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Carnegie Hall's history and timeline of African American Music. Learn about the reintroduction of R&B in the 1990s and the evolution of R&B in the 2000s.
- 1920s – 1940s: Jazz and Blues
- 1950s and 60s: The Golden Age of R&B
- 1970s and 80s: Funk, Disco and New Jack Swing
- Mainstream Contemporary R&B, Hip Hop Soul and Neo-Soul
The origins of R&B can be traced back to the Jazz and Blues of the 1920s and 30s. When African American musicians were performing a mixture of Blues, Jazz, and Gospel music in the clubs and juke joints of the South. Singers like Bessie Smith and Ma Rainey, sang about the hardships of life and the struggle for civil rights. Their music was raw, emot...
The contemporary sound of R&B really started to take shape in the 1950s and 60s. Crucially, during this time was the rise of doo-wop, a vocal style that relied heavily on harmonies and falsetto singing. Doo-wop groups like The Drifters and The Platters had a string of hits during this time and helped to popularize the sound of R&B. Soul music also ...
In the 1970s, R&B took a turn towards Funk. Credited as an invention of James Brown, the Godfather of Soul, Funk emphasises rhythm and groove over melody. It’s characterised by heavy bass lines and percussion-led rhythms, rather than melody and chord progression. This combination gives the music a distinctly danceable, infectious feel. Importantly,...
With the popularity of New Jack Swing, came a mainstream sound in 90s R&B that heavily leaned into contemporary Hip Hop production. Dominated by the likes of TLC, then Puff Daddy and his Bad Boy label signees, Faith Evans, 112 and Mary J Blige. The term ‘Hip Hop Soul’ was originally used to describe this sound. In the late 1990s, R&B saw the emerge...
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Dive into the world of contemporary r&b with our detailed guide. Discover the most popular artists and landmark songs that define contemporary r&b. Ideal for enthusiasts and newcomers, this page offers insights and highlights to enhance your festival experience.
Nov 1, 2023 · The Impact of Contemporary R&B: Influencing the Music Industry. Contemporary R&B has had a profound influence on the music industry, shaping the sound of popular music in various ways. The genre’s ability to adapt and incorporate elements from different musical traditions has made it a dominant force in the industry.
Dec 15, 2023 · Understanding R&B’s origins and trajectory provides insight into the foundations of popular music today. Key Takeaways. R&B originated from African-American musical traditions like blues, jazz, gospel, and soul, designed for wide appeal. Pioneering performers like Ray Charles and James Brown set the template for R&B styles and showmanship.
Jan 30, 2024 · Contemporary R&B came to the mainstream in this decade, melding classic R&B elements with increased use of electronic instruments, smooth production techniques, and influences from pop, funk, rock, and hip-hop.
Feb 22, 2021 · In the 90s, artists like Mary J. Blige, Usher, Brandy, and R&B groups like TLC, En Vogue, and Destiny’s Child all set a precedent for modern R&B, as many of today’s records include samples and interpolations from this time.
