The document discusses the history and evolution of rhythm and blues (R&B) music from the late 1940s to the present. It notes that R&B originated as an African-American urban sound that combined blues and jazz. In the late 1940s, R&B became popular for its danceable, rocking and jazz-based beats. By the 1950s, R&B began to define the sound of rock and roll, while the 1960s saw the incorporation of soul music. Subsequent decades saw the integration of disco, funk, pop and other genres into the R&B category. Today, R&B encompasses many styles including hip hop, neo-soul and contemporary R&B.

2. Rhythm and blues, often abbreviated to R&B and RnB, is
a genre of popular African-American music. The term Rhythm and
Blues, R&B, was first used by Billboard magazine in the
late1940′s. R&B was an African-American urban sound that
evolved from blues and jazz.
In the late 1940′s R&B was described as rocking and jazz
based with a heavy and insistent beat. R&B was becoming
popular because of it dance ability. By 1949 the term had
replaced Billboard’s category Harlem Hit Parade.
The lyrics of R&B were about everyday life. The songs were
about work, sex, and drinking. Concerts then would be hot
and wild, sometimes shut down.

3. By the 1950′s R&B was starting to define the sound of Rock n
Roll but by the 1960′s rhythm and blues would include soul
music. In the seventies disco was added to the R&B category
as was funk. By the 1980′s R&B was defining music that
included soul, funk, rock n roll and pop music.
By the 90′s, Classic-Soul and vocal harmonies were being
popularized by Mariah Carey, TLC, R. Kelly, and Boyz II Men.
Going into the 21st century R&B would include New Jack
Swing, Hip-hop, Neo-Soul, pop and funk., also known as
Contemporary R&B.

4. From research that I’ve done exploring R&B culture, music and
entertainment magazines such as Vibe, XXL, The Source and
Billboard, I’ve seen a mass of pictures, listened to many songs and
watched music videos from key artists of the genre.

14. • Usher, alicia keys, R kely, jennifer
Hudson, Christina Aguilera, Akon,
Alexandra Burke, Alexis Jordan, Rihanna,
Beyonce, Neyo, Tinie Tempah, Robin
Thicke, JT, Chris Brown, Michael Jackson,
Mariah Carey,