Which of These White Soul Singers Will Succeed Bobby Caldwell and Steal Black America’s Hearts

For a long time, Bobby Caldwell was known as the blue-eyed soul singer. Beloved by Black people everywhere, we mourned with his passing in March 2023. Now, with it being nearly 46 years to the date since he released his debut album, “What You Won’t Do for Love,” we thought it’s the perfect time to look forward at some of the white artists who have helped keep the blue-eyed soul genre alive.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view

Ayo Edebiri, ‘OPUS’ Cast on Staying Sane in Hollywood and the Film’s Ambiguous Ending

view video

Ayo Edebiri, ‘OPUS’ Cast on Staying Sane in Hollywood and the Film’s Ambiguous Ending

Adele

She’s already reached legend status. Adele’s voice is as soulful as it comes and it’s garnered unprecedented success as a singer.

Sam Smith

We know he doesn’t necessarily make soul music now, but when he broke into the industry with the single, “Stay With Me,” it sounded like he was singing to a church.

Christina Aguilera

Everyone and their mother knows Christina Aguilera is white, but her booming voice screams something else to the listener. She is as talented a vocalist as anyone and that voice has hypnotized and entertained us for years.

Robin Thicke

Robin Thicke is another one of the usual suspects who we definitely want at the cook out. While he hasn’t been as active recently, we all know he can blow.

Teddy Swims

One of the newer acts, Teddy Swims is a rising super star and tiktok fave. His deep soulful voice highlighted in his hit “Lose Control,’’ has startled social media users while gaining him legions of fans across a racial divide. Still, his unique voice and ability to combine several genres, which also includes soul and R&B, makes it impossible to put him in a box as his star power continues to explode

Mac Ayers

Mac Ayers is more on the soothing and chill side of R&B. He makes music that enjoyable to drive around in. Check out this song and you’ll know what we’re talking about.

Tommy Richman

While everyone knows Tommy Richman for his uber-single, “MILLION DOLLAR BABY,” this DMV-based artist has been active for a few years now. Richman is another one of these artists that doesn’t necessarily fit in one particular genre, which is what makes his music so enjoyable.

Nai Palm

If you haven’t heard of Hiatus Kaiyote before this, you’ve been missing out. Nai Palm is the lead singer of this funk band from Australia. As the band experiments with sounds, Palm’s unique voice brings it all together to create something beautiful.

JoJo

Jojo has been in the R&B game for a minute now and is beloved by Black fans. She’ll continue to keep blue-eyed soul alive for as long as she is active.

Jon B.

When he broke into the industry, you would’ve thought he was Black based on the haircut and the sound of his singing voice. He loved putting Black women in his music videos.

Mayer Hawthorne

Although he may not look it, this slender white man has been as consistent as they come in R&B and continues to release quality music to this day.

YEBBA

YEBBA gained popularity thanks to her feature on Drake’s 2021 album, “Certified Lover Boy.” Since then, she’s continued to impress everyone that’s heard her voice.

Charlotte Day Wilson

Although she may be a lesser-known act, Charlotte Day Wilson is just as talented as anyone on the list. Her soulful voice reflects her upbringing in Canada. According to the R&B singer and producer, she was raised listening to Motown.

Joss Stone

Described sometimes as “the white Aretha Franklin,” the singer’s voice is even more unusual when you consider she’s from the UK. In America, people expected her to be Black and raised in poverty in order to sing with her soulful emotion, but that just isn’t her story.