Top 10 R&B Singing Duos

Nobody does music better than an R&B artist. Of course, the right material, musicians, studio crew and producer can make all the difference in the world. But when it's a collaborative project featuring two great singers you get good music all up in your face - smeared, causing you to lick your lips with delight. Good music never goes to waste. Below are the top 10 R&B singing duos that never seem to grow old. Moreover, the success of their projects are significant to R&B culture. Among the group are great songwriters.

Fortunately, we can still listen to the music from those that are now resting in piece(*), while the others are still here doing it their way, the way we like it.

We must start with number one.

Number 1
Nicolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson - It only takes one word to describe these two - pros.The song "Is it Still Good To You" contains lyrics that say "I don't know if I ought to bring it up/Seems like such a funny to talk about/Don't know if it's right to do." Powerful lyrics, letting couples know that it's okay to communicate - openly. Communication can lend a hand to a relationship becoming "Solid as a Rock". Creative geniuses they are indeed.
http://www.myspace.com/ashfordandsimpson

Number 2
Marvin Gaye* and Tammi Terrell* - Marvin and Tammi made an R&B love song seem real. Now do you understand why Nick and Val are at number one for penning some unforgettable songs? But, Marvin and Tammi made the songs their own in terms of unduplicated style and appeal. "Your Precious Love" one of their most memorable song says "Every day, there's something new/Honey that keeps me loving you." There is only one Marvin, and only one Tammi that we have loved for close to 50 years.

Number 3
Donny Hathaway* and Roberta Flack - Donny and Roberta individually provided superior songwriting and gifted musicianship. Together they gave us deep-rooted soul, about as soulful as it can get. The passion in their music could make your ears see. "The Closer I Get To You" has been recorded by many other artists, but none match the impact as the original. "Where Is The Love" displayed their incredible voices and "Back Together Again" was funky and fun. There was no better pairing of voices and talent.
http://www.amazon.com/Roberta-Flack-Donny-Hathaway/dp/B000002J5V

Number 4
Billy Preston* and Syreeta Wright* - These two made the best love song ever made, "With You I'm Born Again." Syreeta was an exceptional talent with a voice as pure as honey. Billy was one of top three greatest organists in the world. The other two were close friends of Billy's that I had the pleasure of seeing and hearing every Sunday mornings in church as a kid. When Billy recorded the aforementioned song with Syreeta it 'wowed' us. This was a very special collaboration of talents.

Number 5
Harold Melvin* and Sharon Paige - Only one song is their collaborative claim to fame, "Hope That We Can Be Together Soon." The raspy voice of a male and the sweet tender sound of a female, together, like it should be. Harold shined instead of Teddy Pendergrass for this cut, while Sharon Paige sounds a little like Mary Wells. I can't wait to hear this one again.

Number 6
Rick James* and Teena Marie - Like when the US Department of Justice tries to find something criminal about a criminal, there has to be something illegal about Rick and Teena's performance on "Fire and Desire." Not really. But, I mean they took the duet thing to a-whole-nother level. Confessions, love and hate, passion, power vocals, everything was in this song.

Number 7
Luther Vandross* and Cheryl Lynn - "If This World Were Mine" was a Marvin and Tammi exclusive. Any other duo who would dare record this song would have fear of being automatically 'gonged' until Luther and Cheryl made it magically delicious. It sounded as if they were eating from each other's hands. Their confidence was unmatched. Who didn't get chills? Who, I say?(!) Frankly, who would have predicted this pairing?

Number 8
Keith Sweat and Jacci McGhee - I like to call them "the New Jack and Jacci Mac." It only took one song to put them on the list, "Make It Last Forever." Keith Sweat's instrumental rhythms are absolutely incredible, and the vocal exchange between the two singers is one of the best of its time. A truly good song is one that nobody will try to duplicate. When you listen to this song you have to listen to it again.
http://www.myspace.com/keithsweat

Number 9
Diana Ross and Lionel Richie - Don't planets revolve around stars? Well, these two are stars that others have tried to pattern themselves after. "Endless Love" brought them together for an easy hit. How could they go wrong? I had trouble deciding whose name should go first. One would have to admit that both of them own their own universe.
http://www.myspace.com/lionelrichie

Number 10
Patti LaBelle and Grover Washington, Jr.* - It's well known that Mr. Magic could make his horn talk and sing. It's also understood that only Patti could go toe-to-toe, or should I say breath-to-breath with Grover on "The Best Is Yet To Come", because Patti has faith. I know that's right. I also have faith to know that you will understand that these two belong on this list.

We have formed a bond with the music made by these couples. Solid R&B, passed down through generations.