June is Black Music Month and what better time to celebrate its rich history.

For centuries, Black musicians, singers, writers and producers have made incredible contributions to the music industry.

This is the month set aside to pay homage to all those individuals who, through their music, have made us smile, laugh, cry, dance, tap our feet, clap our hands and swivel our hips.

I caught up with some celebrities and asked them, “Who is your favorite female R&B singer of all time?”

GABRIELLE UNION

GABRIELLE UNION (Think Like A Man) - Patti Labelle, Whitney, Diana Ross

RUSSELL HORNSBY (Grimm) – Anita Baker

YVETTE NICOLE BROWN – CECE Winans

CHAD COLEMAN – Aretha Franklin.  It’s her instrument. It’s a huge instrument and an incredible voice.

HAROLD PERRINEAU (Seeking Justice/Lost) - Whitney Houston

CESILI WILLIAMS (The Color Purple) - Without question, Rachelle Farrell

LATOYA LONDON (American Idol/The Color Purple) – Whitney Houston. She was my Idol.

FLAME (gospel singer) – Mary J Blige, Whitney Houston

MARIO VAN PEEBLES

MARIO VAN PEEBLES (We The Party) – Etta James

MANDELA VAN PEEBLES (We The Party) – Aaliyah, Cassie and Alicia Keys

JERRY FERRARA (Entourage) - Whitney, Mary J there is something comforting about Mary.

PATRICE FISHER

PATRICE FISHER - Whitney Houston because she came out of  nowhere with the voice of an angel.  









Darlene Donloe is a seasoned entertainment and travel journalist whose work has appeared in People, Ebony, Essence, Black Meetings & Tourism, LA Watts Times, Los Angeles Sentinel, EMMY, The Hollywood Reporter, Rhythm & Business, Billboard, Grammy, CYH, BlackVoices.com and more.