Rhythm and blues, also known as R&B, is something I really like. I'm a singer, and along with country music, R&B is my favorite thing to sing. With rhythm and blues, there is a song for every emotion, so most of the time the songs can be very relatable. The songs cover a variety of topics such as sex, work and even drinking. In this article I will briefly discuss how rhythm and blues began, how it evolved into today's music, and why I like it so much. “Rhythm and blues is a combination of soulful singing and a strong backbeat” (Cahoon, 2004). Rhythm and Blues was created by and for African Americans between the end of World War II. In 1946 the style of swing music began to fade as early R&B artists began to break away from the use of big bands and emphasize the use of blues-style vocals and song structures. “Billboard magazine coined the term rhythm and blues to rename its chart “race records” in 1949, reflecting changes in the social status, economic power, and musical tastes of African Americans” (Cahoon, 2004). Rhythm and blues were like a springboard for the popularity of Rock and Roll. There were several focal points for rhythm and blues music, but the main focal point for early R&B originated in Atlanta, Georgia. The first radio station to play rhythm and blues was in 1949. Although the late-night R&B show on WGST was a big hit in the African-American community, it featured a white disc jockey named Zenas "Daddy" Sears. (Cahoon, 2004) After 1949 the evolution of R&B began. In the 1950s rhythm and blues developed somewhat into Rock and Roll. Little Richard, along with others, was one of the pioneers of R&B, became one of the recording artists for RCA Records. Work with a talented but unknown… middle of paper… or even crazy R&B musician and there would be a song that matched my emotions. Rhythm and Blues is music with substance. I've never met a person who didn't know an R&B song they didn't like. If you haven't had the chance to listen to an R&B song, it is highly recommended, after all there are so many to choose from! Works Cited Burke, S. (2007, January 1). Blues rhythm. . Retrieved January 1, 2014, from http://rhythmofblues.blogspot.com/2007/11/rhythm-of-blues-history.html.Cahoon, B. (2004, January 1). Rhythm and blues music: overview. . Retrieved May 28, 2014, from http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/arts-culture/rhythm-and-blues-music-overview.Stone, A. (2008, January 1). History and evolution of Rhythm and Blues. . Retrieved May 28, 2014, from http://www.last.fm/user/Alex_Stone91/journal/2008/03/03/b87fp_the_history_and_evolution_of_rhythm_and_blues_