15 Songs by White Artists We Thought Black People Sang
It’s Black Music Month, so why not celebrate our music with a twist? If you’ve ever been shocked to discover that the soul Behind your favorite track actually belongs to a white artist, then this one’s for you!
Black singers are often recognized for their distinct voices filled with soul, but we’re not the only ones… The musical world is filled with Bobby Caldwell’s and Teena Marie’s, who give us life every time they open their mouths to sing. On top of their soulful voices, these white singers are also masters at storytelling and innovative songwriting that just can’t help but move you.
Sunshine Benzi – On the Radar Freestyle
One of the latest white musicians to fool Black listeners is Sunshine Benzi. She’s often compared to Nicki Minaj, although the young star has her flare. Check out her recent freestyle for “On the Radar,” which has since become a viral sound on TikTok.
Tom Jones – “It’s Not Unusual”
You can blame “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” for this one…
Tom Jones has always been a mainstream sensation, but that became undeniable when “It’s Not Unusual” became a featured track in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” In the classic Black sitcom, Carlton Banks– played by Alfonso Ribeiro– would often bust into full choreography to the Jones hit.
KC & The Sunshine Band – “That’s The Way (I Like It)”
KC & The Sunshine Band’s “That’s The Way (I Like It)” goes down in music history as one of the most recognizable songs and most sampled. You’ve probably heard the record in movies like “Roll Bounce” and even “Space Jam,” which is why so many folks thought the funky disco hit belonged to Black musicians.
K.P. & Envyi – “Swing My Way”
If you thought the 1998 Billboard hit “Swing My Way” was by two Black women, you’d only be half correct. K.P., who raps on the track, is Black, but the actual singer on the hook is Envyi, a white woman.
JMSN – “Love Me”
For those chronically online, you more than likely have heard JMSN’s “Love Me” record. Specifically, the intro to the song features a beautiful choir that exudes so much soul that many folks just assumed it was created by a Black man. But no, JMSN is in fact white.
Bobby Caldwell – “What You Won’t Do For Love”
How old were you when you found out Bobby Caldwell’s timeless hit, “What You Won’t Do For Love,” wasn’t sung by a Black man? The soulful record was released in 1978, and even in 2026, folks often mistake the late singer for someone with a little more melanin.
Jon B. – “They Don’t Know”
Before there was Justin Timberlake, we had Jon B. But even though his Billboard-charting song “They Don’t Know” and the corresponding music video were everywhere, many folks still believed he was a Black man. Between his suave persona, love for Black women– evident in the music video above– and stylish haircut, you couldn’t tell Black folks he wasn’t lightskin!
JoJo – “Leave (Get Out)”
Ever since JoJo skyrocketed to fame at age 13, her soulful voice has been confusing the masses– especially Black folks. No way this young white girl could reach such high notes belt at such a young age! Her vocal abilities became extra apparent on her most popular song, “Leave (Get Out),” which dropped in 2004. Fast forward to now, and JoJo is still dropping R&B and pop hits.
Steve Winwood – “Higher Love”
Take one look at the music video for Steve Winwood’s “Higher Love,” and you might be shocked to discover Winwood is actually white. To his credit, iconic singer Chaka Khan sang backup vocals for the track and many of the dancers are also Black.
Teena Marie – “Square Biz”
If it’s one white female singer Black people adore, it has to be Teena Marie. The late singer from California often collaborated with Rick James and produced some of the most soulful tracks of her time.
Michael McDonald – “I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near)”
Michael McDonald is another one of those artists that you could’ve bet money on that he was Black… But no. His classic record, “I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near),” was released in 1982, and even today, many folks still don’t believe that a voice like his can actually belong to a white man.
Player – “Baby Come Back”
Who doesn’t love Player’s 1977 classic, “Baby Come Back?” But how many people actually knew the soft rock band was a group full of white men? This is a record that often fools Black folks.
Lisa Stanfield – “All Around The World”
Not only is Lisa Stanfield a white woman… but she’s from England. She began her career on Search for a Star, and by the time “All Around The World” dropped in 1989, she was an international sensation.
Daryl Hall & John Oates – “I Can’t Go For That”
It’s no secret that Black people collectively love Daryl Hall & John Oates. Specifically, Black folks claim the song “I Can’t Go For That” for ourselves! Between the groovy beat, catchy lyrics and simply the swagger oozing from the duo, it’s not shocking that so many of us were fooled!
Simply Red – “Holding Back the Years”
When we say soul, we’re definitely talking about “Holding Back the Years” by Simply Red. One listen to the record, and you can probably understand why any Black person would be confused to find out the singer is actually white.
