The History of R'n'B

RnB is the abbreviated term from rhythm and blue music which originated in the United States in the 1940's. When RnB was first created it was very popular within the African American communities because often the music would represent the oppression  and pain that they were experiencing at that time, which made the music very relatable to thousands of people in the US. The features of the popular RnB music in the 50's would involve a piano, bass, guitar's and a saxophone. These instruments together would create a very soulful and passionate sound.
In the 1950's the sound of RnB was dominated by artists such as Ray Charles, Ruth Brown and groups like the Drifter and Coasters. Here is one song from Ruth Brown called "Mama he treats your daughter mean".
                                     
Even though this sound dominated the 50's, overtime the sound of RnB has changed many times because this genre has said to be the creator of rock and roll, especially as in the 70's many British bands were said to be RnB, so instead of the original jazz and blues sound The Rolling Stones were being classified as RnB.
Rhythm and blues once again changes in the 70's to a more soul and funk sound with groups like the very popular Jackson 5, which involved one of the greatest artists of all time, Michael Jackson. Shortly after in the 80's there had been a new sound created which was called Contemporary RnB, this involved many different sounds such as soul, funk, hip hop and dance. The 80's then lead the changes in the millennium where rap becomes very popular and starts to be the main sound of RnB, particularly in the current music scene with very popular artists like Kanye West and Drake.

However there is still a very soulful sound within RnB in 2016 with artists like Beyoncé and Rihanna who often dictate and dominate the popular music for many years.