A Progressive History of Billboard's R&B Charts (1942-2023)

[WolfSpear]

In this thread, I'll be covering the progressive history of Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Album charts from their inception to the current day. Billboard's original "R&B" chart was created in October 1942 under the title "Harlem Hit Parade". The chart's original purpose was to track the biggest hits from the market in Harlem, New York, a breeding ground of major jazz clubs during the 1920's-40's. Over time, the name of the chart has changed and so has its methodology, but the music reflects the heart and soul of the country. Record labels such as OKeh, Vocalion, Mercury, Atlantic, Chess, Stax and Motown are all major players in distributing this music and ultimately paving the way for rock 'n' roll. For this project, I'll be working alongside the expertise of forum member and R&B specialist, Private Dancer, to help bring these stats together. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
HARLEM HIT PARADE/RACE RECORDS/RHYTHM & BLUES (1942-1949)
HOT R&B SIDES (1942-1959)
BEST SELLING R&B/SOUL SINGLES (1942-1969)
BEST SELLING R&B/SOUL ALBUMS (1965-1969)
HOT SOUL SINGLES (1942-1979)
HOT SOUL ALBUMS (1965-1979)
TOP BLACK SINGLES (1942-1989)
TOP BLACK ALBUMS (1965-1989)
TOP R&B SINGLES & TRACKS (1942-1999)
TOP R&B ALBUMS (1965-1999)
TOP R&B/HIP-HOP SONGS (1942-2009)
TOP R&B/HIP-HOP ALBUMS (1965-2009)
TOP R&B/HIP-HOP SONGS (1942-PRESENT)
TOP R&B/HIP-HOP ALBUMS (1965-PRESENT)

CHART: DATES RESEARCHED [#POSITIONS]
Harlem Hit Parade (October 24, 1942 - February 1, 1945) [10]
Most Played Juke Box Race/Rhythm & Blues Records (February 8, 1945 - PRESENT) [2-15]
Best Selling Retail Race/Rhythm & Blues Records (May 22, 1948 - PRESENT) [5-15]

1942-1949

MOST #1's: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS - Record To Date
17: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1943-1949)
5: The Ink Spots (1943-1946)
5: Duke Ellington & His Orchestra (1943-1944)
4: Lucky Millinder & His Orchestra (1942-1945)
4: The King Cole Trio (1943-1944)

LONGEST #1 SPAN: ARTIST - Record To Date
6 YRS, 11 MO: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1943-1949)
What's The Use Of Getting Sober (When You're Going To Get Drunk Again) - Saturday Night Fish Fry

MOST #1's: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS - SINGLE YEAR
5: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1946)
 Buzz Me
 Don't Worry 'Bout That Mule
 Stone Cold Dead In The Market (with Ella Fitzgerald)
 Choo Choo Ch'Boogie
 Ain't That Just Like A Woman

5: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1947)
 Ain't That Just Like A Woman
 Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens
 Texas And Pacific
 Jack, You're Dead
 Boogie Woogie Blue Plate

MOST CONSECUTIVE #1's: ALL CHARTS
6: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1944-1946)
 Ration Blues
 G.I. Jive
 Mop! Mop!
 Caldonia
 Buzz Me
 Don't Worry 'Bout That Mule

5: Duke Ellington & His Orchestra (1943-1944)
5: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1946-1947)
4: The King Cole Trio (1943-1944)
4: Lucky Millinder & His Orchestra (1942-1945)

MOST CONSECUTIVE #1's - ARTIST - IN SUCCESSION (ALL CHARTS)
5: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1946-1947)
 Stone Cold Dead In The Market (with Ella Fitzgerald)
 Choo Choo Ch'Boogie
 Ain't That Just Like A Woman
 Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens
 Texas And Pacific

MOST WEEKS AT #1: SINGLE - ALL CHARTS
18: The Honeydripper - Joe Liggins & His Honeydrippers (1945-1946)
18: Choo Choo Ch'Boogie - Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1946-1947)
17: Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens - Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1947)
16: Hey! Ba-Ba-Re-Bop - Lionel Hampton & His Orchestra (1946)
15: Trouble Blues - Charles Brown Trio (1949)

MOST WEEKS AT #1: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS - Single Year
40: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1947)
34: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1946)

MOST WEEKS AT #1: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS - Record To Date
105: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1943-1949)
24: The Ink Spots (1942-1946)
22: Lionel Hampton (1944-1946)
21: Julia Lee (1947-1948)
20: Erskine Hawkins (1942-1945)

#1 HITS ON R&B & POP: 1942-1949
White Christmas - Bing Crosby (1942)
I've Heard That Song Before - Harry James & His Orchestra (1943)
You'll Never Know - Dick Haymes (1943)
G.I. Jive - Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1944)
Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall - The Ink Spots & Ella Fitzgerald (1944-1945)
The Gypsy - The Ink Spots (1946)


MOST TOP 10 HITS: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS - Record To Date
47: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1942-1949)
22: The King Cole Trio (1942-1949)
16: The Ink Spots (1942-1948)
12: Duke Ellington & His Orchestra (1942-1945)
12: Ella Fitzgerald (1943-1949)
12: Johnny Moore (1945-1949)

MOST CONSECUTIVE TOP 10 HITS: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS
37: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1942-1948)
18: The King Cole Trio (1942-1948)
16: The Ink Spots (1942-1948)
12: Duke Ellington & His Orchestra (1942-1945)
12: Ella Fitzgerald (1943-1949)

MOST TOP 40 HITS: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS
50: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1942-1949)
23: The King Cole Trio (1942-1949)
17: The Ink Spots (1942-1948)
16: Johnny Moore (1945-1949)
14: Dinah Washington (1944-1949)

MOST CHART ENTRIES: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS - Record To Date
50: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1942-1949)
23: The King Cole Trio (1942-1949)
17: The Ink Spots (1942-1948)
16: Johnny Moore (1945-1949)
14: Dinah Washington (1944-1949)

MOST CHART ENTRIES: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS - Single Year
13: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1946)

MOST WEEKS/TOP 10: SINGLE - ALL CHARTS
31: The Hucklebuck - Paul Williams & His Hucklebuckers (1949)
30: Long Gone - Sonny Thompson (1948)
29: Don't Cry, Baby - Erskine Hawkins & His Orchestra (1943)
29: Tomorrow Night - Lonnie Johnson (1948)
28: Don't Get Around Much Anymore - The Ink Spots (1943)
28: I Wonder - Pvt. Cecil Gant (1945)
28: (Opportunities Knock But Once) Snatch And Grab It - Julia Lee & Her Boy Friends (1947)

MOST WEEKS ON CHART: SINGLE - ALL CHARTS
39: Cherry Red Blues - Cootie Williams & His Orchestra (1944)
34: Ain't Nobody's Business - Jimmy Witherspoon (1949)
33: Tomorrow Night - Lonnie Johnson (1948)
32: The Hucklebuck - Paul Williams & His Hucklebuckers (1949)
31: Long Gone - Sonny Thompson (1948)

[WolfSpear]

CHART: DATES RESEARCHED [#POSITIONS]
Harlem Hit Parade (October 24, 1942 - February 1, 1945) [10]
Most Played Juke Box Race/Rhythm & Blues Records (February 8, 1945 - June 17, 1957) [2-15]
Best Selling Retail Race/Rhythm & Blues Records (May 22, 1948 - October 13, 1958) [5-20]
Most Played By Jockeys (January 22, 1955 - October 13, 1958) [13-15]
Hot R&B Sides (October 20, 1958 - PRESENT) [30]

1942-1959

MOST #1's: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS - Record To Date
18: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1943-1950)
9: Fats Domino (1952-1959)
6: The King Cole Trio/Nat King Cole (1943-1957)
6: Elvis Presley (1956-1958)
5: The Ink Spots (1943-1946)
5: Duke Ellington & His Orchestra (1943-1944)
5: Ruth Brown (1950-1954)

LONGEST #1 SPAN: ARTIST - Record To Date
14 YRS, 7 MO: The King Cole Trio/Nat King Cole (1943-1957)
That Ain't Right - Send For Me

MOST #1's: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS - SINGLE YEAR
5: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1946)
 Buzz Me
 Don't Worry 'Bout That Mule
 Stone Cold Dead In The Market (with Ella Fitzgerald)
 Choo Choo Ch'Boogie
 Ain't That Just Like A Woman

5: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1947)
 Ain't That Just Like A Woman
 Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens
 Texas And Pacific
 Jack, You're Dead
 Boogie Woogie Blue Plate

MOST CONSECUTIVE #1's: ALL CHARTS
6: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1944-1946)
 Ration Blues
 G.I. Jive
 Mop! Mop!
 Caldonia
 Buzz Me
 Don't Worry 'Bout That Mule

5: Duke Ellington & His Orchestra (1943-1944)
5: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1946-1947)
4: The King Cole Trio (1943-1944)
4: Lucky Millinder & His Orchestra (1942-1945)

MOST CONSECUTIVE #1's - ARTIST - IN SUCCESSION (ALL CHARTS)
5: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1946-1947)
 Stone Cold Dead In The Market (with Ella Fitzgerald)
 Choo Choo Ch'Boogie
 Ain't That Just Like A Woman
 Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens
 Texas And Pacific

MOST WEEKS AT #1: SINGLE - ALL CHARTS
18: The Honeydripper - Joe Liggins & His Honeydrippers (1945-1946)
18: Choo Choo Ch'Boogie - Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1946-1947)
17: Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens - Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1947)
16: Hey! Ba-Ba-Re-Bop - Lionel Hampton & His Orchestra (1946)
15: Trouble Blues - Charles Brown Trio (1949)

MOST WEEKS AT #1: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS - Single Year
40: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1947)
34: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1946)

MOST WEEKS AT #1: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS - Record To Date
113: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1943-1950)
51: Fats Domino (1950-1959)
32: Ruth Brown (1950-1954)
31: Joe Liggins & His Honeydrippers (1945-1950)
29: Charles Brown (1949-1951)

#1 ON R&B & POP: 1950-1959
Mona Lisa - Nat King Cole (1950)
Cry - Johnnie Ray & The Four Lads (1952)
The Great Pretender - The Platters (1955)
Hound Dog/Don't Be Cruel - Elvis Presley (1956)
All Shook Up - Elvis Presley (1957)
(Let Me Be) Your Teddy Bear - Elvis Presley (1957)
Diana - Paul Anka (1957)
Honeycomb - Jimmie Rodgers (1957)
Jailhouse Rock - Elvis Presley (1957)
Wake Up Little Susie - The Everly Brothers (1957)
You Send Me - Sam Cooke (1957)
At The Hop - Danny & The Juniors (1958)
Get A Job - The Silhouettes (1958)
Tequila - The Champs (1958)
Twilight Time - The Platters (1958)
All I Have To Do Is Dream - The Everly Brothers (1958)
Witch Doctor - David Seville (1958)
Yakety Yak - The Coasters (1958)
Patricia - Perez Prado & His Orchestra (1958)
It's All In The Game - Tommy Edwards (1958)
Stagger Lee - Lloyd Price (1959)
Kansas City - Wilburt Harrison (1959)


MOST TOP 10 HITS: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS - Record To Date
54: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1942-1951)
34: Fats Domino (1950-1959)
32: The King Cole Trio/Nat King Cole (1942-1958)
31: Dinah Washington (1944-1959)
19: Elvis Presley (1956-1959)
18: The Clovers (1951-1956)
17: Big Joe Turner (1945-1956)
17: Johnny Otis (1948-1958)

