The 1980s was a pivotal decade for R&B, bridging the gap between the classic soul of the 70s and the New Jack Swing and Hip Hop Soul that would define the 90s. This era gave birth to iconic vocal groups that mastered everything from synth-heavy funk to the most tender “Quiet Storm” ballads.
While the landscape of the music industry has changed, many of these legendary groups continue to tour and record. Here is the current status of the top 80s Male R&B Groups as of 2026.
After 7
Founded by brothers Melvin and Kevon Edmonds (alongside Keith Mitchell), After 7 brought a sophisticated, refined soul sound to the late 80s with their 1989 self-titled debut. While their massive success carried into the early 90s with hits like “Ready or Not” and “Can’t Stop,” they remain a vital part of the 80s R&B lineage. Following the tragic passing of Melvin Edmonds in 2019, the group has shown incredible resilience. Danny “SkyHigh” McClain and later Wil Robinson joined Kevon and Keith to keep the harmonies tight. The group remains highly active on the touring circuit and released their latest album, Unfinished Business, in 2021. As of 2026, they continue to be a premier live act, proving that their timeless “classy soul” style never goes out of fashion.
Atlantic Starr
Known for the ultimate wedding song “Always,” this group has seen many lead singers (including Sharon Bryant and Barbara Weathers) come and go. Original members Wayne, Jonathan, and David Lewis continue to keep the brand active. They still perform their classic ballads and occasionally release independent soul singles for their dedicated fanbase.
Cameo
While they began in the 70s, Larry Blackmon and Cameo owned the 80s with the “Word Up!” era and their signature red codpieces. Larry Blackmon continues to lead the group today, maintained as a tight touring machine. They remain a staple at funk festivals and recently held a successful residency in Las Vegas.
DeBarge
The family group often referred to as the “Black Osmonds” dominated the mid-80s with their effortless harmonies and high-tenor leads on hits like “Time Will Reveal” and “Rhythm of the Night.” The group’s history has been marked by personal struggles, but the siblings have remained active in various capacities. Bunny, El, James, Randy, and Bobby’s legacy continues to be celebrated through frequent sampling by modern artists. El DeBarge, the group’s breakout lead, continues to perform as a solo artist and has made several high-profile appearances at awards shows and on the touring circuit in recent years.
The Deele
Known for hits like “Two Occasions,” this group is legendary not just for their music, but for launching the careers of Babyface and L.A. Reid. While L.A. Reid became a titan of the industry and Babyface a solo legend, the group has reunited sporadically over the years for special performances. Most recently, they have remained inactive as a recording unit, though their catalog remains a staple of R&B radio.
The Force M.D.’s
Blending doo-wop roots with hip-hop and R&B, the Force M.D.’s gave us the timeless “Tender Love.” Despite the tragic loss of several original members over the years, the surviving members (Khalil Lundy, Stevie D., and Zere) continue to tour and record, keeping the group’s legacy alive. They recently released new music to celebrate their 40th anniversary in the industry.
Full Force
More than just a group, Full Force was a production powerhouse for artists like Lisa Lisa and Samantha Fox. As performers, they gave us “Alice, I Want You Just for Me.” The group, consisting of the George brothers and their cousins, has remained remarkably brothers-in-arms. Despite some health battles for member Bowlegged Lou, they remain active in media, production, and occasional live performances.
The Gap Band
Hailing from Tulsa, Oklahoma, the Wilson brothers—Charlie, Ronnie, and Robert—defined the funk-infused R&B of the early 80s with anthems like “Outstanding,” “Burn Rubber on Me,” and “You Dropped a Bomb on Me.” Following the passing of Robert Wilson in 2010 and Ronnie Wilson in 2021, the group as a trio reached its end. However, lead singer “Uncle” Charlie Wilson has seen a massive resurgence as a solo superstar, frequently collaborating with modern R&B and Hip-Hop artists. He remains one of the most consistent headliners on the festival circuit today, keeping the Gap Band’s legendary catalog at the forefront of the genre.
Guy
The pioneers of New Jack Swing, Teddy Riley and brothers Aaron and Damion Hall redefined the sound of R&B in the late 80s. While their runs are often interrupted by internal friction, the group has performed at several major R&B festivals recently. Teddy Riley remains one of the industry’s most sought-after producers, and Aaron Hall has occasionally released solo material and performed on “Verzuz” platforms.
LeVert
The Cleveland trio of brothers Gerald and Sean LeVert (sons of O’Jays legend Eddie LeVert) and childhood friend Marc Gordon were a dominant force in the mid-to-late 80s. With a string of hits like “(Pop, Pop, Pop, Pop) Goes My Mind” and the crossover smash “Casanova,” they successfully merged soulful vocals with the burgeoning New Jack Swing sound. Following the tragic loss of Gerald LeVert in 2006 and Sean LeVert in 2008, the group’s legacy has been preserved by its surviving co-founder. Marc Gordon has continued to keep the brand alive through iterations like LeVert II and, most recently, The LeVert Experience. In 2026, Gordon tours with this ensemble—which includes Dave Tolliver (of Men at Large) and Joe Little III (of The Rude Boys)—performing at major R&B events like the Mother’s Day Celebration in Baltimore and Philadelphia. They remain a staple on nostalgia tours and cruises, ensuring the LeVert “bloodline” of music stays connected with fans.
New Edition
Arguably the most influential group of the era, New Edition has seen it all. After decades of solo success and various iterations (BBD, Bobby Brown, Johnny Gill), all six members—Bobby Brown, Ronnie DeVoe, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Ralph Tresvant, and Johnny Gill—reunited for the massive “Culture Tour” and a residency in Las Vegas. They continue to perform as a unit, while members also maintain their side projects.
Ready for the World
Led by Melvin Riley, this Flint, Michigan group dominated with “Oh Sheila” and “Love You Down.” After a long hiatus, the group reunited with most of its original members and has been active on the “lost 80s” and R&B tour circuits. They continue to bring their signature synth-funk sound to live audiences across the country.
Today
Mentored by Gene Griffin and Teddy Riley, Today was a cornerstone of the New Jack Swing movement in the late 80s with hits like “Girl I Got My Eyes On You” and “Him Or Me.” While the group hasn’t released a full-length project since 1990’s The New Formula, lead singer Big Bub (Frederick Lee Drakeford) established a successful solo career in the 90s and has remained active in the industry as a singer and producer. In recent years, the group’s members—Big Bub, Larry Lasean, Wesley Adams, and Tay-Tay—have reunited for sporadic live performances and have been featured in documentaries and interviews discussing their role in the New Jack Swing era.
