what happened to BY IMANI HENDRICK
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n a state of constant evolution, music continues to act as a bridge between life’s joys and sorrows. It brings people together like never before and it has acted as a universal language for centuries. In the Black community, we’ve seen many aspects of our history embody a constant cycle of struggle and rebirth. Rhythm and Blues (or R&B as we call it) is no exception and has developed significantly through each decade. What was once a collection of melancholy songs packed with stories of forced separation between identity and freedom, slowly turned into what we know it as today; a love language.
1949 In 1949 due to some controversy, the term “race music” in the mainstream was replaced with “R&B” by Jerry Wexler of Atlantic Records. It was now the umbrella term for any music composed of African Americans from gospel to jazz, and even including early sounds of Rock and Roll. Some highlights of this time were Julia Lee & Her Boy Friends, Snatch and Grab it (Billboard #1 for 12 weeks), The Huckle-Buck by Paul Williams and His Hucklebuckers as well as various songs by Louis Jordan and his Tympany Five.
Many identified R&B as “singing in the rain” during the 90’s and early 2000’s. However it honestly starts way before this era. I would like to take you on a little trip back in time if you will.
1920s - 1930s
1950s
In the 1920s through the late 1930s music composed and performed by African Americans was labeled as race music. This term was first published in a popular African American Newspaper called the Chicago Defender and became the description for jazz, blues, and gospel at the time as they were heavily influenced by race relations.
As the 50s rolled around Ray Charles steps onto the scene bringing a new kind of sound that came to be known as Soul. His song “Baby, Let me hold your hand” was his first charting record in 1951 while signed to Swing Time Records. A while after in 1954 “I’ve Got a Woman” (Sampled in Kanye West’s Gold Digger in 2005) was recorded. Some other Legends of this time were B.B King and Little Richard.
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THE SQUEEZE
