List of number-one R&B singles of 1988 (U.S.)

These are the Billboard magazine R&B singles chart number one hits of 1988. During the year, 34 singles reached number one (a 35th single, "The Way You Make Me Feel" by Michael Jackson reached the pole position in December 1987 and continued its run into 1988).

20 acts reached number one for the first time during 1988: Keith Sweat, Pebbles, Morris Day, Terence Trent D'Arby, Teena Marie, E.U., Al B. Sure!, Johnny Kemp, Tony! Toni! Toné!, George Michael, Sade, The Mac Band, The McCampbell Brothers, Roxanne Shante, Jeffrey Osborne, Karyn White, Anita Baker, Cheryl Pepsii Riley, The Boys, and Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers. Jeffrey Osborne, however, had previously reached number one with his band L.T.D. during the previous decade, though "She's on the Left" became his first (and only) single to top the chart as a soloist when it reached number one in September. Sweat's "I Want Her" was named the R&B single of the year by Billboard.[1]

Singer Michael Jackson reached number one three times with singles "The Way You Make Me Feel" (which began its run in December 1987), "Man in the Mirror" and "Another Part of Me". Other singers who had more than one chart topper during 1988 include Pebbles, Al B. Sure!, Bobby Brown, and Freddie Jackson (all at two).