Rhythm and Blues

Rhythm and Blues (or R&B) originated in the 1940s. This genre of music got its start within African American communities during the Great Migration (the time when there was a large migration of African Americans into urban areas following a demand for industrial workers). The lyrics of R&B typically encompass the African American experience, with songs showing a range of emotions from pain to triumphs and failures. These songs show the African American experience, including racism, relationships, and aspirations. The genre itself has grown and morphed through time. Today’s R&B includes elements of pop, hip-hop, disco and funk. The term itself was first coined by record companies as a way to describe the incredible African American music coming out in the 1940s.

Some of the most famous R&B artists from this era are Ray Charles, Billie Holiday, and Etta James. The genre continues today with amazing artists such as Usher, Erykah Badu, and Alicia Keys.