R&B

R&B
Stylistic origins	Blues, jazz, gospel music
Cultural origins	1940s, United States
Typical instruments	Vocals, piano, guitar, bass guitar, drums, saxophone, horns
Derivative forms	Soul, Funk, Hip hop
Subgenres
Contemporary R&B – Smooth soul – Neo soul
Fusion genres
Rhythm and blues
Regional scenes
British R&B
Other topics
African-American music, Motown, Stax Records, Rhythm and blues

R&B, short for Rhythm and Blues, is a genre of popular music that originated in the United States in the 1940s from the African-American communities. It combines elements of gospel, blues, and jazz. R&B is known for its catchy rhythms, soulful vocals, and emotional undertones.

History

The term "R&B" was originally coined by Jerry Wexler when he was editing the charts at the trade journal Billboard and was used to replace the demeaning name "race music". In its early years, R&B was primarily popular among African-American audiences. However, by the 1950s, it had gained widespread popularity across different racial groups in America.

During the 1950s and 1960s, R&B evolved into a more polished form known as soul, influenced by gospel music and characterized by its use of richer vocal arrangements. Major record labels such as Motown and Stax Records played significant roles in the commercialization and popularization of soul music.

In the 1980s, R&B expanded further with the emergence of Contemporary R&B, which incorporated elements of pop and hip hop, leading to a smoother, more electronic sound. Artists like Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, and Prince were prominent figures during this era.

Characteristics

R&B music typically features a strong backbeat and varies in tempo from slow ballads to upbeat grooves. The genre is known for its expressive vocals and the prominent use of melisma. Instruments commonly used in R&B include the piano, guitar, bass guitar, drums, saxophone, and various horns.

Influence and Legacy

R&B has significantly influenced many other genres of music, including rock and roll, funk, and hip hop. It has also played an important role in the civil rights movement, providing a voice for cultural expression and political commentary for African-Americans.

Subgenres and Fusion Genres

R&B has spawned a variety of subgenres, including:

• Contemporary R&B, which blends R&B with pop, hip hop, and sometimes electronic music.
• Neo soul, which fuses R&B with soul, jazz, and hip hop, focusing on a richer and more organic sound.
• Smooth soul, which is a softer and more polished style of R&B.

Fusion genres include:

• Rhythm and blues, which combines elements of R&B with other styles like pop and rock.

See Also

• African-American music
• Motown
• Stax Records
• Rhythm and blues

External Links

Note: External links are not included in this article.