Donnie McClurklin's R&B Contemporaries

Donnie McClurklin's R&B Contemporaries

Donnie McClurkin - Anytime Mr. McClurkin is added to the bill, its known that souls will be touched. Sunday night was no exception. He not only served up his hits, but also his testimony to keep everyone encouraged in their journey.(Photo: Earl Gibson/BET/Getty Images for BET)

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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)

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)

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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)

John Legend - At this year's Soul Train Awards, John Legend is up for two nominations: Song of the Year — for "Tonight (Best You Ever Had)" — and The Ashford & Simpson Songwriter's Award.  (Photo: John Ricard / BET)

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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).

Usher  - This year, the R&B icon released his latest album Looking 4 Myself. At the Soul Train Awards, he'll be looking to win in several categories: Best R&B/Soul Male Artist, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, The Ashford & Simpson Songwriter's Award and Best Dance Performance.   (Photo: Christopher Polk/Getty Images For Polk)

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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)

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)

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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)

R. Kelly - R. Kelly started expressing his love for music in the church. At the young age of 8 years old, Kelly followed in the footsteps of his mother and began singing at his local Baptist church. VaShawn Mitchell developed ties with his local Baptist church during his late teenage years, and honed his talents as an assistant music director. He then got hired by a different Baptist church and became their minister of music. In addition to their church relations, both singers are native to Chicago, Illinois.(Photo: Mark Davis/Getty Images for BET)

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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)