Rhythm and blues (R&B) originated in the 1940s as a genre of popular African American music that was originally marketed to urban African American audiences. R&B bands typically consisted of piano, guitars, bass, drums, saxophone, and background vocalists. The genre features a distinctive production style incorporating drum machines, jazz influences from saxophone, and smooth vocal arrangements. Contemporary R&B has been influenced by electronic and hip hop styles. Major awards for R&B artists include the Grammy, MOBO, BET, MTV, and Billboard awards which are given for best song and album in both male and female categories.

1. R&B
Genre Research

2. Where did the genre originate from?
• Rhythm and blues, often abbreviated as R&B or RnB, is a genre of
popular African-American music that originated in the 1940s. The
term was originally used by record companies to describe recordings
marketed predominantly to urban African Americans, at a time when
"urbane, rocking, jazz based music with a heavy, insistent beat" was
becoming more popular. In the commercial rhythm and blues music
typical of the 1950s through the 1970s, the bands usually consisted
of piano, one or two guitars, bass, drums, saxophone, and
sometimes background vocalists. R&B lyrical themes often
encapsulate the African-American experience of pain and the quest
for freedom and joy. The lyrics in this genre of music focus heavily on
the themes of triumphs and failures in terms of relationships,
freedom, economics, aspirations, and sex.

3. • The genre features a distinctive record production style, drum
machine-backed rhythms, an occasional saxophone-laced beat
to give a jazz feel (mostly common in contemporary R&B songs
prior to the year 1995) and a smooth, lush style of vocal
arrangement. Electronic influences are becoming an increasing
trend and the use of hip hop or dance-inspired beats are typical,
although the roughness and grit inherent in hip hop may be
reduced and smoothed out. Contemporary R&B vocalists are
often known for their use of melisma, popularized by vocalists
such as Michael Jackson, R. Kelly, Craig David, Stevie Wonder,
Ariana Grande, Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey.

4. What awards they may give out?
The biggest awards an R&B artist may receive are:
• Grammy Award
• MOBO Award
• BET Award
• MTV Award
• Billboard Award
These awards are given out for best song, best album and
normally for both male and female artists.

5. What do R&B Artists wear?
Men:
Men normally wear baggy clothes like a basketball jersey or
oversized sweatshirts with Don long jean or athletic shorts and
trainers such as Nike and Reebok. Male R&B artists also tend to
wear dark sunglasses and jewellery and some wear baseball
caps.
Female:
Most female R&B artists are very unique but commonly wear
dressed with lots of jewellery and make-up on. High heeled boots
are also common.