Rhythm and blues, which is more commonly referred to as "R&B", is a general term used to describe several styles of music produced by African-American musicians. The original production of R&B was intended mainly for African-American audiences, but captivates generations of all races and backgrounds, all over the world.

The phrase, "rhythm and blues" came into existence during the 1940's as an alternative to the term race music, which was considered offensive. By the 70s, the acronym "R&B" was used almost exclusively to categorize this form of popular music, and was eventually used as a blanket term to denote other forms of Black music such as soul and funk.

The original R&B big-timers were small groups that often added jazz, gospel and blues elements to their songs. Their music was strongly influenced by jazz and "jump music", as well as Black gospel and bebop.

"The presence of a strong dance rhythm distinguished the work of R&B artists from the styles played by blues and jazz musicians. Rhythm and blues also had a distinctly urban style, reflecting the desire of many young African-Americans to distance themselves from the rural associations of the traditional blues. Successful performers emerging from this tradition included the saxophonist and band leader Louis Jordan and "blues shouters" such as Big Joe Turner, La Vern Baker, Ruth Brown, Big Mama Thornton, and Wynonie Harris."¹

During the 1950's, classic R&B got its label while crossing boundaries with other genres such as jazz and rock and roll. This was a strong, rhythmic style that bled over into traditional blues, and began to take shape as it surfaced out of New Orleans. Men like Professor Longhair made famous a rolling piano style that helped define the sounds of early tunes.

Later, singers like Fats Domino with hits "Blueberry Hill" and "Ain't That a Shame", became the names and faces synonymous with rhythm and blues. Other artists who popularized the Louisiana flavor of R&B included Clarence "Frogman" Henry, Dr. John, Irma Thomas, and The Neville Brothers.

"One of the most important features of R&B was the development of groups harmonizing in a style that came to be known as "doo-wop" - Sonny Til and the Orioles led the way, enjoying a nationwide R&B hit with "It's Too Soon To Know" in 1948. As rock 'n' roll became popular during the 1950's - largely the result of white singers covering songs by R&B performers - little distinction was made between rock 'n' roll and R&B. At this point, leading African-American R&B performers such as Chuck Berry and Fats Domino were considered rock 'n' roll stars, sharing the same niche as white musicians such as Bill Haley and Elvis Presley.

With the emergence of the Motown phenomenon and the Memphis soul sound during the 1960's (music exemplified by the The Supremes, The Temptations, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, and other soul groups and singers), however, it was once again possible to distinguish a uniquely African-American music style by calling it R&B. That distinction continues to the made, even though many African-American R&B stars have enjoyed enormous success with general rock 'n' roll audiences. The 1960's, '70's, and 80's also saw the development of new styles of R&B, including funk and disco.²

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