MOST CONSECUTIVE TOP 10 HITS: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS
37: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1942-1948)
25: Dinah Washington (1948-1955)
18: The King Cole Trio (1942-1948)
17: Big Joe Turner (1945-1956)
17: Johnny Otis (1948-1958)
16: The Ink Spots (1942-1948)
16: Louis Jordan (1948-1951)

MOST TOP 40 HITS: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS
57: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1942-1951)
46: Fats Domino (1950-1959)
42: Dinah Washington (1944-1959)
36: The King Cole Trio/Nat King Cole (1942-1959)
25: Elvis Presley (1956-1959)
23: Ruth Brown (1950-1959)
21: Ray Charles (1949-1959)
21: The Clovers (1951-1959)

MOST CHART ENTRIES: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS - Record To Date
57: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1942-1951)
46: Fats Domino (1950-1959)
42: Dinah Washington (1944-1959)
36: The King Cole Trio/Nat King Cole (1942-1959)
25: Elvis Presley (1956-1959)
23: Ruth Brown (1949-1959)
21: Ray Charles (1949-1959)
21: The Clovers (1951-1959)

MOST CHART ENTRIES: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS - Single Year
13: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1946)

MOST WEEKS/TOP 10: SINGLE - ALL CHARTS
32: Shake, Rattle And Roll - Big Joe Turner & His Blue Kings (1954)
31: The Hucklebuck - Paul Williams & His Hucklebuckers (1949)
30: Long Gone - Sonny Thompson (1948)
30: Sixty Minute Man - The Dominoes (1951)
29: Don't Cry, Baby - Erskine Hawkins & His Orchestra (1943)
29: Tomorrow Night - Lonnie Johnson (1948)

MOST WEEKS ON CHART: SINGLE - ALL CHARTS
39: Cherry Red Blues - Cootie Williams & His Orchestra (1944)
34: Ain't Nobody's Business - Jimmy Witherspoon (1949)
33: Tomorrow Night - Lonnie Johnson (1948)
32: The Hucklebuck - Paul Williams & His Hucklebuckers (1949)
32: Shake, Rattle And Roll - Big Joe Turner & His Blue Kings (1954)

[WolfSpear]

The 60's brought forth an endless supply of talent with Ray Charles, James Brown and Aretha Franklin rising as major stars in the circuit. Motown emerged as a powerhouse with Holland/Dozier/Holland and Smokey Robinson crafting a new soulful sound that would speak to many. Prior to the rock 'n' roll era, there been a limited amount of crossover between pop and R&B, but it appears that quite a few acts were appearing on the Hot 100 here in the 60's. Billboard apparently agreed with that notion, discontinuing the R&B Singles chart between November 30, 1963 and January 23, 1965. I've decided to use the Cashbox data provided by Joel Whitburn to fill in this gap and paint a more complete portrait of this era. 


CHART: DATES RESEARCHED [#POSITIONS]
Harlem Hit Parade (October 24, 1942 - February 1, 1945) [10]
Most Played Juke Box Race/Rhythm & Blues Records (February 8, 1945 - June 17, 1957) [2-15]
Best Selling Retail Race/Rhythm & Blues Records (May 22, 1948 - October 13, 1958) [5-20]
Most Played By Jockeys (January 22, 1955 - October 13, 1958) [13-15]
Best Selling R&B/Soul Singles (October 20, 1958 - PRESENT*) [30-50]
*Incorporates Cash Box data from 1963-1965

1942-1969

MOST #1's: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS - Record To Date
18: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1943-1950)
10: Ray Charles (1955-1966)
10: The Temptations (1965-1969)
9: Fats Domino (1952-1959)
9: James Brown (1959-1969)
7: Diana Ross & The Supremes (1964-1969)
7: Aretha Franklin (1967-1969)
6: The King Cole Trio/Nat King Cole (1943-1957)
6: The Drifters (1953-1964)
6: Elvis Presley (1956-1958)
6: Brook Benton (1959-1960)
6: Marvin Gaye (1965-1969)

LONGEST #1 SPAN: ARTIST - Record To Date
14 YRS, 7 MO: The King Cole Trio/Nat King Cole (1943-1957)
That Ain't Right - Send For Me

MOST #1's: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS - SINGLE YEAR
5: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1946)
5: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1947)
[4: The Temptations (1966)*]
*Most since chart merger in October 1958

MOST CONSECUTIVE #1's: ALL CHARTS
6: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1944-1946)
5: Duke Ellington & His Orchestra (1943-1944)
5: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1946-1947)
4: The King Cole Trio (1943-1944)
4: Lucky Millinder & His Orchestra (1942-1945)
4: The Temptations (1966)

MOST CONSECUTIVE #1's - ARTIST - IN SUCCESSION (ALL CHARTS)
5: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1946-1947)
[2: Dinah Washington (1960)*]
*Most since chart merger in October 1958

MOST WEEKS AT #1: SINGLE - ALL CHARTS
18: The Honeydripper - Joe Liggins & His Honeydrippers (1945-1946)
18: Choo Choo Ch'Boogie - Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1946-1947)
17: Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens - Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1947)
16: Hey! Ba-Ba-Re-Bop - Lionel Hampton & His Orchestra (1946)
15: Trouble Blues - Charles Brown Trio (1949)
[10: Tossin' And Turnin' - Bobby Lewis (1961)
Baby (You've Got What It Takes) - Dinah Washington & Brook Benton (1960)
I Can't Stop Loving You - Ray Charles (1962)*]
*Most since chart merger in October 1958

MOST WEEKS AT #1: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS - Single Year
40: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1947)
34: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1946)
[23: Brook Benton (1960)*]
*Most since chart merger in October 1958

MOST WEEKS AT #1: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS - Record To Date
113: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1943-1950)
51: Fats Domino (1950-1959)
39: Brook Benton (1959-1960)
34: The Temptations (1964-1969)
32: Ruth Brown (1950-1954)
32: James Brown (1959-1969)
32: Aretha Franklin (1967-1969)

MOST TOP 10 HITS: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS - Record To Date
54: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1942-1951)
44: Ray Charles (1949-1967)
39: Fats Domino (1950-1961)
35: Dinah Washington (1944-1961)
34: The King Cole Trio/Nat King Cole (1942-1964)
31: James Brown (1956-1969)

MOST CONSECUTIVE TOP 10 HITS: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS
37: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1942-1948)
25: Dinah Washington (1948-1955)
18: The King Cole Trio (1942-1948)
17: Big Joe Turner (1945-1956)
17: Johnny Otis (1948-1958)
16: The Ink Spots (1942-1948)
16: Louis Jordan (1948-1951)

MOST TOP 40 HITS: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS
66: Ray Charles (1949-1969)
57: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1942-1951)
53: James Brown (1956-1969)
47: Dinah Washington (1944-1961)
46: Fats Domino (1950-1959)
46: B.B. King (1951-1969)
45: The Nat King Cole Trio/Nat King Cole (1942-1964)

MOST CHART ENTRIES: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS - Record To Date
67: Ray Charles (1949-1969)
57: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1942-1951)
57: James Brown (1956-1969)
48: B.B. King (1951-1969)
47: Dinah Washington (1944-1961)
46: Fats Domino (1950-1959)
45: The Nat King Cole Trio/Nat King Cole (1942-1964)

MOST CHART ENTRIES: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS - Single Year
13: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1946)
[10: James Brown (1969)*]
*Most since chart merger in October 1958

MOST WEEKS/TOP 10: SINGLE - ALL CHARTS
32: Shake, Rattle And Roll - Big Joe Turner & His Blue Kings (1954)
31: The Hucklebuck - Paul Williams & His Hucklebuckers (1949)
30: Long Gone - Sonny Thompson (1948)
30: Sixty Minute Man - The Dominoes (1951)
29: Don't Cry, Baby - Erskine Hawkins & His Orchestra (1943)
29: Tomorrow Night - Lonnie Johnson (1948)
[21: The Twist - Chubby Checker (1960-1962)*]
*Most since chart merger in October 1958

MOST WEEKS ON CHART: SINGLE - ALL CHARTS
39: Cherry Red Blues - Cootie Williams & His Orchestra (1944)
34: Ain't Nobody's Business - Jimmy Witherspoon (1949)
33: Tomorrow Night - Lonnie Johnson (1948)
32: The Hucklebuck - Paul Williams & His Hucklebuckers (1949)
32: Shake, Rattle And Roll - Big Joe Turner & His Blue Kings (1954)
[31: The Twist - Chubby Checker (1960-1962)*]
*Most since chart merger in October 1958

[WolfSpear]

In November 1963, Billboard discontinued its R&B Singles chart due to the genre's unprecedented crossover appeal on the Hot 100. On January 30, 1965, they resurrected the Singles chart and introduced an accompanying "Hot R&B LP's" chart, running only 10 positions in length and featuring the Supremes' Where Did Our Love Go as its first #1. As you might notice, the most dominant act during the decade was the Temptations with an outstanding 12 #1 albums in a span of 5 years! They will extend upon their chart records throughout the 1970's and beyond, becoming one of the top acts in this chart's history.

CHART: DATES RESEARCHED [#POSITIONS]
Best Selling R&B/Soul Albums (January 30, 1965 - PRESENT) [10-50]

1965-1969

MOST #1's: BEST SELLING R&B/SOUL ALBUMS - Record To Date
12: The Temptations (1965-1969)
7: Diana Ross & The Supremes (1965-1969)
6: Aretha Franklin (1967-1969)
3: Otis Redding (1965-1968)

LONGEST #1 SPAN - ARTIST - Record To Date
4 YRS, 8 MO - The Temptations (1965-1969)
The Temptations Sing Smokey - Puzzle People

MOST #1's: ARTIST - Single Year
4: The Temptations (1969)
Diana Ross & The Supremes Join The Temptations
TCB
Cloud Nine
Puzzle People

MOST CONSECUTIVE #1's: ARTIST
10: The Temptations (1965-1969)

MOST CONSECUTIVE #1's: ARTIST (IN SUCCESSION)
2: Sam Cooke (1965)
Sam Cooke At The Copa
Shake

2: Diana Ross & The Supremes/The Temptations (1968-1969)
Diana Ross & The Supremes Join The Temptations
TCB

MOST WEEKS AT #1: BEST SELLING R&B/SOUL ALBUMS
18: The Temptations Sing Smokey - The Temptations (1965)
17: Aretha Now - Aretha Franklin (1968)
16: Lady Soul - Aretha Franklin (1968)
15: The Temptin' Temptations - The Temptations (1965-1966)
14: I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You - Aretha Franklin (1967)
13: Cloud Nine - The Temptations (1969)

MOST WEEKS AT #1: ARTIST - Single Year
33: Aretha Franklin (1968)

MOST WEEKS AT #1: ARTIST - Record To Date
93: The Temptations (1965-1969)
60: Aretha Franklin (1967-1969)
31: Diana Ross & The Supremes (1965-1969)
21: Lou Rawls (1966)
12: Ramsey Lewis Trio (1965)

MOST TOP 10 HITS: BEST SELLING R&B/SOUL ALBUMS
17: Diana Ross & The Supremes (1965-1969)
16: The Temptations (1965-1969)
13: James Brown (1965-1969)
11: Aretha Franklin (1965-1969)
11: Otis Redding (1965-1969)

