R&B Music – Huge and Popular

R&B music is huge and probably the most popular of all the music categories. Some would say that is because it covers so many sub categories of music. But, true music lovers will say it is because R&B captures people’s minds and bodies more than any other music. Rhythm and blues speaks to people more than any other music because it becomes part of the soul. Few people can listen to an R&B tune without clapping or singing along or breaking into dance. It affects almost everyone and if it doesn’t, you’re not breathing!

That infectious capability is the hallmark of R&B music. R&B was born out of the black experience in America. It quickly became the experience of everyone however as it gained popularity. The writers and artists were telling a story from their souls and they were seeking to get others to identify with their stories and feel and understand them. Of course, all the while they were having fun and taking a break from life. It certainly worked because R&B is not only popular in the US but all over the world. You would be hard pressed to find a place on earth that doesn’t know about or enjoy R&B music.

R&B music has meant different things over the decades for instance in the 1950 ‘ and 1960’s it was really more about soul music and the heavy gospel influences, in the ‘70’s it was more about funk and on into the 21st century it is really more about pop music. But, the one thing about R&B that remains timeless is its commitment to soul. No matter how you categorize R&B it has always had a discernible soul to it. An R&B song can bring back memories like no other type of music. A Marvin song or Smokey tune can bring back all sorts of pleasant thoughts and memories. Aretha Franklin’s powerful soulful voice has remained a stalwart fixture in R&B for close to six decades now.

R&B music is enduring too. A song made back in the ‘60’s is just as fresh today and will be found in any teenagers CD collection as well as their parents and grandparent’s! The cross generational appeal of R&B is better than any other music variety. It speaks to everyone and everyone listens. It is really cool when you think about the enduring legend of R&B and all of the other great musical varieties it has sparked. There are very few musicians in other categories who wouldn’t say their roots come from R&B. The masters of the last five decades have been the keystone for the artists of today. Modern R&B is chock full of older R&B influences. Rap and rock and roll are heavily influenced by R&B as it much of country music as well.