To make the cut, groups were evaluated on a rigorous set of criteria. We weighed not just their discography and chart success, but also their staying power, cultural significance, influence on both R&B and hip-hop, and the legacy they’ve left in their wake. Whether they set trends, broke records or redefined what it means to collaborate, these groups have left indelible marks on both music and culture at large.

Of course, any attempt to rank the best is bound to spark disagreement. The passionate debates are part of that tradition, and we welcome them as a sign of R&B’s vibrancy and evolution. The unveiling begins today (June 15) with Nos. 50-41. Ten more rankings will be revealed each day, culminating with the final top 10 on the Juneteenth holiday (June 19). 

• 50. The Drifters

  Signed to Atlantic, the quartet — formed as the backing group for lead singer Clyde McPhatter — scored its first R&B Songs chart-topper in 1953 with “Money Honey.” A string of additional top 10 hits ensued, as did a rotating round of sonorous-voiced lead singers, including Bill Pinkney, Ben E. King and Rudy Lewis. Throughout the course of these various group iterations, the result was the same: heavenly harmonizing that still resonates today thanks to a crop of R&B/pop hits from the late ‘50s through the mid-‘60s, like “There Goes My Baby,” “Save the Last Dance for Me,” “Up on the Roof, “On Broadway” and “Under the Boardwalk.” — GAIL MITCHELL

• 49. Bar-Kays

  One of the most storied backing bands in R&B history during their time at Stax Records, the Bar-Kays supported no less a soul icon than Otis Redding during his 1967 peak, while also scoring a crossover smash of their own with the riotous (mostly) instrumental “Soul Finger.” The tragic plane crash that claimed Redding’s life in late ’67 also took four members of the Bar-Kays. But the group improbably recovered with a new lineup to continue as vital contributors to the soul scene of the late ’60s and early ’70s — notching another signature hit with 1971’s oft-sampled “Son of Shaft” and backing the legendary Isaac Hayes on one of the greatest R&B albums of all time, 1969’s Hot Buttered Soul. — ANDREW UNTERBERGER

• 48. Martha & The Vandellas

  After nearly outshining Marvin Gaye on a few of his early classics as backup singers, Martha & The Vandellas took center stage in the mid-’60s as Motown’s most versatile, gritty girl group. Martha Reeves’ range (and the irrepressible exuberance of Rosalind Ashford and Annette Beard) meant the group could start a pounding party on “Dancing in the Street,” serve introspective harmonizing on “In My Lonely Room,” sell lovelorn sweet sighs on “Jimmy Mack” and belt out the ultimate encapsulation of love’s pulsating chaos with “(Love Is Like A) Heat Wave.” — JOE LYNCH

• 47. The Dramatics

  The Dramatics understood that great music must be heard, felt and seen deep in the soul. The Detroit group distinguished itself through impeccable harmonies, coordinated choreography and emotionally rich storytelling. Their catalog includes classics such as “Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get,” “In the Rain” and “Me and Mrs. Jones.” Their signature ballad, “In the Rain,” topped Billboard’s then-named Hot Soul Singles chart and remains a defining soul recording of the ‘70s. While Motown dominated much of Detroit’s musical narrative, The Dramatics showcased the city’s theatrical side. The group’s blend of showmanship and vocal precision influenced generations of R&B performers, while later collaborations with Snoop Dogg and extensive hip-hop sampling underscore their enduring legacy. — RAQUELLE HARRIS

• 46. The Time

  “Somebody bring me a mirror so I can look at myself!” The Time started as an outlet for Prince to write, produce and release music outside of his solo career, but soon morphed into a vehicle for flashy frontman Morris Day and his performative preening. If Prince was distant, Day was audaciously demonstrative. His fun, appealing personality fueled the wild synth-funk of the 1982 classic What Time Is It? and sublimely ridiculous jams like “The Bird” and “Jungle Love.” For Morris, more was more, and onstage, the Minneapolis band’s indisputable chops routinely proved they were far more than just Prince protegés. Among its members: future songwriting/production stars Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. — J.L.

• 45. Atlantic Starr

  Beginning as a funk-oriented ensemble before evolving into one of the defining R&B vocal groups of the 1980s, the New York-based act built a catalog that resonated with both R&B and pop audiences. Hits such as “Secret Lovers,” “Circles,” “Touch a Four Leaf Clover” and “Always” showcased the group’s versatility, with “Always” reaching No. 1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts. Despite lineup changes and shifting musical trends, Atlantic Starr earned nine top 10 R&B hits. Their polished harmonies, romantic ballads and crossover appeal helped define the Quiet Storm era. Later sampled by Usher, Mary J. Blige and others, Atlantic Starr also helped influence the next generation of R&B/hip-hop. — R.H.

• 44. DeBarge

  Signed to Motown’s Gordy label in the early ‘80s the sibling group led by El and Bunny DeBarge instantly stood out for the brothers’ velvety harmonies and lush, melodic songwriting. DeBarge’s blend of pop and soul yielded a run of indelible R&B hits, including “I Like It,” “All This Love,” and “Rhythm of the Night.” Even as the lineup shifted, the group’s signature sound remained: a seamless mix of falsetto leads and tight vocal interplay, earning DeBarge a lasting place among R&B’s elite. The group disbanded in 1989, while as a solo act, El scored the top five R&B/pop single “Who’s Johnny,” among other R&B hits. — G.M.

• 43. War

  Emerging from Long Beach, Calif. in the late ‘60s, the intrepid War fused R&B, funk and Latin rhythms into a distinctive, genre-bending sound. The multicultural collective made its mark with crossover hits like “Spill the Wine” (with the Animals’ Eric Burdon), “The World Is a Ghetto,” “The Cisco Kid,“ “Why Can’t We Be Friends?” and “Low Rider.” Powered by hypnotic grooves and socially conscious lyrics, War’s ever-evolving lineup delivered both infectious party jams and pointed commentary, with an innovation and crossover appeal that cemented the band’s status as fearless pioneers. — G.M.

• 42. The Whispers

  Formed in 1964, Los Angeles’ own legends The Whispers built a reputation for silky-smooth harmonies and enduring ballads that defined radio’s Quiet Storm era. Anchored by the identical Scott twins, Walter and Wallace (aka “Scotty”), the group — whose lineup included Marcus Hutson, Nicholas Caldwell and Leaveil Degree (succeeding original member Gordy Harmon) — found chart-topping success on Dick Griffey’s S.O.L.A.R.  label with the classics “And the Beat Goes On” and “Rock Steady,” plus top 10 fan faves through the ‘80s into the ‘90s such as “Lady,” “It’s a Love Thing” and “Keep on Lovin’ Me.” Never straying from a signature sumptuous blend of romance and groove, The Whispers remain a lasting touchstone for R&B lovers. — G.M.

• 41. The Stylistics

  The Stylistics defined Philadelphia soul. Led by frontman Russell Thompkins Jr.’s signature falsetto and songwriting/production duo Thom Bell and Linda Creed, the group raised a generation of yearners on lush romantic R&B ballads. Their dominant run in the ‘70s was capped off by 12 straight top 10 hits on the R&B chart: “You Make Me Feel Brand New,” “You Are Everything” and “Break Up to Make Up” to name a few, as The Stylistics became a key cog in the machine powering Quiet Storm radio, while also providing an early example for groups like fellow Philly natives Boyz II Men to build on — in the decades to come. – MICHAEL SAPONARA