MOST CONSECUTIVE TOP 10 HITS: BEST SELLING R&B/SOUL ALBUMS
15: The Temptations (1965-1969)
11: Diana Ross & The Supremes (1965-1968)
11: Otis Redding (1965-1969)

MOST TOP 40 HITS: BEST SELLING R&B/SOUL ALBUMS
20: Diana Ross & The Supremes (1965-1969)
20: James Brown (1965-1969)
16: The Temptations (1965-1969)
15: Nancy Wilson (1965-1969)
13: Aretha Franklin (1965-1969)
13: Dionne Warwick (1965-1969)

MOST CHART ENTRIES: BEST SELLING R&B/SOUL ALBUMS
20: Diana Ross & The Supremes (1965-1969)
20: James Brown (1965-1969)
16: The Temptations (1965-1969)
15: Nancy Wilson (1965-1969)
13: Aretha Franklin (1965-1969)
13: Dionne Warwick (1965-1969)

MOST CHART ENTRIES ARTIST - Single Year
7: The Temptations (1969)

MOST WEEKS IN THE TOP 10: BEST SELLING R&B/SOUL ALBUMS
45: Lou Rawls Live! - Lou Rawls (1966-1967)
42: Greatest Hits - The Temptations (1966-1967)
32: Lady Soul - Aretha Franklin (1968)
30: Crying Time - Ray Charles (1966)
30: Soulin' - Lou Rawls (1966-1967)
30: Cloud Nine - The Temptations (1969)

MOST WEEKS CHARTED: BEST SELLING R&B/SOUL ALBUMS
114: Greatest Hits - The Temptations (1966-1969)
69: Are You Experienced? - The Jimi Hendrix Experience (1967-1969)
66: I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You - Aretha Franklin (1967-1968)
63: Lou Rawls Live! - Lou Rawls (1966-1967)
63: A Day In The Life - Wes Montgomery (1967-1968)

MOST #1 HITS - ALBUM
2*: Where Did Our Love Go - The Supremes (1964)
2: Moods Of Marvin Gaye (1965)
2: Sings Holland-Dozier-Holland - The Supremes (1966)
2: Gettin' Ready - The Temptations (1966)
2: Up-Tight - Stevie Wonder (1966)
2: I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You - Aretha Franklin (1967)
2: Lady Soul - Aretha Franklin (1968)
2: You're All I Need - Marvin Gaye (1968)
2: Wish It Would Rain - The Temptations (1968)

MOST TOP 10 HITS - ALBUM
5: Shotgun - Jr. Walker & The All-Stars (1965)
Shotgun
Do The Boomerang
Shake And Fingerpop
Cleo's Back
(I'm A) Road Runner

5: Moods Of Marvin Gaye - Marvin Gaye (1965-1967)
I'll Be Doggone
Ain't That Peculiar
One More Heartache
Little Darling (I Need You)
Your Unchanging Love

4*: Where Did Our Love Go - The Supremes (1963-1964)
4: Going To A Go-Go - Smokey Robinson & The Miracles (1965)
4: Reach Out - The Four Tops (1966-1967)
4: Up-Tight - Stevie Wonder (1966-1967)
4: Lady Soul - Aretha Franklin (1967-1968)
4: Aretha Now - Aretha Franklin (1968-1969)
4: The Ice Man Cometh - Jerry Butler (1968-1969)
*Incorporates Cash Box data from 1963-1965

[WolfSpear]

CHART: DATES RESEARCHED [#POSITIONS]
Harlem Hit Parade (October 24, 1942 - February 1, 1945) [10]
Most Played Juke Box Race/Rhythm & Blues Records (February 8, 1945 - June 17, 1957) [2-15]
Best Selling Retail Race/Rhythm & Blues Records (May 22, 1948 - October 13, 1958) [5-20]
Most Played By Jockeys (January 22, 1955 - October 13, 1958) [13-15]
Hot Soul Singles (October 20, 1958 - PRESENT*) [30-100]
*Incorporates Cash Box data from 1963-1965

1942-1979

MOST #1's: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS - Record To Date
18: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1943-1950)
17: James Brown (1959-1974)
17: Aretha Franklin (1967-1977)
15: The Temptations (1965-1975)
13: Stevie Wonder (1963-1977)
12: Marvin Gaye (1965-1977)
10: Ray Charles (1955-1966)
9: Fats Domino (1952-1959)

LONGEST #1 SPAN: ARTIST - Record To Date
15 YRS, 8 MO: James Brown (1959-1974)
Try Me - Papa Don't Take No Mess

MOST #1's: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS - SINGLE YEAR
5: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1946)
5: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1947)
[4: The Temptations (1966)
4: The Jackson 5 (1970)*]
*Most since chart merger in October 1958

MOST CONSECUTIVE #1's: ALL CHARTS
6: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1944-1946)
5: Duke Ellington & His Orchestra (1943-1944)
5: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1946-1947)
4: The King Cole Trio (1943-1944)
4: Lucky Millinder & His Orchestra (1942-1945)
4: The Temptations (1966)
4: The Jackson 5 (1970)
4: Stevie Wonder (1974-1977)

MOST CONSECUTIVE #1's - ARTIST - IN SUCCESSION (ALL CHARTS)
5: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1946-1947)
[2: Dinah Washington (1960)*]
*Most since chart merger in October 1958

MOST WEEKS AT #1: SINGLE - ALL CHARTS
18: The Honeydripper - Joe Liggins & His Honeydrippers (1945-1946)
18: Choo Choo Ch'Boogie - Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1946-1947)
17: Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens - Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1947)
16: Hey! Ba-Ba-Re-Bop - Lionel Hampton & His Orchestra (1946)
15: Trouble Blues - Charles Brown Trio (1949)
[10: Tossin' And Turnin' - Bobby Lewis (1961)
Baby (You've Got What It Takes) - Dinah Washington & Brook Benton (1960)
I Can't Stop Loving You - Ray Charles (1962)*]
*Most since chart merger in October 1958

MOST WEEKS AT #1: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS - Single Year
40: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1947)
34: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1946)
[23: Brook Benton (1960*]
*Most since chart merger in October 1958

MOST WEEKS AT #1: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS - Record To Date
113: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1943-1950)
54: Aretha Franklin (1967-1977)
51: Fats Domino (1950-1959)
47: James Brown (1959-1974)
42: The Temptations (1964-1975)
42: Marvin Gaye (1965-1977)
40: Brook Benton (1959-1970)

MOST TOP 10 HITS: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS - Record To Date
56: James Brown (1956-1976)
54: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1942-1951)
44: Ray Charles (1949-1967)
39: Fats Domino (1950-1961)
39: Aretha Franklin (1961-1977)
38: The Temptations (1964-1976)
35: Dinah Washington (1944-1961)
35: Marvin Gaye (1962-1977)

MOST CONSECUTIVE TOP 10 HITS: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS
37: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1942-1948)
25: Dinah Washington (1948-1955)
18: The King Cole Trio (1942-1948)
17: Big Joe Turner (1945-1956)
17: Johnny Otis (1948-1958)
16: The Ink Spots (1942-1948)
16: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1948-1951)

MOST TOP 40 HITS: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS
94: James Brown (1956-1979)
76: Ray Charles (1949-1979)
67: B.B. King (1951-1979)
57: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1942-1951)
57: Bobby Bland (1957-1978)
54: Aretha Franklin (1961-1979)
51: The Temptations (1962-1979)

MOST CHART ENTRIES: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS - Record To Date
103: James Brown (1956-1979)
81: Ray Charles (1949-1979)
72: B.B. King (1951-1979)
60: Bobby Bland (1957-1979)
58: Aretha Franklin (1961-1979)
57: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1942-1951)
55: Jerry Butler (1958-1979)
54: The Temptations (1962-1979)

MOST CHART ENTRIES: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS - Single Year
13: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1946)
[10: James Brown (1969)*]
*Most since chart merger in October 1958

MOST WEEKS/TOP 10: SINGLE - ALL CHARTS
32: Shake, Rattle And Roll - Big Joe Turner & His Blue Kings (1954)
31: The Hucklebuck - Paul Williams & His Hucklebuckers (1949)
30: Long Gone - Sonny Thompson (1948)
30: Sixty Minute Man - The Dominoes (1951)
29: Don't Cry, Baby - Erskine Hawkins & His Orchestra (1943)
29: Tomorrow Night - Lonnie Johnson (1948)
[21: The Twist - Chubby Checker (1960-1962)*]
*Most since chart merger in October 1958

MOST WEEKS ON CHART: SINGLE - ALL CHARTS
39: Cherry Red Blues - Cootie Williams & His Orchestra (1944)
34: Ain't Nobody's Business - Jimmy Witherspoon (1949)
33: Tomorrow Night - Lonnie Johnson (1948)
32: The Hucklebuck - Paul Williams & His Hucklebuckers (1949)
32: Shake, Rattle And Roll - Big Joe Turner & His Blue Kings (1954)
[31: The Twist - Chubby Checker (1960-1962)*]
*Most since chart merger in October 1958

[WolfSpear]

The 1970's gave way to blaxploitation films and culturally significant landmark albums, with artists such as Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield, Isaac Hayes and Stevie Wonder leading the pack. Wonder's Songs In The Key Of Life would become the first album to debut at #1 on this chart, and likewise making a rare debut atop the Billboard 200. By the mid-late 70's, we welcome a change of sound in the R&B circuit; Luscious string arrangements, down-right funky grooves and the likes of disco will begin to populate the industry. The size of this chart does increase from 50 positions to 75 before fully expanding to 100 in 1988. As you can see Temptations continue to rule, but it's clear that both Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder will gain ground by the end of the 1980's. 

Like the R&B Singles chart, there is a small gap between August 26 and October 7, 1972 where Billboard didn't publish the chart. 

