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R&B (Rhythm and Blues) is a genre of popular music that originated in African-American communities in the 1940s, primarily as an umbrella term for music blending electric blues, jazz, and gospel. It is characterized by a strong, propulsive backbeat (accent on beats 2 and 4), soulful and often melismatic vocal delivery, and themes focused on relationships and the African-American experience.
One of the original architects of rock and roll, who pioneered distortion and rhythmic riffing with the Kings of Rhythm. His 1951 record, "Rocket 88," is often cited as the first rock song.
Written by: Fret Lounge Staff
Published on: September 27, 2025