Rhythm+and+Blues

The mid 19th century marked a time of social significance and change for African American culture. Rhythm and Blues also known as R&B was introduced by African American people as a form of expression combining a range of other subgenres such as jazz, gospel and the blues (Wikipedia). The music much like other musical genres developed an identity which was an integral part of the African American community. These identities encompassed such trends as fashion, language, attitudes, conduct and way of life. The extensive audience had influenced the whites to make alterations to the music, some of which gained public attention, and swayed the mass American culture. Currently R&B has gained the respect of many and has established a heavy fan base outside of its African American roots (Wikipedia).
 * __Introduction__**


 * __History__**

In the early 1940’s African Americans initiated there own genre of music with incorporated elements of the blues, Motown, disco, rap, rock and roll, gospel etc. Rhythm and Blues also known as R&B was created by Jerry Wexler in 1947, R&B was much the reciprocal version of rock and roll and seen as black rock and roll( wikipedia).

In its first expression, rhythm and blues was one of the precursors to rock and roll, it was strongly swayed by jazz, blues and gospel music (Wikipedia). The three combined, arranged the start of many different sounds including number one classic “Whole Lotta Shakin Goin On” by Jerry Lee Lewis. In the 1950’s Rhythm and blues started to make it’s unveiling with its strong, distinct style meshed with rhythms of rolling piano played by well-known Professor Longhair. Clarence “Frogman” Henry, Frankie Ford, Irma Thomas all picked the 1950’s to display their vocal skills and the start of their careers. Doo wop, which featured harmonized vocals alternating at slower tempos (Wikipedia).

__**Works Cited**__ "R&B." __Wikipedia__. 2 Dec. 2006. 25 Nov. 2006 .

Image taken from http://www.vizioninteractive.com/logos/classicrb.jpg