About R&B

R&B (rhythm and blues) is a popular genre of African American music originated in the 1940s with singers who sang jazz, blues and gospel music. The "rhythm" part of the term comes from the music mainly depends upon a four-beat measure or bar, and employs a backbeat (beats two and four accented in each measure). The "blues" part comes from the lyrics and melodies of the songs, which were often sad, or 'blue' which is related to the music's emergence in the World War II era. Over time the name was shortened to R&B.

The typical instruments are, but not limited to, drum kit, double bass, saxophone, horns, piano, organ, and electric guitar. However, R&B has developed significantly since the 1940s. In 1950s, R&B was applied to more blues, gospel and soul music. By the 1970s, it covered soul and funk. From 1980s and onwards, we have a newer style of R&B which is known as contemporary R&B.

Contemporary R&B is a music genre that combines elements of pop, funk and soul, and originates from North America in the early 1980s. The typical instruments include synthesizers, keyboard, and drum machine. In the beginning, the beats had a more jazz feel with smooth and distinct vocal arrangements. However, today, electronic influences and hip hop are becoming an increasing trend.  

A subgenre within contemporary R&B is the Quiet Storm. It is a broad term given to an array of mellow, and slow tempo contemporary R&B, soul and smooth jazz music. It also includes Neo-Soul and more mellow and soulful side of smooth jazz.