CHART: DATES RESEARCHED [#POSITIONS]
Hot Soul Albums (January 30, 1965 - PRESENT) [10-75*]
*No published charts from August 26 through October 7, 1972

1965-1979

MOST #1's: HOT SOUL ALBUMS - Record To Date
17: The Temptations (1965-1975)
9: Aretha Franklin (1967-1976)
7: Diana Ross & The Supremes (1965-1969)
7: Isaac Hayes (1969-1975)
6: Marvin Gaye (1969-1977)
6: Al Green (1972-1975)
6: Barry White (1973-1978)

LONGEST #1 SPAN - ARTIST - Record To Date
10 YRS, 1 MO - The Tempations (1965-1975)
The Temptations Sing Smokey - A Song For You

MOST #1's: ARTIST - Single Year
4: The Temptations (1969)
Diana Ross & The Supremes Join The Temptations
TCB
Cloud Nine
Puzzle People

[3: The Jackson 5 (1970)*]
*Most #1's in a year between 1970 and 1979

MOST CONSECUTIVE #1's: ARTIST
10: The Temptations (1965-1969)

MOST CONSECUTIVE #1's: ARTIST (IN SUCCESSION)
2: Sam Cooke (1965)
Sam Cooke At The Copa
Shake

2: Diana Ross & The Supremes/The Temptations (1968-1969)
Diana Ross & The Supremes Join The Temptations
TCB

MOST WEEKS AT #1: HOT SOUL ALBUMS
20: Songs In The Key Of Life - Stevie Wonder (1976-1977)
18: The Temptations Sing Smokey - The Temptations (1965)
17: Aretha Now - Aretha Franklin (1968)
16: Lady Soul - Aretha Franklin (1968)
15: The Temptin' Temptations - The Temptations (1965-1966)
14: I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You - Aretha Franklin (1967)
14: Shaft - Isaac Hayes (1971)

MOST WEEKS AT #1: ARTIST - Single Year
33: Aretha Franklin (1968)
[31: The Jackson 5 (1970)*]
*Most weeks at #1 between 1970 and 1979

MOST WEEKS AT #1: ARTIST - Record To Date
109: The Temptations (1965-1975)
67: Aretha Franklin (1967-1976)
53: Isaac Hayes (1969-1975)
37: The Jackson 5/Jacksons (1970-1971)
33: Stevie Wonder (1973-1977)
31: Diana Ross & The Supremes (1965-1969)

MOST TOP 10 HITS: HOT SOUL ALBUMS
28: The Temptations (1965-1976)
25: James Brown (1965-1975)
23: Aretha Franklin (1965-1977)
21: Diana Ross & The Supremes (1965-1971)
15: Marvin Gaye (1965-1979)

MOST CONSECUTIVE TOP 10 HITS: HOT SOUL ALBUMS
26: The Temptations (1965-1975)

MOST TOP 40 HITS: HOT SOUL ALBUMS
45: James Brown (1965-1979)
32: Diana Ross & The Supremes (1965-1976)
30: The Temptations (1965-1977)
28: Aretha Franklin (1965-1979)
24: The Four Tops (1965-1976)
22: Marvin Gaye (1965-1979)

MOST CHART ENTRIES: HOT SOUL ALBUMS
46: James Brown (1965-1979)
33: Diana Ross & The Supremes (1965-1976)
31: The Temptations (1965-1978)
28: Aretha Franklin (1965-1979)
27: The Four Tops (1965-1978)
22: Marvin Gaye (1965-1979)

MOST CHART ENTRIES ARTIST - Single Year
7: The Temptations (1969)

MOST WEEKS IN THE TOP 10: HOT SOUL ALBUMS
45: Lou Rawls Live! - Lou Rawls (1966-1967)
42: Greatest Hits - The Temptations (1966-1967)
40: Chapter Two - Roberta Flack (1970-1971)
34: What's Going On - Marvin Gaye (1971)
32: Lady Soul - Aretha Franklin (1968)
32: Curtis - Curtis Mayfield (1971)

MOST WEEKS CHARTED: HOT SOUL ALBUMS
114 - Greatest Hits - The Temptations (1966-1969)
82: Stand! - Sly & The Family Stone (1969-1970)
72: Chapter Two - Roberta Flack (1970-1972)
69: Are You Experienced? - The Jimi Hendrix Experience (1967-1969)
68: Hot Buttered Soul - Isaac Hayes (1969-1970)
68: Shaft - Isaac Hayes (1971-1972)

MOST #1 HITS - ALBUM
3: What's Going On - Marvin Gaye (1971)
What's Going On
Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)
Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)

3: Imagination - Gladys Knight & The Pips (1973)
Midnight Train To Georgia
I've Got To Use My Imagination
Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me

3: Spinners - The Spinners (1973)
I'll Be Around
Could It Be I'm Falling In Love
One Of A Kind (Love Affair)

MOST TOP 10 HITS - ALBUM
5: Shotgun - Jr. Walker & The All-Stars (1965)
5: Moods Of Marvin Gaye - Marvin Gaye (1965-1967)

5: Young, Gifted And Black - Aretha Franklin (1970-1972)
Border Song
Rock Steady
Oh Me, Oh My (I'm A Fool For You Baby)
Day Dreaming
All The King's Horses

[WolfSpear]

CHART: DATES RESEARCHED [#POSITIONS]
Harlem Hit Parade (October 24, 1942 - February 1, 1945) [10]
Most Played Juke Box Race/Rhythm & Blues Records (February 8, 1945 - June 17, 1957) [2-15]
Best Selling Retail Race/Rhythm & Blues Records (May 22, 1948 - October 13, 1958) [5-20]
Most Played By Jockeys (January 22, 1955 - October 13, 1958) [13-15]
Top Black Singles (October 20, 1958 - PRESENT*) [30-100]
*Incorporates Cash Box data from 1963-1965

1942-1989

MOST #1's: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS - Record To Date
20: Stevie Wonder (1963-1988)
20: Aretha Franklin (1967-1985)
18: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1943-1950)
17: James Brown (1959-1974)
15: The Temptations (1965-1975)
13: Marvin Gaye (1965-1983)
10: Ray Charles (1955-1966)
10: Gladys Knight & The Pips (1961-1988)
10: The O'Jays (1972-1989)
10: Michael Jackson (1979-1988)
9: Fats Domino (1952-1959)
9: Kool & The Gang (1974-1985)

LONGEST #1 SPAN: ARTIST - Record To Date
26 YRS, 7 MO: Gladys Knight & The Pips (1961-1988)
Every Beat Of My Heart - Love Overboard

MOST #1's: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS - SINGLE YEAR
5: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1946)
5: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1947)
[4: The Temptations (1966)
4: The Jackson 5 (1970)
4: Janet Jackson (1987)*]
*Most since chart merger in October 1958

MOST CONSECUTIVE #1's: ALL CHARTS
6: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1944-1946)
5: Duke Ellington & His Orchestra (1943-1944)
5: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1946-1947)
5*: Janet Jackson (1987-1989)
4: The King Cole Trio (1943-1944)
4: Lucky Millinder & His Orchestra (1942-1945)
4: The Temptations (1966)
4: The Jackson 5 (1970)
4: Stevie Wonder (1974-1977)
4: Michael Jackson (1987-1988)
*Streak includes Herb Alpert's "Diamonds"

MOST CONSECUTIVE #1's - ARTIST - IN SUCCESSION (ALL CHARTS)
5: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1946-1947)
[2: Dinah Washington (1960)
2: Freddie Jackson (1986)*]
*Most since chart merger in October 1958

MOST WEEKS AT #1: SINGLE - ALL CHARTS
18: The Honeydripper - Joe Liggins & His Honeydrippers (1945-1946)
18: Choo Choo Ch'Boogie - Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1946-1947)
17: Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens - Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1947)
16: Hey! Ba-Ba-Re-Bop - Lionel Hampton & His Orchestra (1946)
15: Trouble Blues - Charles Brown Trio (1949)
[10: Tossin' And Turnin' - Bobby Lewis (1961)
10: Baby (You've Got What It Takes) - Dinah Washington & Brook Benton (1960)
10: I Can't Stop Loving You - Ray Charles (1962)
10: Sexual Healing - Marvin Gaye (1982-1983)*]
*Most since chart merger in October 1958

MOST WEEKS AT #1: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS - Single Year
40: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1947)
34: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1946)
[23: Brook Benton (1960*]
*Most since chart merger in October 1958

MOST WEEKS AT #1: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS - Record To Date
113: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1943-1950)
70: Stevie Wonder (1963-1988)
65: Aretha Franklin (1967-1985)
52: Marvin Gaye (1965-1983)
51: Fats Domino (1950-1959)
47: James Brown (1959-1974)
42: The Temptations (1964-1975)
40: Brook Benton (1959-1970)

MOST TOP 10 HITS: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS - Record To Date
60: James Brown (1956-1988)
54: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1942-1951)
50: Aretha Franklin (1961-1989)
45: Ray Charles (1949-1989)
45: Stevie Wonder (1963-1988)
43: The Temptations (1964-1988)
39: Fats Domino (1950-1961)
37: Marvin Gaye (1962-1985)

MOST CONSECUTIVE TOP 10 HITS: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS
37: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1942-1948)
25: Dinah Washington (1948-1955)
18: The King Cole Trio (1942-1948)
17: Big Joe Turner (1945-1956)
17: Johnny Otis (1948-1958)
16: The Ink Spots (1942-1948)
16: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1948-1951)

MOST TOP 40 HITS: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS
97: James Brown (1956-1988)
77: Ray Charles (1949-1989)
68: B.B. King (1951-1985)
66: Aretha Franklin (1961-1989)
65: The Temptations (1962-1989)
59: Marvin Gaye (1962-1985)
59: Stevie Wonder (1963-1989)
58: Bobby Bland (1957-1982)
57: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1942-1951)

MOST CHART ENTRIES: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS - Record To Date
114: James Brown (1956-1989)
82: Ray Charles (1949-1989)
77: The Temptations (1962-1989)
75: B.B. King (1951-1985)
74: Aretha Franklin (1961-1989)
64: Bobby Bland (1957-1986)
62: Marvin Gaye (1962-1985)
62: Stevie Wonder (1963-1989)
59: Jerry Butler (1958-1983)
59: The Isley Brothers (1962-1989)

MOST CHART ENTRIES: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS - Single Year
13: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1946)
[10: James Brown (1969)*]
*Most since chart merger in October 1958

MOST WEEKS/TOP 10: SINGLE - ALL CHARTS
32: Shake, Rattle And Roll - Big Joe Turner & His Blue Kings (1954)
31: The Hucklebuck - Paul Williams & His Hucklebuckers (1949)
30: Long Gone - Sonny Thompson (1948)
30: Sixty Minute Man - The Dominoes (1951)
29: Don't Cry, Baby - Erskine Hawkins & His Orchestra (1943)
29: Tomorrow Night - Lonnie Johnson (1948)
[21: The Twist - Chubby Checker (1960-1962)*]
*Most since chart merger in October 1958

MOST WEEKS ON CHART: SINGLE - ALL CHARTS
39: Cherry Red Blues - Cootie Williams & His Orchestra (1944)
38: Baby, Come To Me - Patti Austin & James Ingram (1983)
34: Ain't Nobody's Business - Jimmy Witherspoon (1949)
33: Tomorrow Night - Lonnie Johnson (1948)
32: The Hucklebuck - Paul Williams & His Hucklebuckers (1949)
32: Shake, Rattle And Roll - Big Joe Turner & His Blue Kings (1954)

[WolfSpear]

CHART: DATES RESEARCHED [#POSITIONS]
Top Black Albums (January 30, 1965 - PRESENT) [10-100*]
*Expands to a top 100 chart on September 3, 1988

1965-1989

MOST #1's: TOP BLACK ALBUMS - Record To Date
17: The Temptations (1965-1975)
10: Aretha Franklin (1967-1982)
9: Stevie Wonder (1973-1988)
7: Diana Ross & The Supremes (1965-1969)
7: Isaac Hayes (1969-1975)
7: Marvin Gaye (1969-1983)
7: The Isley Brothers (1974-1983)
6: Al Green (1972-1975)
6: Barry White (1973-1978)
6: Luther Vandross (1981-1988)

LONGEST #1 SPAN - ARTIST - Record To Date
15 YRS, 2 MO - Stevie Wonder (1973-1988)
Talking Book - Characters

MOST #1's: ARTIST - Single Year
4: The Temptations (1969)
3: The Jackson 5 (1970)

MOST CONSECUTIVE #1's: ARTIST
10: The Temptations (1965-1969)

MOST CONSECUTIVE #1's: ARTIST (IN SUCCESSION)
2: Sam Cooke (1965)
Sam Cooke At The Copa
Shake

2: Diana Ross & The Supremes/The Temptations (1968-1969)
Diana Ross & The Supremes Join The Temptations
TCB

