He was born Stevland Hardaway Judkins on May 13 1950, in Saginaw, Michigan, but known to the world by the stage name of Stevie Wonder.

One of the most dynamic, compelling artists of his generation, Donald Glover - a.k.a. Childish Gambino - is a Musicheads Essential Artist.

A foundational singer and songwriter who's rightly known as 'the Mother of the Blues,' Ma Rainey is a Musicheads Essential Artist.

Charles Bradley, a powerfully emotive singer and songwriter also known as "the Screaming Eagle of Soul," is a Musicheads Essential Artist.

She may have only released one solo album, but 'The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill' is so rare and essential that she only needed one.

Otis Redding shares the honorific the King of Soul with both James Brown and Sam Cooke. Not only is his influence heard in soul and R&B music, but his impact on the history of popular music is immense.

Pulitzer-Prize-winning artist Kendrick Lamar is widely regarded as one of the greatest rappers of his generation.

A prodigiously talented singer, songwriter, and guitarist who's become a torchbearer for a new generation of rockers, Brittany Howard is a Musicheads Essential Artist.

Hailed as the Godfather of Soul, James Brown was a funk pioneer.

Known for her powerhouse vocals, charismatic raps, and uplifting performances, Lizzo has emerged as a leading voice in her body-positive generation.