues. 

Maranda also plays the piano and is a role model and inspiration to many. Some of her songs include Nobody Like You Lord, Don’t Take Your Love Away, and The Lord’s Song. 

34. Deitrick Haddon   

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Deitrick Haddon is a black gospel singer and pastor whose music is about faith and hope in God. He blends several styles thus bringing out beautiful pieces. His songs are catchy and have earned him awards over the years.  

Haddon is a cast member on Preachers of L.A, the reality TV series, and has collaborated with many artists over the years. Sinner’s Prayer, God Didn’t Give Up on Me, Love Him Like I Do, and Well Done are some of his songs. 

35. Jonathan Nelson  

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Jonathan Nelson is a black gospel singer who is known for his powerful vocals and his uplifting music. He began singing in church when he was still young, and he has a twin brother named Jason, who is also a gospel singer.  

His passionate worship style leads people into powerful worship moments and his music is a staple in most churches. My Name Is Victory, Expect the Great, I Believe, and Anything Can Happen are some of his songs. 

Those are the 35 best black gospel singers. While there is no definitive list, the singers in this article are all considered to be among the most influential and talented in the genre. Their music will draw you closer to God and the Holy Spirit will fill you up. 

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