MOST WEEKS AT #1: TOP BLACK ALBUMS
37: Thriller - Michael Jackson (1983-1984)
26: Just Like The First Time - Freddie Jackson (1986-1987)
23: Can't Slow Down - Lionel Richie (1983-1984)
20: Songs In The Key Of Life - Stevie Wonder (1976-1977)
20: Street Songs - Rick James (1981)
19: Purple Rain - Prince & The Revolution (1984)
18: The Temptations Sing Smokey - The Temptations (1965)
18: Bad - Michael Jackson (1987-1988)

MOST WEEKS AT #1: ARTIST - Single Year
33: Aretha Franklin (1968)
[32: Michael Jackson (1983)*]
*Most weeks at #1 between 1980 and 1989

MOST WEEKS AT #1: ARTIST - Record To Date
109: The Temptations (1965-1975)
74: Aretha Franklin (1967-1982)
72: Stevie Wonder (1973-1988)
71: Michael Jackson (1979-1988)
53: Isaac Hayes (1969-1975)
39: The Jackson 5/Jacksons (1970-1980)
35: Marvin Gaye (1969-1983)

MOST TOP 10 HITS: TOP BLACK ALBUMS
31: The Temptations (1965-1986)
29: Aretha Franklin (1965-1987)
25: James Brown (1965-1975)
21: Diana Ross & The Supremes (1965-1971)
20: Stevie Wonder (1966-1988)
18: Marvin Gaye (1965-1985)

MOST CONSECUTIVE TOP 10 HITS: TOP BLACK ALBUMS
26: The Temptations (1965-1975)

MOST TOP 40 HITS: TOP BLACK ALBUMS
47: James Brown (1965-1988)
40: The Temptations (1965-1989)
36: Aretha Franklin (1965-1989)
32: Diana Ross & The Supremes (1965-1976)
27: Dionne Warwick (1965-1987)
26: The Four Tops (1965-1985)
26: Marvin Gaye (1965-1985)
25: Diana Ross (1970-1989)

MOST CHART ENTRIES: TOP BLACK ALBUMS
49: James Brown (1965-1988)
42: The Temptations (1965-1989)
36: Aretha Franklin (1965-1989)
34: Diana Ross & The Supremes (1965-1986)
32: The Four Tops (1965-1988)
31: Marvin Gaye (1965-1988)
29: Dionne Warwick (1965-1987)

MOST CHART ENTRIES ARTIST - Single Year
7: The Temptations (1969)

MOST WEEKS IN THE TOP 10: TOP BLACK ALBUMS
76: Thriller - Michael Jackson (1983-1984)
64: Whitney Houston - Whitney Houston (1985-1986)
58: Can't Slow Down - Lionel Richie (1983-1984)
56: Control - Janet Jackson (1986-1987)
55: Rapture - Anita Baker (1986-1987)
51: Don't Be Cruel - Bobby Brown (1988-1989)

MOST WEEKS CHARTED: TOP BLACK ALBUMS
116: Whitney Houston - Whitney Houston (1985-1987)
114 - Greatest Hits - The Temptations (1966-1969)
108: Rapture - Anita Baker (1986-1987)
101: Thriller - Michael Jackson (1982-1984)
93: Down Home - Z.Z. Hill (1982-1983)
93: 1999 - Prince & The Revolution (1982-1984)
91: Can't Slow Down - Lionel Richie (1983-1985)
91: Control - Janet Jackson (1986-1987)

MOST #1 HITS - ALBUM
5: Control - Janet Jackson (1986-1987)
Nasty
What Have You Done For Me Lately
Control
Let's Wait Awhile
The Pleasure Principle

5: Bad - Michael Jackson (1987-1988)
I Just Can't Stop Loving You (with Siedah Garrett)
Bad
The Way You Make Me Feel
Man In The Mirror
Another Part Of Me

4: Just Like The First Time - Freddie Jackson (1986-1987)
A Little Bit More (with Melba Moore)
Tasty Love
Have You Ever Loved Somebody
Jam Tonight


MOST TOP 10 HITS - ALBUM
7: Bad - Michael Jackson (1987-1988)
I Just Can't Stop Loving You (with Siedah Garrett)
Bad
The Way You Make Me Feel
Man In The Mirror
Dirty Diana
Another Part Of Me
Smooth Criminal

6: Whitney Houston - Whitney Houston (1984-1986)
Hold Me (with Teddy Pendergrass)
You Give Good Love
Saving All My Love For You
Thinking About You
How Will I Know
Greatest Love Of All

6: Control - Janet Jackson (1986-1987)
Nasty
What Have You Done For Me Lately
When I Think Of You
Control
Let's Wait Awhile
The Pleasure Principle

[WolfSpear]

At the beginning of the 1990's, Billboard began to use monitored airplay and point-of-sales to run Country Songs (1990), Top Country Albums, the Billboard 200 and the Hot 100 (1991). Sure enough, Nielsen data would begin powering the R&B Singles & Albums charts on December 5, 1992, and by January 2, 1999, airplay-only titles would be eligible to enter the Singles chart.  

CHART: DATES RESEARCHED [#POSITIONS]
Harlem Hit Parade (October 24, 1942 - February 1, 1945) [10]
Most Played Juke Box Race/Rhythm & Blues Records (February 8, 1945 - June 17, 1957) [2-15]
Best Selling Retail Race/Rhythm & Blues Records (May 22, 1948 - October 13, 1958) [5-20]
Most Played By Jockeys (January 22, 1955 - October 13, 1958) [13-15]
Top R&B Singles & Tracks (October 20, 1958 - PRESENT*) [30-100]
*Incorporates data from Nielsen Soundscan and Broadcast Data Systems beginning December 5, 1992

1942-1999

MOST #1's: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS - Record To Date
20: Stevie Wonder (1963-1988)
20: Aretha Franklin (1967-1985)
18: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1943-1950)
17: James Brown (1959-1974)
15: The Temptations (1965-1975)
14: Janet Jackson (1986-1999)
13: Marvin Gaye (1965-1983)
13: Michael Jackson (1979-1995)
11: Ray Charles (1955-1990)
10: Gladys Knight & The Pips (1961-1988)
10: The O'Jays (1972-1989)
10: Freddie Jackson (1985-1991)

LONGEST #1 SPAN: ARTIST - Record To Date
44 YRS, 8 MO: Ray Charles (1955-1990)
I Got A Woman - I'll Be Good To You (with Quincy Jones & Chaka Khan)

MOST #1's: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS - SINGLE YEAR
5: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1946)
5: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1947)
[4: The Temptations (1966)
4: The Jackson 5 (1970)
4: Janet Jackson (1987)*]
*Most since chart merger in October 1958

MOST CONSECUTIVE #1's: ALL CHARTS
7*: Janet Jackson (1987-1990)
6: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1944-1946)
5: Duke Ellington & His Orchestra (1943-1944)
5: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1946-1947)
4: The King Cole Trio (1943-1944)
4: Lucky Millinder & His Orchestra (1942-1945)
4: The Temptations (1966)
4: The Jackson 5 (1970)
4: Stevie Wonder (1974-1977)
4: Michael Jackson (1987-1988)
4: Tony! Toni! Toné! (1990-1991)
4: R. Kelly (1995-1996)
*Streak includes Herb Alpert's "Diamonds"

MOST CONSECUTIVE #1's - ARTIST - IN SUCCESSION (ALL CHARTS)
5: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1946-1947)
[2: Dinah Washington (1960)
2: Freddie Jackson (1986)*]
*Most since chart merger in October 1958

MOST WEEKS AT #1: SINGLE - ALL CHARTS
18: The Honeydripper - Joe Liggins & His Honeydrippers (1945-1946)
18: Choo Choo Ch'Boogie - Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1946-1947)
17: Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens - Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1947)
16: Hey! Ba-Ba-Re-Bop - Lionel Hampton & His Orchestra (1946)
15: Trouble Blues - Charles Brown Trio (1949)
[14: Nobody's Supposed To Be Here - Deborah Cox (1998-1999)*]
*Most since chart merger in October 1958

MOST WEEKS AT #1: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS - Single Year
40: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1947)
34: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1946)
[23: Brook Benton (1960*]
*Most since chart merger in October 1958

MOST WEEKS AT #1: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS - Record To Date
113: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1943-1950)
70: Stevie Wonder (1963-1988)
65: Aretha Franklin (1967-1985)
52: Marvin Gaye (1965-1983)
51: Fats Domino (1950-1959)
47: James Brown (1959-1974)
42: The Temptations (1964-1975)
41: Michael Jackson (1979-1995)

MOST TOP 10 HITS: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS - Record To Date
60: James Brown (1956-1988)
54: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1942-1951)
52: Aretha Franklin (1961-1998)
48: Stevie Wonder (1963-1992)
45: Ray Charles (1949-1989)
44: The Temptations (1964-1990)
39: Fats Domino (1950-1961)
37: Marvin Gaye (1962-1985)
[35: The Nat King Cole Trio/Nat King Cole (1942-1991)*]
*Longest span of top 10 hits to date

MOST CONSECUTIVE TOP 10 HITS: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS
37: Louis Jordan (1942-1948)
25: Dinah Washington (1948-1955)
18: The King Cole Trio (1942-1948)
17: Big Joe Turner (1945-1956)
17: Johnny Otis (1948-1958)
16: The Ink Spots (1942-1948)
16: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1948-1951)

MOST TOP 40 HITS: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS
97: James Brown (1956-1988)
77: Ray Charles (1949-1990)
73: Aretha Franklin (1961-1998)
68: B.B. King (1951-1985)
65: The Temptations (1962-1989)
65: Stevie Wonder (1963-1999)
60: Marvin Gaye (1962-1991)
58: Bobby Bland (1957-1982)
58: The Isley Brothers/Ron Isley (1962-1997)
57: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1942-1951)

MOST CHART ENTRIES: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS - Record To Date
116: James Brown (1956-1993)
83: Ray Charles (1949-1993)
83: Aretha Franklin (1961-1998)
83: The Temptations (1962-1999)
76: B.B. King (1951-1992)
71: The Isley Brothers/Ronald Isley (1962-1997)
71: Stevie Wonder (1963-1999)
64: Bobby Bland (1957-1986)
63: Marvin Gaye (1962-1991)
[47: The Nat King Cole Trio/Nat King Cole (1942-1991)*]
*Longest chart span to date

MOST CHART ENTRIES: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS - Single Year
13: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1946)
[10: James Brown (1969)*]
*Most since chart merger in October 1958

MOST WEEKS/TOP 10: SINGLE - ALL CHARTS
32: Shake, Rattle And Roll - Big Joe Turner & His Blue Kings (1954)
31: The Hucklebuck - Paul Williams & His Hucklebuckers (1949)
30: Long Gone - Sonny Thompson (1948)
30: Sixty Minute Man - The Dominoes (1951)
29: Don't Cry, Baby - Erskine Hawkins & His Orchestra (1943)
29: Tomorrow Night - Lonnie Johnson (1948)
[25: Too Close - Next (1998)*]
*Most since chart merger in October 1958

MOST WEEKS ON CHART: SINGLE - ALL CHARTS
71: You Make Me Wanna... - Usher (1997-1998)
63: In My Bed - Dru Hill (1997-1998)
60: Too Close - Next (1998-1999)
48: Are You Still Down - Jon B. (1998-1999)

[WolfSpear]

CHART: DATES RESEARCHED [#POSITIONS]
Top R&B Albums (January 30, 1965 - PRESENT) [10-100]

