Top 30 Male Gospel Singers

Top 30 Male Gospel Singers

Black male singers have made an indelible mark on the world of music, transcending genres, and generations with their extraordinary talents. This singers have played a pivotal role in challenging the social norm in the industry.

The legacy of black male singers is a testament to their immense artistic prowess and the unmatched impact they have put in the gospel music industry. Their contribution has created a platform for cultural expression and social commentary and for this there is need to celebrate these singers.

The celebration of the accomplishments made by these artists is also tied to honoring the cultural significance of their works in the gospel music industry.

1.Kirk Franklin

Kirk Franklin commonly referred to as the reigning king of urban gospel has always had an interest in music. Despite having a quite difficult childhood, he learnt to play the piano and compose music. Franklin’s outstanding talent garnered him a recording contract offer, which his aunt declined.

Kirk’s first ever breakthrough in the music industry was when he alongside a few friends formed a religious choir by the name Kirk Franklin & The Family. Their first ever album was certified platinum and remained at the top of the charts for about 42 weeks.

The disbandment of the choir forced Kirk to begin his solo career which was met with much success. His album, Hero was quite successful and became a certified platinum. Back in 2021, he was finally inducted into the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame. 

2.Jonathan McReynolds

The award-winning artist has always been an active member of his local church in Chicago. He had always had an early bearing in music since he was able to play numerous instruments. He always performed at church despite the fact that he has always been too bashful to sing before the congregation.

His first even major breakthrough in the music industry was when he released his first single titled, No Gray. This specific song was an instant hit, and the album Life Music peaked at number three on the Billboard Gospel Albums chart. Since that moment onwards he has made hits after hits which earned him two Grammy nominations and eight Stellar Awards.

3.Donnie McClurkin

The famous gospel artist, Donnie McClurkin faced so much trauma at quite young age. At just the age of eight, he witnessed the death of his younger brother, who was only two years old at the time.

Other than this trauma, he also survived sexual assault and he had quite a difficult home life after his brother died. McClurkin breakthrough in music was after he was mentored by the famous gospel singer, Crouch. His debut album, Donnie McClurkin was released back in 1996.

We Fall Down and Stand, which were featured in the album became instant hits and were played on almost every mainstream radio in the US. His success saw him earn a Grammy for his 2004 album Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs.

4.Marvin Sapp

Marvin Sapp, a gospel musician, and pastor began his career in music by singing at his local church. By the time he was a teenager he was singing with gospel ensembles. His song, Never Would Have Made It was a major breakthrough in his music career.

This gospel anthem made it to No. 14 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs, as well as No.1 on the Billboard Hot Gospel Songs chart. This same album earned him seven awards at the Gospel Stellar Award. One of his other recent singles, Thank You For It All was later nominated in 2021 for the Top Gospel Award. 

5.Israel Houghton

Israel Houghton’s mother had such a huge influence on his career in music. At just the age of six, he was already playing drums and the piano for the church choir.  His career in the gospel industry took off when he formed his own band named, New Breed.

His first debut album in the group was titled, Whisper It Loud. The band has seen so much success since the release of their first album and has always been ranked on the Billboard charts. His first ever solo album, The Power of One also became quite successful in the United States.

Houghton is also notably known for producing Michael Gungor’s bestselling worship album Bigger Than My Imagination.

6.Fred Hammond

Best known for this versatility in music, Fred Hammond first made the scenes of gospel music as a bassist in a gospel group. After years of being on and off, the group finally recorded a reunion album which open so many opportunities for Fred. Hammond began working with big names in R&B, including Kenny Lattimore, Chante Moore, and Sean Combs. 

Fred Hammond’s versatility in music sets him apart from the rest in the same line of business. He is known for mixing different types of music styles onto his gospel songs, tend to add a unique mix. Some of his best sellers are I Will Trust, No Weapon, and We’re Blessed.

7.BeBe Winans

Benjamin Winans, commonly referred to as BeBe Winans, is a member of the infamous Winans family, majority of whom are well established gospel singers in the United States. Bebe first ventured into the gospel music as a gospel duo with his sister CeCe.

After a few years of performing together, Bebe embarked on a solo tour. His debut album’s big single, I Wanna Be The Only One was ranked one of the top singles of the UK Singles Chart. This breakthrough open so many opportunities for Bebe.

He began working with notable artists like Brian McKnight, Stevie Wonder, and Warryn Campbell, who all had a hand in his 2000 album, Love & Freedom. 

8.Travis Greene

Gospel singer and pastor Travis Greene desire to join the gospel music industry was due to what he went through in his early life and his home environment.  Travis credits his survival to his parent’s prayers and faith.

Greene ventured into singing gospel music since his mother was a choir director and music lover. His breakthrough in the industry was through his album, Stretching Out which become his first Billboard-charting album. His subsequent album, International also topped the Billboard charts.

9.William McDowell

William McDowell had always had an interest in music and instruments. At just the age of five he began playing the piano, drums and actively took part in their church music ministry. The 2019, As We Worship album was his first ever album while in the gospel music industry.

