Meaning and Definition of Rhythm and Blues | Concept and What is.

What is Rhythm and Blues?


R & B or Rhythm and Blues, is an African American origins musical genre that emerged between 1940 and 1950. Derived from styles such as Jazz, Gospel and Blues, R & B is one of the most popular African American styles. His name was introduced in 1948, by Jerry Wexler of Billboard magazine, as a term for the music market in the United States.

The term was used initially, between the record companies, to refer to African American music scene, which became increasingly popular with its urban music, sound jazz, rock and insistent rhythm. Later, there were other meanings. By the 1950s, R & B was referring mostly to the songs, the genre of the blues-oriented. In the 1960s, when this genre contributed to the emergence of Rock and Roll, the term R & B began to be used, among the white population, to refer to music styles such as the electric blues, soul and gospel. It was also used to refer to the soul and funk. The modern style of R & B is called contemporary R & B.

R & B instrumentation consists mainly of a piano, a bass, one or two guitars, a drum and a saxophone. The musicians tend to test arrangements until you reach a point in which play effortlessly. They are often accompanied by background vocalists. The bands used costumes and even uniforms. The singers have a great rapport with the letters showing great strength, although most of the time, are relaxed and in control.

R & B has had, like many other musical genres, a great evolution through the years. Therefore have arisen various styles or genres with different characteristics. One of them is the Quiet Storm, characterized by its softness and romanticism. Unlike R & B contemporary, it is much influenced by hip hop. Include 80 singers such as Luther Vandross, Sade, Lionel Richie and more new ones as Joe and Brian McKnight. Also highlights the New Jack Swing, which combines elements of R & B and Hip Hop. It is characterized by rapeados and drum machines used choruses. Noteworthy artists such as Bobby Brown, Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake, Boys II Men, Janet Jackson, TLC, among others.

Today, the R & B mainstream is the most popular sub-genre and is also the youngest, having emerged in the late 1990s. It was the singer Mariah Carey, who in 1996 made history by blending R & B with Hip Hop in his Fantasy song, which debuted at the top of the lists. Other artists featured in this style are Rihanna, Beyonce, Usher and T-Pain, among others.
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