1965-1999

MOST #1's: TOP R&B ALBUMS - Record To Date
17: The Temptations (1965-1975)
10: Aretha Franklin (1967-1982)
10: Stevie Wonder (1973-1991)
7: Diana Ross & The Supremes (1965-1969)
7: Isaac Hayes (1969-1975)
7: Marvin Gaye (1969-1983)
7: Barry White (1973-1994)
7: The Isley Brothers (1974-1983)
7: Luther Vandross (1981-1991)

LONGEST #1 SPAN - ARTIST - Record To Date
21 YRS, 4 MO - Barry White (1973-1994)
I've Got So Much To Give - The Icon Is Love

MOST #1's: ARTIST - Single Year
4: The Temptations (1969)
3: The Jackson 5 (1970)

MOST CONSECUTIVE #1's: ARTIST
10: The Temptations (1965-1969)

MOST CONSECUTIVE #1's: ARTIST (IN SUCCESSION)
2: Sam Cooke (1965)
Sam Cooke At The Copa
Shake

2: Diana Ross & The Supremes/The Temptations (1968-1969)
Diana Ross & The Supremes Join The Temptations
TCB

MOST WEEKS AT #1: TOP R&B ALBUMS
37: Thriller - Michael Jackson (1983-1984)
29: Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em - M.C. Hammer (1990)
26: Just Like The First Time - Freddie Jackson (1986-1987)
23: Can't Slow Down - Lionel Richie (1983-1984)
20: Songs In The Key Of Life - Stevie Wonder (1976-1977)
20: Street Songs - Rick James (1981)
19: Purple Rain - Prince & The Revolution (1984)

MOST WEEKS AT #1: ARTIST - Single Year
33: Aretha Franklin (1968)
[29: M.C. Hammer (1990)*]
*Most weeks at #1 between 1990 and 1999

MOST WEEKS AT #1: ARTIST - Record To Date
109: The Temptations (1965-1975)
85: Michael Jackson (1979-1995)
74: Aretha Franklin (1967-1982)
74: Stevie Wonder (1973-1991)
53: Isaac Hayes (1969-1975)
43: Freddie Jackson (1985-1991)
39: The Jackson 5/Jacksons (1970-1980)

MOST TOP 10 HITS: TOP R&B ALBUMS
32: The Temptations (1965-1998)
30: Aretha Franklin (1965-1998)
25: James Brown (1965-1975)
22: Stevie Wonder (1966-1995)
21: Diana Ross & The Supremes (1965-1971)
19: Prince (1979-1999)
18: Marvin Gaye (1965-1985)

MOST CONSECUTIVE TOP 10 HITS: TOP R&B ALBUMS
26: The Temptations (1965-1975)

MOST TOP 40 HITS: TOP R&B ALBUMS
47: James Brown (1965-1988)
41: The Temptations (1965-1999)
39: Aretha Franklin (1965-1998)
32: Diana Ross & The Supremes (1965-1976)
27: Dionne Warwick (1965-1987)
26: The Four Tops (1965-1985)
26: Marvin Gaye (1965-1985)
26: The Isley Brothers (1966-1996)
26: Diana Ross (1970-1995)

MOST CHART ENTRIES: TOP R&B ALBUMS
52: James Brown (1965-1993)
46: The Temptations (1965-1999)
40: Aretha Franklin (1965-1998)
34: Diana Ross & The Supremes (1965-1986)
33: Diana Ross (1970-1999)
32: The Four Tops (1965-1988)
32: Marvin Gaye (1965-1991)
30: Dionne Warwick (1965-1993)

MOST CHART ENTRIES: ARTIST - Single Year
7: The Temptations (1969)

MOST WEEKS IN THE TOP 10: TOP R&B ALBUMS
76: Thriller - Michael Jackson (1983-1984)
64: Whitney Houston - Whitney Houston (1985-1986)
58: Can't Slow Down - Lionel Richie (1983-1984)
56: Control - Janet Jackson (1986-1987)
55: Rapture - Anita Baker (1986-1987)
51: Don't Be Cruel - Bobby Brown (1988-1989)
[49: Toni Braxton - Toni Braxton (1993-1994)*]
*Most weeks in the top 10 between 1990 and 1999

MOST WEEKS CHARTED: TOP R&B ALBUMS
185: Breathless - Kenny G (1992-1996)
140: Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) - Wu-Tang Clan (1993-1996)
124: Rachelle Ferrell - Rachelle Ferrell (1992-1995)
122: The Bodyguard - Whitney Houston/Soundtrack (1992-1995)
122: Cooleyhighharmony - Boyz II Men (1991-1993)
119: Creepin On Ah Come Up - Bone Thugs-N-Harmony (1994-1996)
116: Whitney Houston - Whitney Houston (1985-1987)

MOST #1 HITS - ALBUM
5: Control - Janet Jackson (1986-1987)
Nasty
What Have You Done For Me Lately
Control
Let's Wait Awhile
The Pleasure Principle

5: Bad - Michael Jackson (1987-1988)
I Just Can't Stop Loving You (with Siedah Garrett)
Bad
The Way You Make Me Feel
Man In The Mirror
Another Part Of Me

4: Just Like The First Time - Freddie Jackson (1986-1987)
4: The Revival - Tony! Toni! Toné! (1990-1991)

MOST TOP 10 HITS - ALBUM
7: Bad - Michael Jackson (1987-1988)
I Just Can't Stop Loving You (with Siedah Garrett)
Bad
The Way You Make Me Feel
Man In The Mirror
Dirty Diana
Another Part Of Me
Smooth Criminal

7: Rhythm Nation 1814 - Janet Jackson (1989-1991)
Miss You Much
Rhythm Nation
Escapade
Alright
Come Back To Me
Black Cat
Love Will Never Do (Without You)

6: Whitney Houston - Whitney Houston (1984-1986)
6: Control - Janet Jackson (1986-1987)
6: janet. - Janet Jackson (1993-1994)

[WolfSpear]

The 2000's saw very little modifications to the R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, apart from its name now including the words "Hip-Hop" to better reflect the diversity of this community. Even though the Hot 100 elected to include downloads (2005) and streaming (2007), this chart continued to be based on physical singles sales from urban retailers and airplay from a panel of mainstream and adult R&B stations. As we approached the 2010's, the R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay charts were congruent with each other. Physical singles sales had deteriorated considerably by decade's end, and on December 5, 2009, Billboard updated both R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Albums to include sales from all outlets as opposed to urban retail alone. This would be the methodology in play until the introduction of the "hybrid" system in 2012 which would forever change the future of these charts.

CHART: DATES RESEARCHED [#POSITIONS]
Harlem Hit Parade (October 24, 1942 - February 1, 1945) [10]
Most Played Juke Box Race/Rhythm & Blues Records (February 8, 1945 - June 17, 1957) [2-15]
Best Selling Retail Race/Rhythm & Blues Records (May 22, 1948 - October 13, 1958) [5-20]
Most Played By Jockeys (January 22, 1955 - October 13, 1958) [13-15]
Top R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (October 20, 1958 - PRESENT*) [30-100]

1942-2009

MOST #1's: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS - Record To Date
20: Stevie Wonder (1963-1988)
20: Aretha Franklin (1967-1985)
18: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1943-1950)
17: James Brown (1959-1974)
16: Janet Jackson (1986-2006)
15: The Temptations (1965-1975)
13: Marvin Gaye (1965-1983)
13: Michael Jackson (1979-1995)
11: Ray Charles (1955-1990)
11: R. Kelly/Public Announcement (1992-2002)
10: Gladys Knight & The Pips (1961-1988)
10: The O'Jays (1972-1989)
10: Freddie Jackson (1985-1991)
10: Mariah Carey (1990-2005)
10: Usher (1997-2009)

LONGEST #1 SPAN: ARTIST - Record To Date
44 YRS, 8 MO: Ray Charles (1955-1990)
I Got A Woman - I'll Be Good To You (with Quincy Jones & Chaka Khan)

MOST #1's: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS - SINGLE YEAR
5: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1946)
5: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1947)
[4: The Temptations (1966)
4: The Jackson 5 (1970)
4: Janet Jackson (1987)
4: Usher (2004)*]
*Most since chart merger in October 1958

MOST CONSECUTIVE #1's: ALL CHARTS
7*: Janet Jackson (1987-1990)
6: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1944-1946)
5: Duke Ellington & His Orchestra (1943-1944)
5: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1946-1947)
4: The King Cole Trio (1943-1944)
4: Lucky Millinder & His Orchestra (1942-1945)
4: The Temptations (1966)
4: The Jackson 5 (1970)
4: Stevie Wonder (1974-1977)
4: Michael Jackson (1987-1988)
4: Tony! Toni! Toné! (1990-1991)
4: R. Kelly (1995-1996)
4: Usher (2004)
*Streak includes Herb Alpert's "Diamonds"

MOST CONSECUTIVE #1's - ARTIST - IN SUCCESSION (ALL CHARTS)
5: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1946-1947)
[2: Dinah Washington (1960)
2: Freddie Jackson (1986)
2: Nelly (2002)
2: Jay-Z (2003)
2: 50 Cent (2005)
2: Alicia Keys (2008)*]
*Most since chart merger in October 1958

MOST WEEKS AT #1: SINGLE - ALL CHARTS
18: The Honeydripper - Joe Liggins & His Honeydrippers (1945-1946)
18: Choo Choo Ch'Boogie - Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1946-1947)
17: Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens - Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1947)
16: Hey! Ba-Ba-Re-Bop - Lionel Hampton & His Orchestra (1946)
15: Trouble Blues - Charles Brown Trio (1949)
15: Be Without You - Mary J. Blige (2006)

MOST WEEKS AT #1: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS - Single Year
40: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1947)
34: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1946)
[23: Brook Benton (1960*]
*Most since chart merger in October 1958

MOST WEEKS AT #1: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS - Record To Date
113: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1943-1950)
70: Stevie Wonder (1963-1988)
65: Aretha Franklin (1967-1985)
53: Usher (1997-2009)
52: Marvin Gaye (1965-1983)
51: Fats Domino (1950-1959)
47: James Brown (1959-1974)
42: The Temptations (1964-1975)
42: Alicia Keys (2001-2009)
41: Michael Jackson (1979-1995)

MOST TOP 10 HITS: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS - Record To Date
60: James Brown (1956-1988)
54: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1942-1951)
52: Aretha Franklin (1961-1998)
48: Stevie Wonder (1963-1992)
45: Ray Charles (1949-1989)
44: The Temptations (1964-1990)
39: Fats Domino (1950-1961)
38: Marvin Gaye (1962-2001)

MOST CONSECUTIVE TOP 10 HITS: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS
37: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1942-1948)

MOST TOP 40 HITS: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS
97: James Brown (1956-1988)
77: Ray Charles (1949-1990)
73: Aretha Franklin (1961-1998)
68: B.B. King (1951-1985)
66: The Temptations (1962-2000)
65: Stevie Wonder (1963-1999)
63: The Isley Brothers/Ronald Isley (1962-2006)
60: Marvin Gaye (1962-1991)
58: Bobby Bland (1957-1982)
57: Louis Jordan (1942-1951)

MOST CHART ENTRIES: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS - Record To Date
116: James Brown (1956-1993)
96: Jay-Z (1996-2009)
86: Aretha Franklin (1961-2008) 
85: R. Kelly/Public Announcement (1991-2009)
84: Ray Charles (1949-2002)
84: The Temptations (1962-2000)
78: The Isley Brothers/Ronald Isley (1962-2006)
76: B.B. King (1951-1992)
75: Stevie Wonder (1963-2009)

