History of R&B

Rhythm and blues, which is most commonly referred to as R & B, is comprised of a variety of different but related styles and was the greatest influence on music around the world for most of the 20th century’s second-half. Rhythm and Blues is a term with a broad sense, but typically recognizing black-pop music. This type of music was introduced to the world by artists’ combining the music styles of jazz and blues. R&B is actually what was later developed into what we know as rock and roll. In the 1970s, the term R&B was being used to describe soul and funk music styles, which today we know it describes Rhythm and Blues. Along with being influenced by jazz and blues, R&B also had influences from gospel and disco music. Disco’s downturn in the 1980s opened the door for R&B to truly take-off in popularity.


After researching the history I had a better understanding of how this genre of music evolved, which would therefore help me to create my double page spreads and any other objects which I would be creating in our coursework. 

Holly Boyd