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20 R&B Stars You Didn't Know Passed Away

Black Celebrity Secret

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Discover the untold stories behind some of the most influential voices in R&B. In this video, “20 R&B Stars You Didn't Know Passed Away,” we take a heartfelt look at legendary artists whose impact on music lives on, even after their passing.

From chart-topping icons to underrated talents, these R&B singers shaped the sound of generations. Some of their stories may surprise you—others will remind you of just how powerful their legacy truly is.

At Black Celebrity Secret, we bring you deeper insights into the lives, careers, and hidden stories of Black celebrities you may not hear anywhere else. If you love R&B music, celebrity history, and emotional storytelling, this video is for you.

👉 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more exclusive content about your favorite artists.

#RNB #RNBLegends #BlackCelebrities #MusicHistory #CelebrityNews #BlackCelebritySecret
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We do not claim ownership of any copyrighted clips included. All footage has been thoughtfully repurposed under fair use guidelines for educational and inspirational purposes, with the goal of honoring the legacy, resilience, and powerful contributions of Black icons. If any content owner has concerns or would like their material removed, please contact us directly.

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20 Comments

@BeyondTimeData68 5 months ago

Bobby Caldwell writing What You Won’t Do for Love in two days because the label wanted a hit… and it ended up becoming timeless. That’s crazy when you think about it.

@SpousalPrivilege 5 months ago (edited)

It was 1979 and the Whispers performed at my sophomore year’s Homecoming! HBCU’s were testing grounds for many iconic artists and groups today. I’ve been blessed to witness the genesis of groups like: The Whispers, Atlantic Starr, Parliament Funkadelics, Bootsie Collin’s, EWF, The Commodores, Frankie Beverly and Maze, Bloodstone and many others! 1978-1982 were magical and monumental years that I treasure to this day.
#HBCUAlum
#iykyk

@danawhite6458 3 months ago

All of them deserved recognition, I knew all of but three. Thank you

@CubbyMainer 1 month ago

One of my favorite female singer of all time.

@kmcghee143 5 months ago

I love how my hometown Oakland,Ca has so much talent.

@LegendaryBlackpeople 4 weeks ago

How can someone have hit records, influence an entire generation, and still be almost forgotten today?

@charlesljones2454 4 months ago

I just loved Frankie beverley and maze ..... Not only was he a great singer ...... But also a very good writer and arranger.

@Ray-w8m9c 3 months ago

I have heard that gentleman's voice on many YouTube videos. I don't know his name, but he somehow makes every ordinary situation sound very exciting and a must see to believe.

@mskisimms 3 months ago

I first knew of Marlena Shaw in the mid 70’s with “Go Away Little Boy”.

@JosephBennett-s4u 3 months ago

Angel BOFILL is in my top 5 when it comes to female singers ❤❤❤🎉🎉

@edmondhodge2382 2 months ago

The Pointer Family was born in Arkansas,but raised in Oakland,Ca.

@phyllisparham8328 5 months ago

I may be biased because I was one of her backup vocals (The Ladeez) but she was phenomenal with vocal arrangements and writing. She is so missed in the UK and US. ❤

@AR-s1o4r 3 months ago (edited)

I love Tony Toni Tone , I didn’t know he died , RIP DEWAYNE

@Thoughtful2024 2 months ago

Through story. I wish zu could have of played snippets of the songs...I remember most of them.I also learned some new info.

@JmTruesdale 2 months ago

Amen 💙🙏🏼🙏🏿🙏🗽🌏
Condolences for the Legend I-con, Legendary I-con phenomenal excellent black trailblazers, Pioneer ,Authors of music singing, movie makers, filmmakers, choreography, and more you departure from earth will never fade your giant legacies you left inside of the hearts of millions. Your memories forever building bridges on earth and now in our beautiful Heaven 🌹💙👣😇

@FlyRoni 2 months ago

Marlena Shaw...... 🎶🎼Without You In My Life 🕊️🕊️💕

@JamesGoodwin-c7u 2 months ago

God Bless The U.S.A.🌏🇺🇲🇨🇱👑💰🙈🙊🙉💙♥️✊🏿💯🔥

@FlyRoni 2 months ago (edited)

BET Awards didn't even acknowledge all the people that was lost in 2025😞😞 Yarbrough of Yarborough and Peoples, Rob Base was left out of the conversation 😞😞

@ioniajones2069 4 months ago

Marlene Shaw's GO Away Little Boy!!😊

@MattieRowe-v3g 3 months ago

I definitely degree with your comment. Frankie was definitely “ unsung” because he had a long and successful career. The last time I saw him was as May 25,2024 in New Orleans. We gave him his actual flowers. A songstress sang I wanna thank you , to him ! We celebrated him with love praise and a New Orleans tradition, a second line. I’ve been a fan since 1977 as a freshman in college and I’m STILL a fan. I introduced my daughter and younger relatives to songs he didn’t always sing in concert like A woman is a wonder, Love you much too much, Lovely Inspiration, and my father and mine favorite “ Call on me” because we were always there for each other 😢Frankie poured his heart and soul into the song and his whistling skills were impeccable 👌🏾He’s known as New Orleans’ “favorite Uncle”😅because he had more concerts there than any other city. We also bought most of his first album helping it go gold. We were like family after that and he made a Live in New Orleans album November 14-15 1980. It’s still a beautiful memory that’s close to my heart. He was also a cool individual. He’d hug people sign autographs and because he closed out Essence Fest for 15 years , he became real friends with the promoters and concert organizers.He also performed at the Zulu Mardi Gras ball and Jazz fest in addition to other concerts. A few of my friends were sad that they missed the last concert, they just figured Uncle Frank was coming back soon. 😔This is one of the best videos I’ve seen, because most of the time the name didn’t match artists shown or the information would be incorrect. I was a big fan of all these mentioned and I’m glad others can learn more about the artists. I’m just remembering, that the Whispers opened the show for Frankie, now Walter Scott has passed away too 😔I watched the BET Awards tonight and a few artists were omitted. I’m not sure but I didn’t see Ronald LaPread of the Commodores and a few others. May they all continue to Rest In Eternal Peace 🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️I’ll miss Frankie the most because he’s also my ♐️birthday buddy🥺☮️💙💙