Old school R&B music had an intimate sound, often centering around love. These intimate ballads conveyed universal emotions about moving on from relationships or discovering a new one.
Today’s R&B music is heavily influenced by hip hop and rap, and has developed to include electronic keyboards and software loops – giving rise to criticism that contemporary R&B lacks soul.
Motown
Motown Records, run by Berry Gordy of Detroit-based label Motown Music Group is often one of the first labels that come to mind when discussing R&B music. Motown is well known for its diverse roster of artists and hits that have topped charts since 1959; songs explored love, relationships and heartache as well as personal empowerment and social issues – giving R&B its distinctive sound which continues to influence music today.
Motown sounds of the 1960s are legendary for their smooth melodies and upbeat messages, providing inspiration to spread joy throughout society and make our planet better. Additionally, their soulful melodies help set an atmosphere conducive to celebration during weddings or any special event.
Motown hitmakers such as Smokey Robinson, Diana Ross and the Commodores kept producing hit after hit throughout funk, disco, easy listening and easy listening eras; after the Seventies label stars like Michael Jackson and Rick James continued churning out hits into the 1990s Neo Soul Era.
Martha Reeves & the Vandellas’ timeless party anthem “Live, Love and Dance” is one of the most famous R&B hits of all time, inspiring everyone to get up and dance and celebrate life and love in style. Perfect as the opening number at your wedding celebration! This song can set the mood and set an unforgettable atmosphere!
Aretha Franklin
Aretha Louise Franklin was more than just an iconic voice – she inspired musicians, civil rights activists and ordinary men and women all around the world. Her gospel choir-esque vocals on high-octane R&B of her early hits became legendary – just like her social activism throughout her career.
Aretha Franklin made her mark from jazz sessions at Berry Gordy’s Motown Records in Detroit to recording Amazing Grace album in 1972 at a Baptist church, her sound changing as she changed with time and evolved with society. From wigs and processed hairstyles to natural locks; from Nina Simone-like Afrocentric fashion choices to sequined gown glamor that defined much of her later work. She was unabashedly black both sonically and visually in a country built upon systemic anti-blackness; making her standout among artists at every step along her career journey.
As the 1970s progressed, Aretha’s voice deepened and broadened into one of the most revered live performers of her era – becoming known for albums like 1968’s Lady Soul, 1973’s Aretha Now and 1971 live set Amazing Grace that cemented her legacy.
Aretha was also an incredible interpreter of contemporary popular music. From Sam & Dave’s Hold On I’m Coming boogie-woogie to Herbie Mann’s Spirit in the Dark cover on Who’s Zoomin’ Who to her Detroit-revival finger snappers in 1980’s School Days and house-influenced pop on 1994’s A Deeper Love; Aretha excelled at every style. Aretha proved herself adept at nearly every form of soulful black music genre including opera. Aretha was especially skilled in covering Spirit in the Dark on Who’s Zoomin’ Who. Her 1985 Arista album Who’s Zoomin’ Who even featured her filling in for sick Pavarotti opera hit Nessun Dorma! Her last album released 1998’s A Rose Is Still a Rose demonstrated just that.
Otis Redding
Otis Redding’s soulful music touched generations of fans, and even today the legendary artist continues to touch people profoundly. His iconic songs explored themes of love, loss, and resilience that resonated deeply with listeners on an emotional level. Redding combined raw emotion with stirring instrumentation to craft captivating masterpieces that stood the test of time.
Redding’s music combined elements of gospel, blues, R&B and country into his signature sound. His vocal range was powerful and emotive, enabling him to convey emotions ranging from joyous celebration to heartbreaking sadness on his recordings and live performances. Redding also excelled at improvising live sets by taking requests from fans midway through his set or adapting songs according to audience sensitivity.
Redding was born in Dawson, Georgia and quit school at 15 to support his family. He sang as the back-up singer for Little Richard’s Upsetters band as well as Johnny Jenkins Pinetoppers group and Hamp Swain Teenage Party talent shows held at Macon’s Douglass Theatre.
Redding soon found himself meeting local disc jockey and promoter Phil Walden, who would become his manager and confidant. Walden assisted Redding by booking gigs at white colleges and clubs to increase band visibility; at the same time he encouraged them to perform in black communities where audiences would more readily accept their music.
Redding’s career began to flourish when he recorded an outpouring of tracks at the end of November and beginning of December, which were quickly released as singles and albums – many topping both pop and R&B charts simultaneously.
Beyonce
Beyonce Giselle Knowles-Carter is one of the world’s most influential female artists and holds many records. She first gained prominence as lead singer of R&B group Destiny’s Child; since then she has become an accomplished actress, fashion designer, philanthropist and businesswoman – even having an effectful influence on contemporary music artists like Normani, Adele and Sam Smith.
Beyonce began her singing and performing career from an early age, enrolling in dance and art classes and participating in local talent shows. Later she formed the all-female band Girl’s Tyme with Kelly Rowland and LaTavia Robinson from her school – appearing on Star Search television show as part of Girl’s Tyme (despite losing in competition) before landing a record deal with Columbia Records.
Beyonce first gained international acclaim with her debut solo album I Am… Sasha Fierce in 2000, featuring the hit single “Single Ladies.” The accompanying dance craze quickly made her famous worldwide. Her subsequent two albums B’day (2006) and 4 (2011) proved equally successful, as were Beyonce’s films Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002) and Dreamgirls (2006) in which she played Foxxy Cleopatra and Deena Jones, respectively.
Beyonce unveiled her most recent album, Act i: RENAISSANCE in 2023 along with an accompanying worldwide concert tour to support it. Beyonce outpaced Georg Solti for most Grammy wins by women with this release; additionally she is recognized for her activism and empowering messages.
The Weeknd
Early in his career, Toronto native Abel Tesfaye released seductive mix tapes under the moniker The Weeknd to create an air of mystery and allure around his music. A modified form of R&B, his songs explored themes outside its bounds such as sex, parties and drugs with sweet falsetto crooning about heartbreak and drug addiction that left audiences spellbound.
As soon as The Weeknd released his debut album in 2011, he amassed an army of loyalists that followed him wherever he went. Touring extensively followed, and in 2023 he won both album of the year (Beauty Behind the Madness) and R&B/soul recording of the year (Can’t Feel My Face) at the Juno Awards while being honored as breakthrough artist.
Since then, Tesfaye’s popularity has skyrocketed, becoming one of the world’s most renowned artists. While R&B music can sometimes feel stagnant and predictable, The Weeknd’s distinctive style has completely revolutionized how we perceive R&B music.
“Often” is his ode to lost love, with its combination of melancholic vocals with thunderous bass and synth arrangements combining into an apocalyptic, dancefloor-ready banger. On “Acquainted,” he warns of the perils associated with becoming overly invested with someone while on “Starboy,” he sings of its suitability for sci-fi heist movies.
The Weeknd stands out as an unforgettable talent with his intriguing personality and unfaltering creative approach to music, helping restore faith in its future. His influence will continue long after his career is finished, shaping genre for new generations of fans while inspiring other artists to push artistic boundaries further.