R&B

R&B Rhythm and Blues

Jadynn McMahon

You might know...

Beyonce

Etta James

Usher

Bill Withers

Whitney Houston

Alicia Keys

https://westportlibrary.libguides.com/RnBHistory

History

Rhythm and Blues is just an umbrella term for the popular postwar Afrcan American music. As it became more popular and hit the Billboard charts, there was a need for a an acceptable category name. Jerry Wexler came up with the title R&B. While it started as a small genre, its popularity progressed quickly with the creation of Atlantic Records and efforts of Abramson, Wexler, and Ertegun.

Pictured: Jeremy Wexler

Story Time

I was able to get Alicia Key's autobiography "More Myself" and read it over quarantine. It tells the amazing story of Keys rising to fame and every challenge she faced to achieve her dreams of being a singer.

Songs

Featured: "Say My Name" Destiny's Child https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQgd6MccwZc Second Example: "Back At One" Brian McKnight https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXPfovXw2tw

Lyrics

"If there's one thing that I learnedWhile in those country lines is that everything takes time You gotta lose your pride You gotta lose your mind Just to find your peace of mind You have got to trust the signs Everything will turn out fine"

"W.A.Y.S." by Jhene Aiko

Why R&B?

I've found that this genre is very prevalent in my playlists. I think I just enjoy the chill vibes of the music, and my parents have probably had an influence on that.