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

Adele, Joss Stone or Teddy Swim? the late Caldwell’s first album was released decades ago this month, but which singer can take over his Blue-eyed soul reign?

Photo: Getty Images FilmMagic // Gareth Cattermole // Michael Tran/FilmMagic

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
Beyonce’s Cowboy Carter Tour Kicked Off With This Viral Moment

Adele

Photo: Getty Images Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for AD Photo: Getty Images Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for AD

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

Photo: Getty Images Tasos Katopodis Photo: Getty Images Tasos Katopodis

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

Photo: Getty Images Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Billboard Photo: Getty Images Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Billboard

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

Photo: Getty Images Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/Corbis Photo: Getty Images Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/Corbis

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

Photo: Getty Images C Brandon/Redferns Photo: Getty Images C Brandon/Redferns

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

Photo: Getty Images Don Arnold/WireImage Photo: Getty Images Don Arnold/WireImage

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.

Photo: Getty Images Thaddaeus McAdams Photo: Getty Images Thaddaeus McAdams

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

Photo: Getty Images Johnny Nunez Photo: Getty Images Johnny Nunez

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

Photo: Getty Images Mauricio Santana Photo: Getty Images Mauricio Santana

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.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

Step Into The World of 'Sinners' In This New Warner Bros. Studio Tour Exhibit

Step Into The World of ‘Sinners’ In This New Warner Bros. Studio Tour Exhibit

Warner Bros. Studios has now it possible for fans to take a closer look at all the magic of ‘Sinners’ in this new installment! Let’s take a look! …
The Story of 10 Black Models Becoming Legends at the Battle of Versailles Fashion Show in the 1970s

The Story of 10 Black Models Becoming Legends at the Battle of Versailles Fashion Show in the 1970s

In November 1973, 10 Black models helped put American fashion on the map in an epic runway face-off with well-known French designers. In honor of the start of New York Fashion Week, here’s their story! …
How Cardi B Plans to Help Make Your Hair Grow 'Good'

How Cardi B Plans to Help Make Your Hair Grow ‘Good’

Fresh off her Super Bowl halftime show cameo, rapper Cardi B has some exciting news for fans of her luscious locs …
Mother Outraged After Indianapolis Police Officer Threatens to ‘Kill’ Black Teen in Viral Clip

Mother Outraged After Indianapolis Police Officer Threatens to ‘Kill’ Black Teen in Viral Clip

A traffic stop took a shocking turn when a Indianapolis police officer threatened to kill 17-year-old Trevion Taylor …
This New Wave of Black Artists is Fusing Christianity With Rap, R&B and AfroBeats

This New Wave of Black Artists is Fusing Christianity With Rap, R&B and AfroBeats

From Lecrae to Limoblaze, these Christian artists are redefining gospel music and introducing a new generation to the genre one track at a time …
Everything You Need to Know About Black Ski Weekend

Everything You Need to Know About Black Ski Weekend

Amid the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, Black Ski Weekend is alive and thriving, celebrating community, culture and pure joy on the slopes. Here’s what you should know about this historic tradition …
The Latest Rihanna Spotting is In the <i>Last</i> Place You'd Suspect

The Latest Rihanna Spotting is In the Last Place You’d Suspect

Rihanna was recently spotted at an LA grocery store. But while some were watching what was in her cart, we zoomed in on what was on her left hand …
You'll Never Guess What Happened After Deion Sanders Tried to Hook Up Marsai Martin With His Son

You’ll Never Guess What Happened After Deion Sanders Tried to Hook Up Marsai Martin With His Son

Deion ‘Coach Prime’ Sanders knows a good opportunity when he sees it, but this particular one with Marsai Martin and his sons may not have gone the way he thought! …
A Complete Timeline of ‘RHOA’ Star Kandi Burruss’ Divorce From Todd Tucker

A Complete Timeline of ‘RHOA’ Star Kandi Burruss’ Divorce From Todd Tucker

The divorce between Kandi Burress and Todd Tucker is starting to get a bit more testy. Let’s take a look at how they got to this unfortunate position in the first place …
Black Democrat Grills ICE Director on His Faith in God During Hearing -- Here's What Happened Next

Black Democrat Grills ICE Director on His Faith in God During Hearing — Here’s What Happened Next

Rep. LaMonica McIver’s callout of ICE Director Todd Lyons is going viral after she questioned his dedication to his religion …
Underground Railroad Safe House Found Inside Historical NYC Mansion

Underground Railroad Safe House Found Inside Historical NYC Mansion

While the NYC Merchant House is famous for its grandiose nature, the truth lying underneath the ground floor is a more humbling representation of Black American history …
What Happened After an Atlanta Teen Was Shot in Her Own Home Minutes Before Her 18th Birthday

What Happened After an Atlanta Teen Was Shot in Her Own Home Minutes Before Her 18th Birthday

Raven Brown of Atlanta had just ended her Instagram livestream counting down to her 18th birthday with friends before she was shot in her bedroom …
FAMU President Issues Comment After Student Claims Flyer for ‘Black’ Event Was Rejected

FAMU President Issues Comment After Student Claims Flyer for ‘Black’ Event Was Rejected

An HBCU student is raising alarm after she was prevented from using the word “Black” in flyers for a Black History Month celebration …
Ketanji Brown Jackson Breaks Her Silence Over GOP Dragging Her For Attending Grammys

Ketanji Brown Jackson Breaks Her Silence Over GOP Dragging Her For Attending Grammys

This marks the second time conservatives have raised concerns over Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s appreciation of the arts …
Jaafar Jackson Opens Up About Playing His Uncle in New Michael Jackson Biopic

Jaafar Jackson Opens Up About Playing His Uncle in New Michael Jackson Biopic

The late Michael Jackson’s very own nephew Jaafar Jackson speaks out about embodying him in the upcoming, highly-anticipated biopic ‘Michael.’ …
GloRilla's Parents Finally Speak Out Amid Sibling Drama, But It's Not What You Think

GloRilla’s Parents Finally Speak Out Amid Sibling Drama, But It’s Not What You Think

As rapper GloRilla and her sister continue to hash out their issues on social media, their parents are finally breaking their silence. But the picture isn’t that much clearer! …
Our Ancestors Fought With Love. Now It's Our Turn.

Our Ancestors Fought With Love. Now It’s Our Turn.

Let this sink in. Trump recently told pastors and priests that if they speak against him, he will punish our churches. He will use the government to silence the pulpit …
Exclusive: Rev. A.R. Bernard on Becoming NYPD's Chaplain During Trying Times

Exclusive: Rev. A.R. Bernard on Becoming NYPD’s Chaplain During Trying Times

Rev. A.R. Bernard, Brooklyn Pastor and Influential Faith Leader, Speaks on His New Role as NYPD Chaplain …
Black American Spies and Why They Were The Best

Black American Spies and Why They Were The Best

Black spies used their invisibility in plain sight to carry out some of the nation’s most important war efforts …
How Dave Chappelle Created His Own Liberal Town  in a Sea of Trump Supporters

How Dave Chappelle Created His Own Liberal Town in a Sea of Trump Supporters

More than two decades ago, comedian Dave Chappelle put down roots in a small Ohio town – and now he owns most of it …