Just as he did at the 2011 Essence Fest, “Uncle” Charlie Wilson, who came to prominence in the ‘80s with the Gap Band, preceded Usher, one of the genre’s biggest stars of the 2000s.

The 1980s was no different. From Michael Jackson to The Gap Band, here's a list of some of the hottest R&B songs of the '80s.

A promotional photo of the original Gap Band is seen circa 1973. From left, Charlie Wilson, Roscoe Smith, Alvin Jones, Tommy Lokey, Odell Stokes, Ronnie Wilson, Robert Wilson and Ray D. Roe.

The Gap Band scored No. 1 R&B hits with “Burn Rubber (Why You Wanna Hurt Me),” “Early in the Morning,” “Outstanding” and “Addicted to Your Love.” ...