Race records were 78-rpm phonograph records marketed to African Americans between the 1920s and 1940s . They primarily contained race music, comprising various African-American musical genres, including blues, jazz, and gospel music, and also comedy.
Who was the first artist to record a race?
The first “race” record is attributed to black cabaret singer Mamie Smith , whose recording of “Crazy Blues” was a huge success, eventually selling more than two million copies. Smith’s success was a wake-up call to a recording industry that suddenly realized the huge potential in the African-American market.
What are race records in music?
Race records, sound recordings of the early 20th century that were made exclusively by and for African Americans . The term is sometimes said to have been coined by Ralph S. Peer, who was then working for OKeh Records.
What replaced race records?
A term for 78 r.p.m. phonograph records made especially for black consumers from 1921-1942. The term was coined by Ralph Peer of Okeh records to apply to jazz, blues, and gospel music; it was replaced by “ rhythm-and-blues ” after World War II.
When did race records become R and B?
Race Record Sales Drop
Sadly, Black musicians did not get airtime and so these so-called “race records” seemingly died, until Billboard published a “Race Records” chart in 1945. This chart replaced the Harlem Hit Parade Chart. In 1949 , the name of the chart changed again to the “Rhythm & Blues Records.”
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.
What are cover records?
In popular music, a cover version, remake, cover song, revival, or simply cover, is a new performance or recording by someone other than the original performer or composer of a song.
Who was the first black person to sing?
In 1890 George W. Johnson became the first African American to record commercially. A common story is that Johnson, a former slave, was discovered singing on the streets of Washington, D.C., by Berliner recording agent Fred Gaisberg.
Who is the first black country singer?
Fifty-four years ago today (Jan. 7, 1967) was an historic day for country music: It was on that date that Charley Pride became the first Black singer to perform at the Grand Ole Opry.
Who was the first black artist?
| Henry Ossawa Tanner | Known for Painting and drawing | Notable work The Banjo Lesson, 1893 | Awards Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts’ Lippincott Prize, 1900 |
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Why was rhythm and blues replaced 1969?
– R&B was first used as a marketing label to identify all types of secular music recorded by and for African Americans. Was introduced in 1949 to replace race records. It was replaced by soul in 1969 because the Great Migration ended . ... Jazz swing bands broke up and many created R&B bands because it required less people.
Who called himself the father of the blues?
William Christopher Handy (November 16, 1873 – March 28, 1958) was a composer and musician who referred to himself as the Father of the Blues. Handy was one of the most influential songwriters in the United States.
Who was a famous black musician?
Musical legends Louis Armstrong and Billie Holiday. CLEVELAND, Ohio — Billie Holiday, Chuck Berry, James Brown, Louis Armstrong, Led Belly, B.B. King, Sam Cooke and Mahalia Jackson. That should just about cover every major musical genre from the last 150 years or so.
What was R & B known as?
The term “ rhythm and blues ,” often called “R&B,” originated in the 1940s when it replaced “race music” as a general marketing term for all African American music, though it usually referred only to secular, not religious music. ... All of these styles influenced the development of what is called rhythm and blues today.
Did gospel music include race records?
Race records included gospel music , vocal harmony groups, and small combos. Arranged spirituals were sung by slaves. New gospel songs during the 1940s and 1950s were often called “Tindleys.”
