The story of black music in the USA contains countless fabulous songs and performers. But it’s been a rocky road that has included segregation and prejudice for many decades. And no genre tells the tale better than classic R&B music.

R&B Music - What’s In A Name?

R&B, or Rhythm & Blues, is a musical genre that refers to a variety of postwar African-American pop music, as well as some white rock music that is influenced by it. It was way back in 1947 when legendary record company man Jerry Wexler started his career editing music sales charts for the trade publication Billboard. Jerry quickly realised that the naming of the charts used to track popular Black music back then was both racist and highly insulting. Can you imagine charts with names like Harlem Hit Parade, Sepia and Race?

He changed the name to “Rhythm and Blues”, an existing term which was supposed to describe music that was both rhythmic and had the soulful aches of the blues. While that may have been a quite good description of this musical style at the time, it still maintained a segregated chart that non-white musical artists would be confined to, rather than allowing them access to mainstream charts alongside white artists.

These days artists of colour compete against white pop stars on the main Billboard Hot 100 chart. However, the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart still exists and, as the name suggests, is used to chart the success of musical genres like hip-hop and R&B.

R&B - A Child Of Changing Times

Keep in mind this was 1947 in the USA. World War II had just finished, during which black soldiers were most often required to serve in segregated units. Although the Civil Rights Act of 1940 had made some improvements, there was still much prejudice.

A mass exodus of black people from the deep south saw them move to major cities in search of work and more opportunities. The influx of black people into cities affected both the music this new market demanded as well as the capacity for black musicians to collaborate and create new music.

Entrepreneurs in the music business jumped at the chance to start their own labels and radio stations catering to the black community. All of this culminated in the creation of what would become a global pop music powerhouse...

An African-American family leaves Florida for the North during the Great Depression. MPI/Getty Images

R&B Music - The Cultural Influence

R&B's cultural influence on the world has been profound, shaping many aspects beyond music. The genre's unique sound and style has also influenced art, film, fashion, and language. Look to film and TV from the era and you will see its influence on the attitudes and narrative of the period.

R&B is a broad musical genre with roots in jazz, blues, and gospel. Those styles came together in a way that captured the ears of a very broad music-consuming public. In doing so, R&B in1960s America helped promote “Black is Beautiful” African American culture and popularised racial integration on the radio and in white society.

R&B provided the music to a pivotal period in America's history. Via this incredibly infectious music and the cultural pride expressed through these hit songs, societal concerns were brought into the spotlight as black music began to speak for its community. Those catchy tunes and the superb musicianship not only entertained but also educated the masses, particularly young people and the generations that were to follow.

Some Must Listen Classic R&B Hits - from the 60s, 70s & 80s

The 60s, 70s and 80s were dominated by R&B hits and saw the genre become a worldwide musical phenomenon that influenced all areas of popular culture….

60s R&B

“Soul Man” Sam & Dave - 1967

“Respect” Aretha Franklin - 1965

“I Heard It Through The Grapevine” Marvin Gaye - 1968

70s R&B

“Ain’t No Sunshine” Bill Withers - 1971

“Midnight Train To Georgia” Gladys Night & The Pips - 1973

“Strawberry Letter 23” The Brother Johnson - 1977

80s R&B

“Give Me The Night” George Benson - 1980

“When Doves Cry” Prince - 1984

“I Feel For You” Chaka Khan - 1987

Why You Should Listen to More R&B Music Today

The R&B genre has always been one of the most popular genres in pop music all over the world. It is one of the few genres that has managed to stay relevant no matter what changes in music trends happen and has influenced other artists in all styles.