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The History of Rhythm and Blues
By Mybrotha.COM Staff Writer - February 18, 2006
During the 80s, the term R&B defined a style of contemporary African-American music that combined elements of soul, funk, and pop-music, which originated after the 80s disco themes played out. In the late 80s, Hip-hop and Rap became more defined and many songs included samplings of classic R&B.
Michael Jackson's Thriller (1982), which became the best-selling album of all-time worldwide, buried remnants of the disco-era and had significant influence on today's contemporary R&B music.
Other singers and groups such as Patti LaBelle, Luther Vandross, Prince, and New Edition, began to rule the airwaves and became immediate crossovers. Female R&B singers like Gladys Knight, Melba Moore, and Whitney Houston, who also helped shaped 80s R&B culture, gained more popularity as the music transitioned into the 90s.
In the 90s, R&B crooners like Keith Sweat, Levert, Guy, Jodeci, and BellBivDeVoe, took R&B love songs to another dimension. Along with these artists, others such as Mariah Carey, Brian McKnight, TLC, R. Kelly, Mary J. Blige, and Boyz II Men, repopularized classic-soul and vocal harmony.
As a result of this diverse genre of music, R&B spawned subgenres such as New Jack Swing, Quiet Storm, Hip-hop Soul, and Neo-Soul.
R&B music is ever-changing and will continue to be a popular form of expression within African-American culture, and Black communities across the diaspora. Whether it's Rap, Reggaeton, or European dance music, R&B influenced it all, and new groups, new artists, and subgenres will continue to be born.
About The Author - Mybrotha.COM Staff Writer
©Copyright 2006 - Mybrotha.COM. This article was written and edited by a Mybrotha.COM staff writer. Articles may not be reproduced, rewritten, or retransmitted without the express written consent of Mybrotha.COM
Excerpts from: African-American Desk Reference, Schomburg Center For Research In Black Culture - New York Public Library.
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