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Anthony Hamilton Neo-soul Vocalist. In 1990, Billboard (the leading music trade magazine that charts popular music) reintroduced the term R&B—the retro label that had been coined (as rhythm and blues) in the 1940s—to categorize all styles of Black popular music other than hip-hop. R&B embraces the soulful, medium-tempo ballads of Luther ...
- 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...
Feb 25, 2024 · In conclusion, the evolution of R&B music has been a journey of cultural expression and artistic innovation. From its roots in jazz and blues to the golden age of soul in the 1960s, and from funk and disco in the 1970s to contemporary sounds like neo-soul and trap soul today, R&B has constantly evolved to reflect the changing times.
- What are the roots of R&B music?R&B music has its roots in African American musical traditions such as gospel, jazz, and blues. It emerged during the early 20th century and was in...
- How did R&B music evolve over time?Over time, R&B music evolved to incorporate elements of rock and roll, funk, soul, disco, hip hop, and electronic music. These influences led to va...
- Who are some influential artists in the evolution of R&B?Some influential artists in the evolution of R&B include Sam Cooke, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Prince, Beyoncé...
- How does contemporary R&B differ from its earlier forms?Contemporary R&B often incorporates elements from other genres like pop or electronic music and embraces modern production techniques. It tends to...
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snap&B. Contemporary R&B (or simply R&B) is a popular music genre that combines rhythm and blues with elements of pop, soul, funk, hip hop, and electronic music . The genre features a distinctive record production style and a smooth, lush style of vocal arrangement. Electronic influences and the use of hip hop or dance -inspired beats are ...
- Late 1970s and early 1980s, North America
Jan 30, 2024 · R&B originated in the early 1940s among Black Americans. In previous decades, many Black Americans left the southern United States as part of the Great Migration for cities such as Chicago, Detroit, New York City, and Los Angeles. This migration created new creators and audiences for jazz and blues. This new sound emerged as a style of boogie ...
- Musicnotes
Nov 1, 2023 · 336. Contemporary R&B, often abbreviated as R&B, is a genre that has undergone significant transformations over the years. From its roots in the African American musical tradition, R&B has evolved into a multifaceted and influential genre that continues to shape the music industry today.
Sep 22, 2023 · R&B music has come a long way since its inception in the 1940s, evolving through various subgenres and eras. From its early roots in blues and jazz to the Motown and soul revolution, the funk and ...
