The History of R&B

Louis Jordan

1940

The “father of R&B”, Louis Jordan and his band “Louis Jordan and his Tympany Five” was one of the most popular music acts in the U.S.A. This band was the foundation of R&B music, and has even influenced other genres such as rock. His audience consisted of white and black Americans. Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Louis Jordan". Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Jan. 2021, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Louis-Jordan

Creation of Name

1947

Music Journalist Jerry Wexler coined the name “Rhythm and Blues” while working at Billboard as he found that the previous names such as “race music” was demeaning. Nero, Mark Edward. (September 27, 2018). The origins and history of r&b music. Live About. https://www.liveabout.com/what-is-randb-music-2851217

Times Of Change

1950

The genre began to change and started incorporating “jump blues” which would eventually turn into rock music. Artists of this time include James Brown, Little Richard, and Otis Redding. R&B was making a much bigger appearance in the nightclub scene. Henry, Shawn. (November 17, 2018). The evolution of r&b. TUC.
https://www.tucmag.net/music/the-evolution-of-rb/#:~:text=With%20it%20came%20a%20major,%E2%80%9Cnew%20jack%20swing%E2%80%9D%20era.

Motown

Jan 12, 1959

Motown records was a black owned/black-centered record label created by Berry Gordy. It changed the music industry by introducing Black talent into America. Genres within it was soul/funk, however R&B turned into an umbrella term for these genres. Based in Detroit, Motown opened the door to diversity within the industry and gave us songs that are considered the greatest of all time.
Cruz, Gilbert. (January 12, 2009). Motown. Time. http://content.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1870975,00.html

Grammy Awards

Nov 29, 1959

While the 1st Grammy Awards included the category for Best Rhythm and Blues Performance, at the 2nd annual Grammy Awards, Dinah Washington was the first Black American to win in this category for her song What A Diff'rence A Day Makes. Grammy Awards. (n.d.). 1959 Grammy winners. https://www.grammy.com/grammys/awards/2nd-annual-grammy-awards-1959

Disco

1970

During the 70’s, disco started to make its way into mainstream music. Instruments such as electric pianos, synthesizers, electric rhythm guitars, with syncopated bass lines and string sections were introduced during this time. By the end of the 1970’s it had influenced what is known as contemporary R&B. Henry, Shawn. (November 17, 2018). The evolution of r&b. TUC.
https://www.tucmag.net/music/the-evolution-of-rb/#:~:text=With%20it%20came%20a%20major,%E2%80%9Cnew%20jack%20swing%E2%80%9D%20era.

Start of a New Era

1980

Hip-Hop culture started making its way into the Bronx of New York City. From Hip-Hop, R&B took influence from synthesizers, drum machines, sound effects,as well as incorporating soul and funk. This became known as the “new jack swing” era. Henry, Shawn. (November 17, 2018). The evolution of r&b. TUC.
https://www.tucmag.net/music/the-evolution-of-rb/#:~:text=With%20it%20came%20a%20major,%E2%80%9Cnew%20jack%20swing%E2%80%9D%20era.

Making Changes

1990

By the 90’s, Hip-Hop was one of the most popular genres. To appeal to wider audiences, R&B was combined with Hip-Hop creating “Hip-Hop soul”. Another sub genre created was “neo-soul”. Henry, Shawn. (November 17, 2018). The evolution of r&b. TUC.
https://www.tucmag.net/music/the-evolution-of-rb/#:~:text=With%20it%20came%20a%20major,%E2%80%9Cnew%20jack%20swing%E2%80%9D%20era.

Y2K

2000

Similar to the 90’s, the 2000’s consisted of a mix of R&B and Hip-Hop and dominated the radios. This style of music helped shape the R&B we know today. Henry, Shawn. (November 17, 2018). The evolution of r&b. TUC.
https://www.tucmag.net/music/the-evolution-of-rb/#:~:text=With%20it%20came%20a%20major,%E2%80%9Cnew%20jack%20swing%E2%80%9D%20era.

Today's Music

2010

The R&B we know today uses sounds we hear from different decades. For example, the 70’s and today’s music includes electronic sounds. Other genres incorporated are EDM and rock. Today’s music dominates the charts. Henry, Shawn. (November 17, 2018). The evolution of r&b. TUC.
https://www.tucmag.net/music/the-evolution-of-rb/#:~:text=With%20it%20came%20a%20major,%E2%80%9Cnew%20jack%20swing%E2%80%9D%20era.