Marques Houston

Marques Houston started off as a young actor n many films and television shows. One he is mostly known for was "Sister Sister" as one of the main characters, Roger. That's where he finally let his singing abilities show when he sung on the show. From then he formed a group with other actors he knew from child hood. He is now a solo singer, and is singing his way into the hearts of many young women. He sings about real life love experiences, and dealing with relationships, what there is to expect and how do just deal. To me he is what I would call the young love doctor of R&B.

Ledisi

She has a wonderful voice of soul and Jazz. I love the way she takes a poem or any kind of poetry and turns it into the softest, sweetest, and most diligent song you can think of, only by adding music and rhythms that match so well with the words. When I first heard her voice I was watching a movie in the theater and a song named "Alright" was playing. I fell so in love with this song, and immediately ran home to find out who the artist was. That's when I became familiar with Ledisi. She is a very talented and young woman that I am sure will make a large impact to the R&B world.

Trey Songz

Okay so of course I'm going to say this, he is so cute! Just had to put that out there, but honestly this southern boy has a style with his music unlike anyone else. Besides making his own songs, he also takes songs made by other rappers, and singers, adds his own twist to them, and bases them around himself and his career. He started out at a young age, but has grown to become one of the most talented, and capivating singers of his century. I don't just like him for his looks, I like him for the way he came out into the music world, and the very first message he sent to the world. That message was, "I just got to make it". Like most people, he might not wear a suit, and he my not have a lot to smile about, but no matter what he has to and will strive to make it.

Mariah Carrey

Her name alone says it all. Ms. Carrey is a very beautiful and talented individual. Each time she hits her highest notes I just get blown away, because I wish so bad I could hit them myself. Not only is she a singer, but she a good actress as well. One thing I can relate to with her, is her struggle, before she became a singer. Her life wasn't easy and she did go through a lot including with her parents, and I feel that I know exactly how she might have felt during those times. That's what makes her an inspiration to me. I wouldn't say she is at the top of my life of greatest singers ever, but she is on the list.

Luther Vandross

This man had one of the most talented voices I have ever heard. His range was remarkable. He couldn't go as deep as Barry White but he was pretty close. To me it wasn't and isn't just about music with Mr. Vandross. It was about heart. He had more heart than most singers I know. Yes, he was a big guy, but in the mist of everything, he made steps to correcting it not only for his health, but for his passion and his dream. His appearance wasn't what people thought of when they heard his voice, the images it created is what they say. Any person that can make a song about a chair and a room, capaviate the hearts of its listeners, and put so much soul into it is a "bad" person. Even though he passed a while back, I still listen to his music as if it is brand new.

India Arie

One of the most gifted soul singers I have ever heard of in my life. Not only is her voice wonderful, but the message in her songs seem to relate to everyday life. Many artist try to do that, but few do it. India on the other hand seems to do just that. I remember her very first single "video". That song to me reached so many women and girls that seemed to be under pressure to become what everyone wanted them to. It set a standard in my life to not worry so much about what others think or expect of me. To not worry so much about what I don't have and appreciate what I do have. She is the type of artist I want to become, one that sings about moderate situation, and sends a message that can change others all at the same time.

Patti Labelle

This lady is the best ever! Her voice is so amazing, and her stage presence is unbelievable. She has a charisma about her that many wish to have. Her music expresses feelings most people have commonly. Even though she is an older artist, I enjoy her to the fullest. I remember my first time listening to her I couldn't believe her vocals. It was so cool the way she hit certain notes, and held out others. I have grown to follow her music and she has become a huge inspiration in my life. Seeing her in concert was so mind blowing. She is no where near your average artist in concert. She is real and hold nothing back. I remember when my mother and I attended the Essence Festival and she was there performing, soon as she came out every single person in the auditorium rose to their feet. She didn't even have to say a word, but when she did it was the most graceful not I have ever heard. She was entertaining not only on a musical level, but she made a friendly connection with her artist. I know I almost laughed my lungs out when she stopped in the middle of a song and said, "...you all please forgive me, but these hills are killing my feet, and I refuse to hop around this stage in them..." That moment let me know exactly why was it people loved, and could relate to her so much. To this day, I will always remember that concert, my hopes and dreams are to one day be able to meet and talk to her in person, because I know she would have wise knowledge to impart upon me, and sell as outstanding words of wisdom and encouragement.