| Rhythm And Blues Music |
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R&B, or Rhythm and Blues, music started off during a period of vast changes in the colored community. As blacks moved to urban neighborhoods and their social and financial status began to improve, their musical interests also changed simultaneously. Several different, yet linked styles of R&B music emerged and gained in popularity and the genre continues to have a deep influence on the music industry and the society.
Term Origin The term Rhythm and Blues was created in 1949 by Jerry Wexler of the Billboard Magazine to refer to a range of related musical styles crafted by and for the blacks. Until then this genre of music was known as "race music". History R&B music evolved just before World War II when large segments of the black population moved from the countryside of South to towns and cities in the Northeast, Midwest and the West Coast. This migration gave rise to a breed of young, urban black listeners with a growing interest in up-tempo dance type music. Many in the music industry grabbed the opportunity by founding independently owned record companies and radio stations that targeted specifically the black masses. Early, R&B was focused in Atlanta, Ga., where live R&B programs became popular. In 1949, one of the earliest black-owned R&B radio stations, Atlanta's WERD, gained popularity with listeners, particularly with its late-night R&B program anchored by Zenas "Daddy" Sears. Several other radio stations then evolved and soon many R&B singers were making albums on both the coasts. Styles of R&B R&B includes an assortment of styles including soul, Motown, funk, disco, club blues, jump blues, hip-hop and doo-wop. The main characteristics of this genre include soulful performances with a strong backbeat, commonalities in beats, bands divided by a beats and horn sections, repetitive notes, verses and rhythms and often complex combination of musical instruments. Modern R&B In the mid-1990s, sampling and scratching started being incorporated in the R&B music and can be easily heard on several urban radio stations these days. Vocal groups such as TLC and many solo singers have struck to the R&B genre with huge commercial successes. R&B in the current century incorporates a mixture of styles that include dance, pop, hip-hop and rap. Influence on Society R&B music has had a major influence on American culture for both blacks and whites. This music genre has influenced other types of music such as rock 'n' roll as well as dancing, fashion industry, language and attitudes. The genre has been embraced immensely by the black community, as well as large parts of the white population, particularly the youth. The R&B music genre has helped promote understanding and harmony between various cultures. Related Articles
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