MOST CHART ENTRIES: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS - Single Year
13: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1946)
[10: James Brown (1969)*]
*Most since chart merger in October 1958

MOST WEEKS/TOP 10: SINGLE - ALL CHARTS
32: Shake, Rattle And Roll - Big Joe Turner & His Blue Kings (1954)
31: The Hucklebuck - Paul Williams & His Hucklebuckers (1949)
30: Long Gone - Sonny Thompson (1948)
30: Sixty Minute Man - The Dominoes (1951)
29: Don't Cry, Baby - Erskine Hawkins & His Orchestra (1943)
29: Tomorrow Night - Lonnie Johnson (1948)
[25: Too Close - Next (1998)*]
*Most since chart merger in October 1958

MOST WEEKS ON CHART: SINGLE - ALL CHARTS
75: Be Without You - Mary J. Blige (2006-2007)
71: You Make Me Wanna... - Usher (1997-1998)
70: Step In The Name Of Love - R. Kelly (2003-2004)
68: Can't Let Go - Anthony Hamilton (2005-2007)
65: On The Ocean - K'Jon (2008-2009)
63: In My Bed - Dru Hill (1997-1998)
63: Just Fine - Mary J. Blige (2007-2008)

[WolfSpear]

CHART: DATES RESEARCHED [#POSITIONS]
Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (January 30, 1965 - Present) [10-100*]

1965-2009

MOST #1's: TOP R&B/HIP-HOP ALBUMS - Record To Date
17: The Temptations (1965-1975)
12: R. Kelly/Public Announcement (1993-2009)
11: Jay-Z (1998-2009)
10: Aretha Franklin (1967-1982)
10: Stevie Wonder (1973-1991)
10: The Isley Brothers (1974-2006)
8: Luther Vandross (1981-2003) 
8: Mary J. Blige (1992-2009)
8: 2Pac (1995-2005)
7: Diana Ross & The Supremes (1965-1969)
7: Isaac Hayes (1969-1975)
7: Marvin Gaye (1969-1983)
7: Barry White (1973-1994)
7: Michael Jackson (1979-2009)

LONGEST #1 SPAN - ARTIST - Record To Date
31 YRS, 6 MO - The Isley Brothers (1974-2006)
Live It Up - Baby Makin' Music

MOST #1's: ARTIST - Single Year
4: The Temptations (1969)
3: The Jackson 5 (1970)

MOST CONSECUTIVE #1's: ARTIST
10: The Temptations (1965-1969)

MOST CONSECUTIVE #1's: ARTIST (IN SUCCESSION)
2: Sam Cooke (1965)
Sam Cooke At The Copa
Shake

2: Diana Ross & The Supremes/The Temptations (1968-1969)
Diana Ross & The Supremes Join The Temptations
TCB

2: 50 Cent (2003)
The New Breed
Get Rich Or Die Tryin'

MOST WEEKS AT #1: TOP R&B/HIP-HOP ALBUMS
37: Thriller - Michael Jackson (1983-1984)
29: Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em - M.C. Hammer (1990)
26: Just Like The First Time - Freddie Jackson (1986-1987)
23: Can't Slow Down - Lionel Richie (1983-1984)
20: Songs In The Key Of Life - Stevie Wonder (1976-1977)
20: Street Songs - Rick James (1981)
19: Purple Rain - Prince & The Revolution (1984)
[11: Confessions - Usher (2004)*]
*Most weeks at #1 between 2000 and 2009

MOST WEEKS AT #1: ARTIST - Single Year
33: Aretha Franklin (1968)
[11: Usher (2004)*]
*Most weeks at #1 between 2000 and 2009

MOST WEEKS AT #1: ARTIST - Record To Date
109: The Temptations (1965-1975)
93: Michael Jackson (1979-2009)
74: Aretha Franklin (1967-1982)
74: Stevie Wonder (1973-1991)
53: Isaac Hayes (1969-1975)
43: Freddie Jackson (1985-1991)
39: The Jackson 5/Jacksons (1970-1980)

MOST TOP 10 HITS: HOT R&B/HIP-HOP ALBUMS
32: The Temptations (1965-1998)
31: Aretha Franklin (1965-2007)
25: James Brown (1965-1975)
23: Stevie Wonder (1966-2005)
23: Prince (1979-2009)
21: Diana Ross & The Supremes (1965-1971)
20: The Isley Brothers (1969-2006)

MOST CONSECUTIVE TOP 10 HITS: HOT R&B/HIP-HOP ALBUMS
26: The Temptations (1965-1975)

MOST TOP 40 HITS: HOT R&B/HIP-HOP ALBUMS
47: James Brown (1965-1988)
47: The Temptations (1965-2007)
41: Aretha Franklin (1965-2007)
32: Diana Ross & The Supremes (1965-1976)
32: The Isley Brothers (1966-2007)
32: Prince (1978-2009)
28: Stevie Wonder (1966-2007)
27: Dionne Warwick (1965-1987)
27: Diana Ross (1970-2007)
26: The Four Tops (1965-1985)
26: Marvin Gaye (1965-1985)

MOST CHART ENTRIES: HOT R&B/HIP-HOP ALBUMS
53: James Brown (1965-2002)
53: The Temptations (1965-2007)
43: Aretha Franklin (1965-2007) 
36: Marvin Gaye (1965-2009) 
36: The Isley Brothers (1966-2007)
36: Diana Ross (1970-2009)
35: Diana Ross & The Supremes (1965-2004)
35: Prince (1978-2009)
32: The Four Tops (1965-1988)
32: Stevie Wonder (1966-2007)

MOST CHART ENTRIES ARTIST - Single Year
7: The Temptations (1969)

MOST WEEKS IN THE TOP 10: HOT R&B/HIP-HOP ALBUMS
76: Thriller - Michael Jackson (1983-1984)
64: Whitney Houston - Whitney Houston (1985-1986)
58: Can't Slow Down - Lionel Richie (1983-1984)
56: Control - Janet Jackson (1986-1987)
55: Rapture - Anita Baker (1986-1987)
51: Don't Be Cruel - Bobby Brown (1988-1989)
[42: Confessions - Usher (2004-2005)*]
*Most weeks in the top 10 between 2000 and 2009

MOST WEEKS CHARTED: HOT R&B/HIP-HOP ALBUMS
185: Breathless - Kenny G (1992-1996)
140: Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) - Wu-Tang Clan (1993-1996)
124: Rachelle Ferrell - Rachelle Ferrell (1992-1995)
122: The Bodyguard - Whitney Houston/Soundtrack (1992-1995)
122: Cooleyhighharmony - Boyz II Men (1991-1993)
119: Creepin On Ah Come Up - Bone Thugs-N-Harmony (1994-1996)
116: Whitney Houston - Whitney Houston (1985-1987)
[107: Thirsty - Marvin Sapp (2007-2009)*]
*Most weeks on chart between 2000 and 2009

MOST #1 HITS - ALBUM
5: Control - Janet Jackson (1986-1987)
Nasty
What Have You Done For Me Lately
Control
Let's Wait Awhile
The Pleasure Principle

5: Bad - Michael Jackson (1987-1988)
I Just Can't Stop Loving You (with Siedah Garrett)
Bad
The Way You Make Me Feel
Man In The Mirror
Another Part Of Me

4: Just Like The First Time - Freddie Jackson (1986-1987)
4: The Revival - Tony! Toni! Toné! (1990-1991)

MOST TOP 10 HITS - ALBUM
7: Bad - Michael Jackson (1987-1988)
I Just Can't Stop Loving You (with Siedah Garrett)
Bad
The Way You Make Me Feel
Man In The Mirror
Dirty Diana
Another Part Of Me
Smooth Criminal

7: Rhythm Nation 1814 - Janet Jackson (1989-1991)
Miss You Much
Rhythm Nation
Escapade
Alright
Come Back To Me
Black Cat
Love Will Never Do (Without You)

6: Whitney Houston - Whitney Houston (1984-1986)
6: Control - Janet Jackson (1986-1987)
6: janet. - Janet Jackson (1993-1994)

[WolfSpear]

The R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart went through a major renovation on October 20, 2012. Previously, the chart had compiled from physical singles sales and airplay from a panel of mainstream and adult R&B radio stations. Under the current rules, the R&B/Hip-Hop chart is essentially is a subset of the Hot 100 itself. All sales, physical and digital, and all airplay and streams make up the formula for this chart. It is up to Billboard's discretion to decide if a song falls under the 'R&B/Hip-Hop' banner. Urban artists who lean more towards pop (Mariah Carey or Rihanna) now have a greater presence than before.

CHART: DATES RESEARCHED [#POSITIONS]
Harlem Hit Parade (October 24, 1942 - February 1, 1945) [10]
Most Played Juke Box Race/Rhythm & Blues Records (February 8, 1945 - June 17, 1957) [2-15]
Best Selling Retail Race/Rhythm & Blues Records (May 22, 1948 - October 13, 1958) [5-20]
Most Played By Jockeys (January 22, 1955 - October 13, 1958) [13-15]
Top R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (October 20, 1958 - PRESENT*) [30-100]
*Incorporates sales, airplay from all formats and streaming data on October 20, 2012

1942-PRESENT*
*As of November 4, 2023


MOST #1's: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS - Record To Date
30: Drake (2009-2023)
20: Stevie Wonder (1963-1988)
20: Aretha Franklin (1967-1985)
18: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1943-1950)
17: James Brown (1959-1974)
16: Janet Jackson (1986-2006)
15: The Temptations (1965-1975)
13: Marvin Gaye (1965-1983)
13: Michael Jackson (1979-1995)
13: Usher (1997-2015)
11: Ray Charles (1955-1990)
11: R. Kelly/Public Announcement (1992-2002)
11: Lil Wayne (2007-2017)
10: Gladys Knight & The Pips (1961-1988)
10: The O'Jays (1972-1989)
10: Freddie Jackson (1985-1991)
10: Mariah Carey (1990-2005)
10: Jay-Z (1999-2014)
10: Beyoncé (2003-2022)

LONGEST #1 SPAN: ARTIST - Record To Date
44 YRS, 8 MO: Ray Charles (1955-1990)
I Got A Woman - I'll Be Good To You (with Quincy Jones & Chaka Khan)

MOST #1's: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS - SINGLE YEAR
5: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1946)
5: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1947)
[4: The Temptations (1966)
4: The Jackson 5 (1970)
4: Janet Jackson (1987)
4: Usher (2004)
4: Drake (2011)
4: Lil Wayne (2011)
4: Drake (2016)
4: Drake (2023)*]
*Most since chart merger in October 1958

MOST CONSECUTIVE #1's - ARTIST - IN SUCCESSION (ALL CHARTS)
5: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1946-1947)
[2: Dinah Washington (1960)
2: Freddie Jackson (1986)
2: Nelly (2002)
2: Jay-Z (2003)
2: 50 Cent (2005)
2: Alicia Keys (2008)
2: Drake (2011)
2: Lil Wayne (2011)
2: Drake (2012)
2: 2 Chainz (2012)
2: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis (2013)
2: The Weeknd (2015)
2: Drake (2016)
2: DJ Khaled (2017)
2: Drake (2018) x2
2: Travis Scott (2018)
2: Post Malone (2019)
2: Lizzo (2019)
2: 21 Savage (2022)*]
*Most since chart merger in October 1958