The same album debuted at number three on the Billboard Gospel Albums chart. His other album, Arise was also among the top of the Billboard charts in 2011. McDowell has seen so much success in the industry and ended up collaborating with other prominent figures in the same industry.

He has made collaborations with the famous Yolanda Adams, Travis Greene, and Nathaniel Bassey.

10.Deitrick Haddon

The American gospel singer, songwriter and pastor was first introduced into the gospel music scenes by his mother and father who were also pastors. His music career took off when he joined the ensemble Voices of Unity group.

The said group was quite successful in the industry and ended up receiving New Artist of the Year and Album of the Year Awards. His first ever solo album, Lost & Found peaked at number one on the Billboard Gospel hits chart. Currently, Haddon is focusing on his career as an actor, as well as a Senior Pastor for the Founders/Senior Pastors of Hill City Church.

11.Hezekiah Walker

Hezekiah Walker who is often referred to as the Hip-Hop Pastor, had always had a passion in music. Back in 1985, he founded the Love Fellowship Crusade Choir, against his parents’ wishes. As a way of dealing with grief he channeled all his energy and focus into his and his and LFCC’s hit single I’ll Make It.

Walker and LFCC were quite successful and end up receiving a Grammy for their CD, Live In Atlanta At Morehouse College, in 1995. Currently the LFFC choir has a total of 200 plus members while it only started with only 12 members. The group has worked with star-studded gospel names throughout the years. 

12.Tye Tribbett

Tyrone Tribbett commonly referred to as Tye, began his music journey at quite a young age. He started playing the piano and singing in the local church choir before he was even five years old. He later on joined his brother’s gospel group that gave him a steppingstone in his career.

Tribbett opted out of the group and went solo in back in 2010. His first and second album are Fresh and Greater Than respectfully. These two albums were quite successful in the industry that they earned him two Grammy nominations.

13.Walter Hawkins

Walter Hawkins received a steppingstone in his music career after joining his brother’s chorale, Northern California State Youth Choir. One of the band’s singles, Oh Happy Day, was quite successful and gaining so much popularity. The success of their first album prompted them to change their name to the Edwin Hawkins Singers.

Hawkins later quit the group and founded the Love Center Choir which was also quite successful in the gospel music industry. The group recorded an album, Love Alive, which from the ’70s to the ’90s sold well over a million copies. Their subsequent album, Love Alive lV hit the Billboard charts at No. 1 for 33 weeks.

14.CeCe Winans

The other half of the dynamic duo BeBe & CeCe Winans is CeCe is a celebrated gospel artist and multiple Grammy Award winner. Priscilla Marie Winans was born into the Winans family which is considered gospel music royalty.

CeCe Winans began her singing career as quite a young age while performing with her siblings. Some of Bebe & CeCe hit sings are Addictive Love, Lost Without You and Close to You. CeCe has also released several hit albums including Alone in His Presence and Thy Kingdom Come. CeCe Winans has been fortunate enough to receive multiple Grammy Awards and other awards, including Dove Awards and Stellar Awards.

15.Smokie Norful

The famous award-winning artist is known for his emotional and heartfelt gospel songs. Smokie’s first ever album, I Need You Now became quite successful in the United States. I Need You Now, one of the singles in the album garnered Norful a Grammy Award for being the Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album.

Norful’s versatility in the music department is what sets him apart from the rest in the same industry. He is known for incorporating elements of traditional gospel, contemporary gospel, and R&B in his music. His subsequent albums, Life Changing, Once in a Lifetime and Forever Yours have ale been quite successful.

16.J.J. Hairston

J.J is a contemporary gospel artist and choir director, famous for his hit maker You Deserve It. “J.J.” Hairston started his journey in gospel music from quite a young age and had a deep passion for music and worship. Hairston later on founded the gospel choir group, Youthful Praise which ended up releasing successful albums and singles.

One of their singles, You Deserve It was quite successful in the industry and ended up winning the Stellar Award. Other than being the leader of the said group, Hairston is a talented songwriter and producer, that has contributed to many of Youthful Praise’s songs.

17.John P. Kee

John P. Kee is a gospel artist and pastor with a long and successful career in gospel music. He has had a long prolific career as a gospel singer, songwriter, choir director, and pastor. John formed the New Life Community Choir, which is known for being quite a driving force in the gospel music industry.

What make him quite unique is his versatility in his music, he often combines traditional gospel with elements of contemporary gospel and R&B. Some of his well-known songs include Show Up, Life & Favor, Stand, and Rain on Us. Other than being an artist, John P. Kee is a pastor and founder of the New Life City of Praise in Charlotte, North Carolina.

18.Charles Jenkins

The American singer, Charles Jenkins is renowned for his hit song Awesome. His first breakthrough in the gospel music industry was through the release of The Best of Both Worlds. This and his subsequent album, Any Given Sunday were quite successful and were even placed on the Billboard magazine charts.

To bring some sort of edge in his music he combines contemporary and traditional gospel elements. Other than being a musician, Charles also served the church be being a pastor of the Fellowship Missionary Baptist  Church of Chicago.

19.Byron Cage

The American gospel artist, Byron Cage is famously known for his hit song I Will Bless the Lord. Byron began singing at quite a young age and after a while he served as the director of the Greater Grace Temple in Michigan.

