RnB music originated in the US and has since evolved to incorporate elements from other genres. It often includes heavy 808’s, melodic sounds and real or tone singing as its hallmark features.
No matter if you’re an up-and-coming artist or simply wanting to add some flavor to your music videos, our royalty free RnB loops will certainly add an extra dose of fun and flair.
Rhythm & Blues
R&B or RnB is a musical genre which originated during the 1940s. This popular form of music combines elements from jazz, gospel, folk, traditional blues, synthesizers, strong bass lines, and looped drum beats into one distinct style of music that began to take form around this time.
R&B music originated during the 1940s and 1950s in America as popularly performed by African-Americans; it replaced race music as the marketing term. Billboard magazine reporter Jerry Wexler first coined this term to refer to upbeat popular African-American artist performances that combined blues and jazz influences.
R&B music originated during the 1940s and 50s; initially used for various styles like boogie woogie, African American swing, jazz and blues. Today however, R&B is the general term.
An important trend in blues music was the widespread adoption of electric guitars. First introduced in the 1930s, these instruments played an instrumental role in shaping its evolution – enabling musicians to perform faster and more aggressively than with acoustic models.
Early blues bands could often be found based out of Memphis and other Southern cities, using various instruments including slide guitar and singing blues songs.
Another significant influencer on the genre’s development was African Americans migrating from rural areas into urban centers in the US, which allowed various regional styles of music to meld together and influence one another.
Furthermore, the widespread appeal of juke joints helped spread this musical form across the nation. These spaces offered black Americans an outlet to hear and watch the music they loved.
Today, the blues is still an incredibly influential genre of music, having inspired other styles such as soul and funk.
Blues music stands out with its distinctive rhythm pattern that most musicians utilize to control their playing. While most four-beat compositions employ syncopated backbeats, blues utilizes unique syncopations which makes this style both exciting and memorable.
Soul
R&B music first gained popularity during the 1950s and 60s, marked by syncopated rhythms, African-American lyrics, and traceable roots to blues music. Since its origins, R&B has gone through various changes throughout its history to become one of America’s most beloved genres today.
Usher, Beyonce and Mariah Carey have become some of the most prolific R&B artists by pushing its limits with melodic singing and catchy melodies in their music.
Electronic dance music (EDM) has also become very popular in nightclubs.
They also boast soulful vocals and have won multiple awards for their music.
Durand Jones & The Indications are a six-piece soul band from Bloomington, Indiana who have an aesthetic similar to Smokey Holman’s music.
Even though they are relatively new to the music scene, The Shins have already seen tremendous success in the form of released albums and tours across America.
Their music has been featured in movies, television shows and commercials as well as being nominated for numerous Grammys.
The Indications are a soul band dedicated to writing and recording original music. Additionally, they perform live without using electronic devices for live shows.
Sharon Jones is a cancer survivor and widely considered “the female James Brown”. With powerful vocals and an uncompromising determination to succeed, Sharon leads this band with fierce grace.
She possesses an astounding voice that rivals Leon Bridges’, making it truly inspiring that she has managed to overcome cancer while remaining at the top of her game and continue performing at such an outstanding level.
These six members combine rock and funk into an engaging sound that makes for an exciting musical journey.
Some songs on “Tweed Funk,” their album, are reminiscent of Marshall Crenshaw and represent an excellent addition to today’s R&B scene.
Funk
Funk music emergeds from African American culture and blends elements of soul, R&B, jazz and other danceable genres into an exciting rhythmic form known as funk music. Over time its influence spread into many other areas like rock, pop and disco genres while becoming globally renowned during the 70s and 80s.
Some of the finest musicians in funk have classical training while others come from jazz backgrounds; examples include trombonist Fred Wesley and saxophonist Maceo Parker who both played for James Brown while Dawn Silva and Lynn Mabry have worked with Sly & the Family Stone and Parliament-Funkadelic respectively.
Women have also taken an interest in funk, with notable acts like Chaka Khan, Labelle and Lyn Collins taking up this genre. Furthermore, many female funk bands have performed across the world.
Funky Girls of Omaha has been around for more than three decades and have performed around the globe, serving as an outstanding example of an all-female funk band who don’t let racial tension or discrimination hinder them in creating music.
The Meters have also contributed immensely to funk music’s spread in New Orleans, making the genre much-beloved by local listeners and making its tracks highly danceable. Listeners will love listening to this genre as there are songs guaranteed to get them up and moving on the dance floor!
R&B music played an essential part in the Civil Rights Movement, reflecting its theme of positive change. R&B was used to express working-class struggles through music they could relate to and relate with.
Funk music, while often associated with men, can be an incredible way to get you energized and moving your body. Additionally, listening to it may put you in the perfect mindset for an upcoming party or night out on the town.
Funk music can also help to provide an enjoyable way to relax and unwind, so try listening to R&B Nation for some relaxing listening pleasure. This radio station provides all of the latest in soul, funk and hip-hop from across the globe.
Disco
Disco music originated during the late 1960s and early 1970s in New York City’s night clubs. This form of dance music includes elements from funk, soul, and pop music as well as its signature free-form dancing and loud, overwhelming sound that was originally popular with gay men, African Americans, Latinos.
Disco is a genre of music influenced by swing and jazz records, popular in clubs that switched over from live bands to playing records instead.
This genre of music is distinguished by its driving rhythm and upbeat music that often utilizes synthesized instruments. Additionally, its signature feature is its soaring vocal that may be accompanied by horns.
Music comes from all sorts of influences and can range from being socially aware to frivolous; serving as the backdrop to parties, dances or other special events.
Nightclub DJs were pioneers of this style, mixing records from genres like funk, soul and pop music in nightclub settings to form what has since evolved into hip-hop and house music styles.
Disco songs became global hits, such as those written and performed by ABBA (including “Dancing Queen”), Chic (with “Le Freak”), Donna Summer (“Love to Love You Baby”) and Giorgio Moroder/Pete Bellotte for Donna Summer during the 70s era – Giorgio Moroder being one who helped develop what is now known as the Munich sound – with many hits written for Summer by Giorgio Moroder and Pete Bellotte writing them together.
Disco music emerged as an alternative form of dance music as a response to war, political scandal, gang violence and skyrocketing crime rates – providing people an escape from these issues while at the same time becoming popular during the 1960s. This fact contributed to its rapid growth and widespread adoption.
Modern disco is still widely popular around the world and can be found in many clubs.
EMP recently presented an exhibit recreating Crisco Disco New York nightclub from the 1970s, featuring flashing lights, pulsating music and an authentic DJ booth from that era. Also on hand is Nicky Siano himself who was one of Studio 54’s original DJs.
Disco was born out of political and economic unrest during a time of upheaval in America’s 1960s. Amid this environment came nightclubs that served as safe spaces for LGBTQ communities such as in New York City and Philadelphia underground gay clubs that fostered this movement.