MOST WEEKS AT #1: SINGLE - ALL CHARTS
21: Kill Bill - SZA (2022-2023)
20: Old Town Road - Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus (2019)
18: The Honeydripper - Joe Liggins & His Honeydrippers (1945-1946)
18: Choo Choo Ch'Boogie - Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1946-1947)
18: One Dance - Drake featuring Wizkid and Kyla (2016)
18: Industry Baby - Lil Nas X featuring Jack Harlow (2021-2022)
17: Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens - Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1947)
16: Hey! Ba-Ba-Re-Bop - Lionel Hampton & His Orchestra (1946)
15: Trouble Blues - Charles Brown Trio (1949)
15: Be Without You - Mary J. Blige (2006)

MOST WEEKS AT #1: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS - Single Year
40: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1947)
34: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1946)
[34: Drake (2016)*]
*Most since chart merger in October 1958

MOST WEEKS AT #1: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS - Record To Date
139: Drake (2009-2023)
113: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1943-1950)
70: Stevie Wonder (1963-1988)
69: Usher (1997-2015)
65: Aretha Franklin (1967-1985)
56: Rihanna (2008-2022)
54: Alicia Keys (2001-2010)
52: Marvin Gaye (1965-1983)
51: Fats Domino (1950-1959)
47: James Brown (1959-1974)
47: Lil Wayne (2007-2017)
44: Beyoncé (2003-2022)
42: The Temptations (1964-1975)
41: Michael Jackson (1979-1995)

MOST TOP 10 HITS: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS - Record To Date
128: Drake (2009-2023)
60: James Brown (1956-1988)
54: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1942-1951)
52: Aretha Franklin (1961-1998)
51: Lil Wayne (1999-2022)
48: Stevie Wonder (1963-1992)
45: Ray Charles (1949-1989)
44: The Temptations (1964-1990)
43: Nicki Minaj (2010-2023)
42: Chris Brown (2005-2022)
40: Kanye West (2003-2022)
39: Fats Domino (1950-1961)
38: Marvin Gaye (1962-2001)
38: Jay-Z (1997-2022)

MOST CONSECUTIVE TOP 10 HITS: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS
37: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five (1942-1948)

MOST TOP 40 HITS: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS
306: Drake (2009-2023)
172: Future (2011-2023)
142: Lil Wayne (1999-2023)
125: Kanye West (2003-2022)
125: Lil Baby (2017-2023)
104: Jay-Z (1996-2022)
104: Chris Brown (2005-2023)
104: Youngboy Never Broke Again (2017-2023)
101: Nicki Minaj (2009-2023)
101: Lil Uzi Vert (2016-2023)
97: James Brown (1956-1988)
77: Ray Charles (1949-1990)
77: Beyoncé (2003-2022)
73: Aretha Franklin (1961-1998)

MOST CHART ENTRIES: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS - Record To Date
337: Drake (2009-2023)
225: Future (2011-2023)
208: Lil Wayne (1999-2023)
153: Kanye West (2003-2022)
152: Jay-Z (1996-2022)
144: Lil Baby (2017-2023)
141: Youngboy Never Broke Again (2017-2023)
134: Chris Brown (2005-2023)
131: Nicki Minaj (2009-2023)
126: Lil Uzi Vert (2016-2023)
116: James Brown (1956-1993)
98: R. Kelly/Public Announcement (1991-2014)
88: Aretha Franklin (1961-2014)
88: Beyoncé (2003-2022)

MOST CHART ENTRIES: ARTIST - ALL CHARTS - Single Year
51 - Lil Uzi Vert (2020)

MOST WEEKS/TOP 10: SINGLE - ALL CHARTS
59: Blinding Lights - The Weeknd (2019-2021)
49: Sunflower - Post Malone featuring Swae Lee (2018-2019)
46: Sure Thing - Miguel (2011)
44: The Hills - The Weeknd (2015-2016)
42: Thrift Shop - Macklemore & Ryan Lewis (2012-2013)
40: Happy - Pharrell Williams (2014)

MOST WEEKS ON CHART: SINGLE - ALL CHARTS
89: Sure Thing - Miguel (2011-2012)
75: Be Without You - Mary J. Blige (2006-2007)
74: God In Me - Mary Mary (2008-2010)
73: On The Ocean - K'Jon (2009-2010)
71: You Make Me Wanna... - Usher (1997-1998)
71: There Goes My Baby - Usher (2010-2011)
70: Step In The Name Of Love - R. Kelly (2003-2004)

[WolfSpear]

The R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart underwent a renovation on February 11, 2017, when it incorporated streaming into its chart formula, therefore becoming a subset of the Billboard 200 once again. 

CHART: DATES RESEARCHED [#POSITIONS]
Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (January 30, 1965 - PRESENT*) [10-100]

1965-PRESENT*
*As of November 4, 2023

MOST #1's: TOP R&B/HIP-HOP ALBUMS - Record To Date
17: The Temptations (1965-1975)
15: Drake (2010-2023)
14: Jay-Z (1998-2017)
13: Future (2014-2022)
12: R. Kelly/Public Announcement (1993-2016)
10: Aretha Franklin (1967-1982)
10: Stevie Wonder (1973-1991)
10: The Isley Brothers (1974-2006)
10: Mary J. Blige (1992-2014)
10: Eminem (1999-2020)
10: Lil Wayne (1999-2020)
10: Kanye West (2004-2021)
9: Michael Jackson (1979-2014)
8: Luther Vandross (1981-2003)
8: Mariah Carey (1993-2018)
8: 2Pac (1995-2005)
8: Beyoncé (2003-2022)
8: Chris Brown (2005-2019)
8: The Weeknd (2012-2022)

LONGEST #1 SPAN - ARTIST - Record To Date
31 YRS, 6 MO - The Isley Brothers (1974-2006)
Live It Up - Baby Makin' Music

MOST #1's: ARTIST - Single Year
4: The Temptations (1969)

MOST CONSECUTIVE #1's: ARTIST
10: The Temptations (1965-1969)

MOST CONSECUTIVE #1's: ARTIST (IN SUCCESSION)
2: Sam Cooke (1965)
Sam Cooke At The Copa
Shake

2: Diana Ross & The Supremes/The Temptations (1968-1969)
Diana Ross & The Supremes Join The Temptations
TCB

2: 50 Cent (2003)
The New Breed
Get Rich Or Die Tryin'

MOST WEEKS AT #1: TOP R&B/HIP-HOP ALBUMS
37: Thriller - Michael Jackson (1983-1984)
29: Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em - M.C. Hammer (1990)
26: Just Like The First Time - Freddie Jackson (1986-1987)
23: Can't Slow Down - Lionel Richie (1983-1984)
22: SOS - SZA (2022-2023)
20: Songs In The Key Of Life - Stevie Wonder (1976-1977)
20: Street Songs - Rick James (1981)
20: Shoot For The Stars, Aim For The Moon - Pop Smoke (2020-2021)
19: Purple Rain - Prince & The Revolution (1984)

MOST WEEKS AT #1: ARTIST - Single Year
33: Aretha Franklin (1968)
[20: SZA (2023)*]
*Most weeks at #1 between 2010 and 2023

MOST WEEKS AT #1: ARTIST - Record To Date
109: The Temptations (1965-1975)
98: Michael Jackson (1979-2014)
74: Aretha Franklin (1967-1982)
74: Stevie Wonder (1973-1991)
58: Drake (2010-2023)
53: Isaac Hayes (1969-1975)
44: Beyoncé (2003-2022)
43: Freddie Jackson (1985-1991)
43: Eminem (1999-2020)
39: The Jackson 5/Jacksons (1970-1980)

MOST TOP 10 HITS: HOT R&B/HIP-HOP ALBUMS
33: Aretha Franklin (1965-2018)
32: The Temptations (1965-1998)
30: Prince (1979-2021)
26: James Brown (1965-2014)
23: Stevie Wonder (1966-2005)
21: Diana Ross & The Supremes (1965-1971)
20: The Isley Brothers (1969-2006)

MOST CONSECUTIVE TOP 10 HITS: HOT R&B/HIP-HOP ALBUMS
26: The Temptations (1965-1975)

MOST TOP 40 HITS: HOT R&B/HIP-HOP ALBUMS
48: The Temptations (1965-2010)
48: James Brown (1965-2014)
46: Aretha Franklin (1965-2018)
41: Prince (1978-2022)
33: The Isley Brothers (1966-2017)
32: Diana Ross & The Supremes (1965-1976)
29: Stevie Wonder (1966-2023)
28: Diana Ross (1970-2018)
27: Dionne Warwick (1965-1987)
26: The Four Tops (1965-1985)
26: Marvin Gaye (1965-1985)

MOST CHART ENTRIES: HOT R&B/HIP-HOP ALBUMS
56: The Temptations (1965-2010)
55: James Brown (1965-2016)
49: Aretha Franklin (1965-2018)
43: Prince (1978-2022)
38: Diana Ross (1970-2018)
37: The Isley Brothers (1966-2017)
36: Diana Ross & The Supremes (1965-2010)
33: The Four Tops (1965-2011)
32: Marvin Gaye (1965-1991)
32: Stevie Wonder (1966-2023)

MOST CHART ENTRIES ARTIST - Single Year
7: The Temptations (1969)

MOST WEEKS IN THE TOP 10: HOT R&B/HIP-HOP ALBUMS
125: My Turn - Lil Baby (2020-2023)
95: Hollywood's Bleeding - Post Malone (2019-2023)
79: Thriller - Michael Jackson (1983-2022)
77: Stoney - Post Malone (2016-2018)
77: beerbongs & bentleys - Post Malone (2018-2019)
70: Shoot For The Stars, Aim For The Moon - Pop Smoke (2020-2022)
64: Whitney Houston - Whitney Houston (1985-1986)

MOST WEEKS CHARTED: HOT R&B/HIP-HOP ALBUMS
380: Take Care - Drake (2011-2023*)
360: Curtain Call: The Hits - Eminem (2005-2023*)
345: Greatest Hits - 2Pac (1998-2023*)
337: 2014 Forest Hills Drive - J. Cole (2014-2023*)
317: good kid, m.A.A.d. city - Kendrick Lamar (2012-2023*)
306: Legend - Bob Marley & The Wailers (1984-2023)
*Currently charting as of November 4, 2023

MOST #1 HITS - ALBUM
5: Control - Janet Jackson (1986-1987)
Nasty
What Have You Done For Me Lately
Control
Let's Wait Awhile
The Pleasure Principle

5: Bad - Michael Jackson (1987-1988)
I Just Can't Stop Loving You (with Siedah Garrett)
Bad
The Way You Make Me Feel
Man In The Mirror
Another Part Of Me

4: Just Like The First Time - Freddie Jackson (1986-1987)
4: The Revival - Tony! Toni! Toné! (1990-1991)

MOST TOP 10 HITS - ALBUM
10*: Certified Lover Boy - Drake (2021)
Way Too Sexy (featuring Future & Young Thug)
Girls Want Girls (featuring Lil Baby)
Fair Trade (featuring Travis Scott)
Champagne Poetry
Knife Talk (featuring 21 Savage & Project Pat)
In The Bible (featuring Lil Durk & Giveon)
Papi's Home
TSU
Love All (featuring Jay-Z)
No Friends In The Industry
*Occupied all 10 positions on October 23, 2021