His debut albums in the gospel music industry were, Dwell Among Us and Transparent in Your Presence which were quite successful. His style of music is characterized as being both uplifting and inspirational. Other than being an artist, Cage has served in the ministry as a worship leader at various churches.

20.Kirk Whalum

Although he was primarily a jazz saxophonist, Kirk Whalum has also ventured into gospel music. and is known for his inspirational songs. Krik’s first ever breakthrough in the music industry was through his solo albums, And You Know That! and Cache.

His style of music is often characterized as being both warm and emotive saxophone that resonates to both fans of jazz and gospel music. His album, Hymns in the Garden won the Best Gospel Song at the Grammy awards in 2005. Kirk ahs also been fortunate enough to collaborate with some renown artist including Whitney Houston, Luther Vandross, and Quincy Jones.

23.Donald Lawrence

The prolific songwriter and gospel artist, Donald Lawrence has been a major contributor to the gospel music industry. Donald developed an interest in music at quite a young age and pursued it. His first ever breakthrough in the industry was with the Tri-City Singers gospel choir.

Under his leadership, the choir achieved great success and released a series of hit gospel albums that were quite successful in the United States. Some of the most notable songs associated with Donald Lawrence include Encourage Yourself, The Blessing of Abraham, and Back II Eden.

Lawrence and The Tri-City Singers choir group have received several Stellar Awards and other gospel music honors.

24.Richard Smallwood

Renowned for his traditional gospel music and powerful choir arrangements, Richard Smallwood has always had a deep interest in gospel music and piano playing. Smallwood first ever breakthrough in the gospel music industry was with The Richard Smallwood Singers.

The choir’s music grew quite popular because of their powerful vocal harmonies and inspirational messages. His compositions were often a blend of elements of traditional gospel with contemporary and classical music influences.

25.Brian Courtney Wilson

Brian Courtney Wilson is a contemporary gospel artist well-known for his heartfelt and worshipful songs. His journey in music began in church since he had deep passion for music. Wilson first gained recognition in the industry with his debut album, Just Love.

Some of his other albums include, So Proud and Worth Fighting For. Brian Courtney Wilson has been quite successful and has ended up receiving multiple Stellar Awards and Grammy nominations for his contributions in the industry.

26.Jonathan Nelson

The contemporary gospel artists and songwriter gained recognition with his hit songs like My Name is Victory and Expect the Great. Jonathan grew up in a family that was deeply rooted in church activities and gospel music. Some of the most successful albums released by him are Fearless and Declarations.

Jonathan Nelson has over the years received multiple Stellar Awards and Grammy nominations for his contributions to gospel music. Jonathan was nominated for a Dove Award for the New Artist of the Year at the 40^th GMA Dove Awards. Nelsons success in the industry opened doors for collaborations with other famous gospel artists and musicians.

27.Kurt Carr

The gospel artist and choir director, Kurt Carr is known for his choir’s uplifting and spirit-filled performances. Kurt Carr developed a deep passion for gospel music and began his musical journey at quite a young age. At just the age of 13, Carr found himself being increasingly drawn to the church. 

Kurt’s breakthrough in the music industry was with his Kurt Carr Singers choir group. The choir’s music is known for its powerful vocal harmonies and inspirational messages. Some of his successful albums are Sermonettes and One Church.

What sets him apart from the rest is his mix of both contemporary and traditional gospel elements in his music.

28.Anthony Brown

The contemporary gospel artist is known for singing backup for the stylized group, Anthony Brown & Group Therapy. Some of their well-known songs include Worth and Trust in You. At quite a young age he had an interest in music and a deep passion for worship and ministry.

The Group has over the years received multiple Stellar Awards for their contributions to gospel music, including awards for Group of the Year and Contemporary Choir of the Year. Other than being an artist, Anthony is also a talented songwriter, and has actively taken part in co-writing his songs.

29.Todd Dulaney

Todd Dulaney is a contemporary gospel artist known for his songs of worship and praise. His musical journey began way back at his local church where he performed with the choir.  Over the years, Todd has released several successful gospel albums, including Your Great Name and To Africa with Love.

The artist is also well-known for his hits Victory Belongs to Jesus and Your Great Name. Dulaney success has opened up so many doors for collaborations with various gospel artists and musicians, who have further contributed to the growth and diversification of gospel music.

30.Ricky Rydell Dillard

The famous American singer Ricky Rydell Dillard breakthrough in the industry was when he became the Chicago house musician back in 1987. Some of his famous albums include,  Promise, A Holy Ghost Take-Over, Hallelujah, Work It Out, 2000’s No Limit, and Unplugged.

Dillard’s dedication to gospel music and his ability to connect with his audiences have taken him places as one of the top male gospel artists. His success has seen all his albums being charted on the Billboard Gospel Albums chart. Ricky has also been nominated at the Grammy Awards twice in the category Best Gospel Album.

In a world where music serves as a universal language, black gospel male singers have played a pivotal role in challenging societal norms in the industry. Their voices not only serve as remarkable talent in the industry but also enrich the world and contribute to social change.