R&B (Rhythm and Blues), is an American musical genre characterized by soulful vocals set to an infectious drumbeat. Originating in post-WW II Black communities, its influence spans genres such as soul, gospel, jazz and funk.
As it can be hard to choose the ideal RnB singer, my pick would have to be Usher. His amazing singing has earned him numerous hits throughout his career.
Rhythm and blues
R&B (Rhythm and Blues), was the primary genre created for African Americans between World War II’s conclusion and early 1960s. While distinct from rock and roll music, some bands that initially performed rhythm and blues later went on to perform rock n roll music as well. Rooted in traditional blues, gospel, minstrelsies, and work songs, R&B has gained immense popularity.
Rhythm and blues was one of the early precursors to rock and roll music, featuring driving beats and lyrics addressing topics like first love and parent-child tension. Additionally, rhythm and blues gave rise to many teenage vocal groups including The Drifters and Little Richard who went on to produce classics like Rocket 88 and Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On that became massive hits at radio stations nationwide.
Like its name implies, rhythm and blues is an amalgamation of styles such as boogie woogie, African American swing, jazz, and naturally the blues. R&B also greatly influenced jazz styles like bebop and hard bop.
By the 1950s, the classic sound of rhythm and blues had come into being. This genre was typically performed in small ensembles featuring either piano, guitars, bass or drums with vocalist. Prominent artists of this period included Ray Charles, Fats Domino and Clarence “Frogman” Henry who each brought an element of New Orleans flair into their styles with rolling piano techniques such as Professor Longhair’s famed rolling piano technique as well as second-line street beats popular in this region.
During the 1960s, R&B began to branch off from its blues-influenced roots into a danceable genre, leading to the development of genres like Funk Soul Motown. Funk, Soul and Motown all emerged during this era by mixing elements from R&B with rock n roll or pop to produce their own distinct sound – an occurrence further amplified by bands like John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers or The Animals that blended rhythm & blues and rock and roll music together into unique sounds like John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers or The Animals; this trend was further amplified by success of British bands who mixed rhythm & blues with rock n roll such as John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers or The Animals who mixed rhythm & blues/rock and roll: John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers and The Animals were among many groups that successfully doing just this trend accelerating this trend as John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers or The Animals that combined rhythm & blues/rock n roll such as John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers or The Animals who successfully did just this trend by mixing rhythm & blues with rock and roll: John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers or The Animals who successfully combined rhythm & rock and roll into rock and roll together with rhythm and blues with rock and roll bands such as John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers/The Animals were successful at doing just this trend accelerated this trend by playing John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers or similar British bands like with rhythm& blues and roll together; such bands like John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers/The Animals combined rhythm’s Blues with Rock& Roll into rock& Roll/rock /Roll into rock with Rock’s/The Animals with Rock& Roll/Roll with rock/ roll + rhythm + roll together = John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers + rock&roll in rock +Roll into Rock’s ‘And Rock’s/Vs+Roll+Vs+/Vs + V/Vs V/Vs +V+Rock + roll:John Mayalls Bluesbreakers with/Vul Vo vs/Vs (V)..Vs (&’n Roll = Vul Vs… etc…V nroll mixs VVan+Roll =John Mayall Vs;I+Roll bands like John Mayall (VVullers =John Mayall’s/Roll../s The Animals +….V’s + Rock (Vs V(s = V’nRoll =v)./VV…(Them… Them=V/Van…….), V/ V, Mayall V).. +)…. The Animals)…. The Animals + animals +Vs)…. The Animals etc).. (T)..(I). etc…Them+V) + The Animals). (T), by (s). These bands)// + roll (John Mayall//) They Animals…) (v/ B…(N n roll =)/ The…(a V…The)…….) “… (T….. The) etc)……… The Animals…..)……………..)…….)…….) These British bands that blended rhythm/roll.) respectively)..)/Rock N Roll Band)!/ = V/sbreakers etc)……. etc), British bands) They Animals…)……/P…/Them
Contemporary R&B
Since R&B first emerged, many changes have taken place; yet certain elements remain constant. R&B music has always been known for being storytelling driven, from timeless hits such as “Save the Last Dance for Me” by The Drifters to recent favorites like Ella Mai’s “Boo’d Up.” Lyrical songs that tell a tale form the foundation of modern R&B.
Storytelling elements can be found both in the lyrics and musical composition, bringing the song alive with life and emotion. A common topic for R&B songs is love and relationships – whether that be falling in love or grieving its loss – many R&B songs revolve around these subjects.
