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What is r&b music meanWhat is r&b music mean -
The Rhythm and blues music genre that blossomed in the s, changed significantly with every passing decade. And it boasts of the highest number of hits among all the popular music categories. A distinctive new genre of music started emerging from the s that was clear in a shift of urban music, boogie-woogie, and jump blues.
The lyrics were lighter, and the rhythms were heavier. In the s, the Billboard Journal, as well as various record companies referred to that new wave as Harlem Hit Parade or Sepia. It was Jerry Wexler who decided to call that sprouting genre rhythm and blues. Around , the Billboard had effected the change, and the new label of rhythm and blues became an individual genre. Record companies are pivotal in the success and popularity of any kind of music.
Records precede even radio broadcasting. In , a jazz enthusiast and a music industry executive decided to create an independent record label. That was when Atlantic Records saw the light. Soon, Jerry Wexler joined the ranks, and the sprouting enterprise was unstoppable. One of the first things Atlantic did was to bring over sound engineers who really knew what they were doing, and made magic with the soundtracks they laid on vinyl.
The company moved its operations to New York where the music scene was rich and vibrant. Another bold move that Atlantic made was bringing in talent as studio artists. The Drifters soon came onboard right after that, with their lead, Clyde McPhatter , occasionally doing solos away from the band. Following in the confident steps of Atlantic, many new labels appeared on the scene.
In addition to the South, of course, where it all began. Doo-Woop, Jazz, Rock and Roll, and Blues were considered rhythm and blues subgenres, and most of the artists who leaned towards these tunes were also included in these labels. In the s white and black circles drifted apart, temporarily, as a result of some radical stances, like segregation.
Soul differentiated itself by adopting smoother tunes and more serious lyrics. While soul music slowed down and went deeper into feelings, rockers sailed into rougher waters. The rhythm became quicker, the beats were harder, and the lyrics much more daring. Interestingly, the audiences of both genres remained mixed. The songs were broadcast over the radio and the records were sold in phenomenal sales to largely varied demographics.
The artists that started out in the 50s, became big names with solid stardom and outreaching popularity. Each one of these musical phenomena deserves a dedicated book, rather than a quick mention. The s were an explosion of color, style, scientific advancement, and ideas. Exploration was the name of the game, and there was no upper limit on how far art could go.
The boldness inherent in those years reflected on everything from big hair, to red plastic furniture, avant-garde movies, and Disco. Once again, the lyrics and the beat morphed into a different form. Performances, concerts, stage arrangements, and dance moves were different. The newcomers, like the Jackson 5, The Moments, and The Persuaders broke new ground with their wildly popular hits. The bands of the 60s gained momentum in the 70s, especially, with the advent of the cassette tape.
Music was now totally portable, and people could play it in their cars, in cafes, at the beach, and pretty much anywhere that has a cassette player. Barry White was on the opposite side of the music spectrum with his deep voice and openly flirtatious lyrics. New instruments, vocal arrangements, and cultural interests developed rhythm and blues even further. Discotheques were still the hottest spots to listen to music in full blast. But they became bigger, more glamorous, and DJing rose to an art form.
The biggest change in the s was probably the explosion of boy bands, the appearance of Hip Hop, and the extended presence of some of the 70s stars. Michael Jackson and Prince top that list. It was easy for the young demographic to identify with the stories these singers were telling and find inspiration in what they do. Rhythm and blues music is a bit of a mosaic with many contributions from various sources. This colorful nature, in turn, allowed for the development of various derivatives.
The size of the band is often limited, the vocals rule, and there has to be a dance! This applies to the old as well as the new versions of that genre. Technology, culture, and the post-war mood shaped much of the direction of rhythm and blues as it took its first steps. Decades separated both genres, with jazz providing inspiration and acting pretty much like a role model. Pianos, cellos, saxophones, and drums were the stars of the show. And soon, they were joined by the up-and-coming guitars.
The lead singer would typically take center stage, but occasionally, he would be the pianist as well. Vocal and instrumental solos were encouraged though.
Electric guitars were all the rage in the mids and 60s. Together with the drums, they kept the songs vibrant and filled with a solid beat.
However, they were rarely allowed to play solo! There were few exceptions to that rule, Like the Beatles, who treated the guitar with the same reverence they gave to vocals. Other players, like Ray Charles, preferred giving the piano almost all of the prominence after his own vocals.
Occasionally, the back vocals would get an important interlude. Hit the Road Jack is a perfect example! The artists, record companies, Billboard magazine, and even the audiences were all unflustered by that. The Great Migration from the South was still fresh in the hearts of performers and their audience back in the s and 50s.
The lyrics and music arrangements were deeply affected by the folklore of the Southern lands. Church music was also a big influence at the time, as it was sometimes, the only place where the poorer communities could learn and play music. The dependence on hot beats and fervent emotions remained through the years. Here are some of the features that characterized that phase. Technology easily steers culture in unexpected directions, and if you have any doubts about that, check your smartphone!
Music is by no means immune to the advancements in digital instruments and MIDI software. Lights, sounds, and graphics were part and parcel of the new music scene. And it attracted a whole new demographic. The concerts were rarely without a supporting choreographed show , and the harder the steps, the better. And later on, Beyonce, Justin Timberlake, and Ciara wowed their audience with incredible moves. Your email address will not be published.
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