Donnie McClurkin - With one of the best voices in gospel and a long career ahead of him, Donnie McClurkin has done it all and keeps on going. With his distinct vocals and bright, relatable personality, his R&B contemporaries are both obvious and talented in their own ways. Click on to see who some of his brothers in R&B are and be sure not to miss him at this year's Celebration of Gospel! (Photo: Earl Gibson/BET/Getty Images for BET)
2 / 6
Ruben Studdard - One of American Idol's first winners, Ruben Studdard has some of the smoothest vocals recorded since Luther Vandross. His style and clear gospel roots always shine through when he sings because, like Donnie McClurkin, every word comes straight from his soul. (Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
3 / 6
John Legend - John Legend's voice reeks of old church spirituals, and with a unique tone and musical sensibilities that have made him a star, it's no wonder that he and Donnie McClurkin are each other's contemporaries. (Photo: John Ricard / BET).
4 / 6
Usher - Although their voices aren't that similar, Usher's stage presence and confidence as a music reality show judge are very reminiscent of Donnie McClurkin in more ways than one. (Photo: Christopher Polk/Getty Images For Polk)
5 / 6
Trey Songz - Trey Songz's voice is like nobody else's in the industry, but one thing that he shares with Donnie McClurkin is their similar vibrato and how that sets them apart from other people in their respective genres. (Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Heineken)
6 / 6
R. Kelly - Longevity, cross generational influence and more, R. Kelly and Donnie McClurkin may sing about different things and relay different messages to their audiences, but their influence in music is undeniable. (Photo: Mark Davis/Getty Images for BET)
Subscribe for BET Updates
Provide your email address to receive our newsletter.