Melody is one of the cornerstones of R&B music, as its melody can help convey emotion through song. A catchy and memorable melody should also feature at the end of every track for maximum impact.
R&B music is an emotive style characterized by storytelling and soulful singing voices, drawing influence from jazz, blues and rock and roll genres. This can be traced back to the Great Migration when African Americans moved from rural areas into urban centers such as New York City, Detroit or Chicago; they brought with them their culture and musical traditions which eventually led to R&B being created.
R&B music encompasses elements from multiple styles, including soul, Motown, funk, disco and rap. This diverse amalgam has made R&B the go-to genre among black audiences due to its emotive lyrics and sensual rhythms; alongside soulful singing and emotional lyrics this genre boasts harmonious vocal harmonies and seductive rhythms that keep audiences hooked for hours on end. Nowadays contemporary R&B artists create their music using keyboards, acoustic drum kits, synthesizers or drum machines when creating their tracks.
’90s R&B
The 1990s marked an inflection point for R&B music; they marked the last decade in which R&B, rather than hip-hop, reigned supreme on charts. R&B underwent a tremendous surge of innovation during this era – New Jack Swing gave way to Neo Soul and other innovations of studio technology; groups such as Boyz II Men and TLC could switch seamlessly between slow jams and socially conscious grooves with ease; Mariah Carey and Lauryn Hill shatter racial boundaries while dominating charts with ease; groups like Boyz II Men and TLC could switch seamlessly between slow jams and socially conscious grooves – artist like Mariah Carey and Lauryn Hill also shatter racial barriers by dominating charts with such dominating performances that took place over previous decades!
The 1990s was also a golden era for love songs and duets. One standout R&B track from this era is Jodeci’s Forever My Lady from 1991; written by Al B. Sure! and Andre Harrell with Mopreme Shakur rapping verse featured as part of its massive R&B single status; additionally it reached number 10 on Billboard Hot 100 chart and hit three-spot on the Billboard R&B chart chart in 1990. Candy Rain by Soul for Real also rose up the Billboard R&B chart to reach number three spot as part of its 1990 hit, featuring Jase from Soul for Real’s youngest member band: Candy Rain hit three spot on Billboard R&B chart featuring Jase from SoulforReal band’s youngest member band member Jase as its protagonist.
At that time, girl groups were also popular; one such popular example being En Vogue’s Hold On song. With its easy dancing beat and downtempo groove, Hold On quickly became their signature song and inspired an array of similar acts that followed suit.
Brandy had several ballad hits during this era, including Too Much and Breakin’ My Heart – the latter is still popular today and showcases Brandy’s remarkable vocal talents. Monica also had one of her sexy hits in Almost Doesn’t Count which was widely debated at the time.
In the ’90s, producers and songwriters such as Babyface, Timbaland, and Jermaine Dupri were at the forefront of R&B production and composition – their iconic tracks stand as a testament to this period in R&B music’s history.
’00s R&B
During the 2000s, R&B music took on a more contemporary sound that combined influences from other genres. Its sounds evolved into a blend of pop, hip hop and soulful vocal styles; iconic artists like Ciara, Destiny’s Child and Usher made their mark during this era with hit after hit ranging from empowering anthems to heartbreak ballads; their hits can still be heard today and still evoke various emotions in listeners.
One of the most memorable R&B songs from this era was “Crazy in Love” by Beyonce, which became an international smash hit. Its infectious beat and emotive lyrics explored themes related to love and infatuation while its dance-pop vibe made this tune stand out among its peers. For fans of R&B music everywhere, this track should not be missed!
“Foolish,” by Ashanti, featured an infectious beat and relatable lyrics. This track quickly rose to become one of the biggest R&B hits ever; Ashanti was put on the R&B map due to her smooth vocals and poetic lyrics which made this a hugely successful tune. This track focused around an ex-lover being frustrated that his name keeps popping up; its lyrics convey pain as well as hope – making this one must-listen music from Ashanti!
Although ’00s pop R&B may not hold much nostalgia today, it still holds a special place in musical history. As it moved away from its 90s slow jam roots to embrace disco, funk and hip hop influences it brought with it something refreshingly new that revolutionised the industry at large. No wonder then that its popularity endured so long!
Notable R&B artists of the 2000s include Lucy Pearl; her self-titled debut was distinguished by its whimsical sound. Additionally, Lucy appeared alongside Kelela, Solange and Jhene Aiko on Saint Heron mix tape last year; definitely one to keep an eye out for in the future!