Though it began as a general term for African American music, the synthesis of styles that became what is now called rhythm and blues caught on among a wide youth audience during the post war period and contributed to changing the racial divide in American society and music of the mid-twentieth century.
Who started rhythm and blues?
Rhythm and blues is a style of American music with roots in earlier African-American styles like jazz, blues, and gospel music. The term was coined in the late 1950s by Billboard Magazine writer and Atlantic Records producer Jerry Wexler
What influenced rhythm and blues?
In its first manifestation, rhythm and blues was one of the predecessors to rock and roll. It was strongly influenced by jazz, jump blues and black gospel music . It also influenced jazz in return; rhythm and blues, blues, and gospel combined with bebop to create hard bop.
How did the blues music start?
The origins of the blues are poorly documented, but it is believed that after the American Civil War (1861–65) , formerly enslaved African Americans and their descendants created this genre while working on Southern plantations, taking inspiration from hymns, minstrel show music, work songs and field hollers, ragtime, ...
How was rhythm and blues created?
The development of rhythm and blues occurred just as segregation became a growing social issue in American society . Both Black and white young people wanted to see the popular performers of the day, and mixed groups of youths sang doo-wop together on the street corners of many urban centers.
What is the difference between blues and R&B?
One way to think of it is that the blues is essentially a vocal music, while R&B is more instrumental —but the real way to think of it is this: It’s a good song, or it’s not a good song.”
Who made R&B popular?
Rhythm and blues (R&B), which combines soulful singing and a strong backbeat, was the most popular music created by and for African Americans between the end of World War II (1941-45) and the early 1960s.
What is rhythm and blues songs?
Rhythm and blues (aka R&B or RnB) is a popular music genre combining jazz, gospel, and blues influences — first performed by African American artists. The term was coined as a musical marketing term in the United States in 1947 by Jerry Wexler at Billboard magazine.
What emotions are expressed R&B?
It was used to “get pumped up.” R&B/soul was most related to grief, anger, and pride . Jazz evoked similar emotions with the addition of pride, hope, and confidence. Jazz was also used to strengthen moods and was related to age.
Who is the most famous blues singer?
- Otis Spann (1930 – 1970) ...
- Albert Collins (1932 – 1993) ...
- John Mayall (1933 – ) ...
- Freddie King (1934 – 1976) ...
- Paul Butterfield (1942 – 1987) ...
- Johnny Winter (1944 – ) ...
- Eric Clapton (1945 – ) ...
- Stevie Ray Vaughan (1954 – 1990)
Who is called Father of the Blues?
Musician and composer William Christopher “W.C.” Handy was born on November 16, 1873, in Florence, Alabama. Widely known as the “Father of the Blues,” Handy is recognized as one of the leaders in popularizing blues music.
When did blues become popular?
Bessie Smith and Robert Johnson made the blues style very popular in the 1920s . By the 1940s and 50s, the style had developed further and included a range of other instruments. This style was called rhythm and blues, r’n’b, and was usually played on electric guitar and bass.
What was probably the most popular blues song ever?
- BB King – The Thrill Is Gone. ...
- Robert Johnson – Me And The Devil Blues. ...
- John Lee Hooker – Boogie Chillen. ...
- Little Walter And His Jukes – My Babe. ...
- Howlin’ Wolf – Evil. ...
- Robert Johnson – Crossroads. ...
- Blind Lemon Jefferson – Matchbox Blues. ...
- Muddy Waters – Got My Mojo Working.
How do you know if a song is R&B?
R&B, which stands for Rhythm and Blues, is just that — music that is rhythmic and has the soulful achings of the blues . In the ’90s it was easier to distinguish if a piece of music was or wasn’t R&B.
What is the most common form of the blues?
The most common musical form of blues is the 12-bar blues . The term “12-bar” refers to the number of measures, or musical bars, used to express the theme of a typical blues song.
