American music legend, Stevland Hardaway Morris, popularly known as Stevie Wonder, has been named the greatest R&B artiste of all time by Billboard.
The music chart platform announced the ranking on Tuesday in its special feature titled The 75 Greatest R&B Artists of All Time.
According to Billboard, the artistes were rated based on vocal strength, number of hit songs, longevity in the industry, career achievements, and influence across generations.
Wonder, 75, emerged first on the list, ahead of other music greats like Aretha Franklin, who came second, Michael Jackson (third), Beyoncé (fourth), and Whitney Houston (fifth).
Also in the top 10 are James Brown (sixth), Prince (seventh), Mariah Carey (eighth), R. Kelly (ninth), and Marvin Gaye (tenth).
The list also features music legends like Ray Charles (11), Usher (12), Sam Cooke (13), Curtis Mayfield (14), Isaac Hayes (15), Mary J. Blige (16), Janet Jackson (17), Al Green (18), Smokey Robinson (19), and Otis Redding (20).
Modern stars like Chris Brown, Erykah Badu, Alicia Keys, Babyface, Toni Braxton, Brandy, SZA, Rihanna, The Weeknd, and John Legend also made the cut, with many of them ranked between 26 and 50.
Wonder began his career as a child star signed to Motown in the 1960s.
He is known for hit songs like “Superstition”, “Isn’t She Lovely”, and “I Just Called to Say I Love You”.
He has won 25 Grammy Awards, a Presidential Medal of Freedom, and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Over the years, Wonder has remained a strong voice in music and activism, with his songs often addressing love, hope, and social justice.
Reacting to the announcement, music lovers across the globe have praised Billboard’s recognition of Wonder, describing it as long overdue.
