R&B and Soul Music – Genre Giants of the Music Industry

The term R&B – Rhythm and Blues – was first coined in 1947 by Jerry Wexler at Billboard Magazine. The popular genre of music combines elements of jazz, blues, rock, and funk, and since the 1970’s, has climbed music charts across the country. The genre is easily one of the most enduring styles of modern music today, bringing the music industry artists like Mary J. Blige, Beyonce, Usher, and Rihanna.

Seeking the Glory
Since the 1970’s, when the R&B/Soul style of music we are familiar with today took its first steps, the genre has climbed billboard charts and won awards for many international recording artists. Every year, the Grammy Awards see more and more R&B artists gracing the stage to accept their golden gramophone, and top artists performing the hits of the year. The 2007 saw awards for R&B stars like Mary J. Blige, John Legend, Ne-Yo, and Beyonce.

Counting the Dough
Despite a recent decline in album sales, the R&B and Soul genres produce some of the highest selling artists the music industry has ever seen. Beyonce Knowles (Better known by just her first name), got her start with R&B group “Destiny’s Child.” The group experienced much success before Beyonce embarked on a solo career, bringing chart topping hits like “Naughty Girl,” and “Beautiful Liar,” (featuring Shakira). Her hit song “Irreplaceable,” ranked as one of the highest downloads on both AOL Music, and I-tunes. Other R&B sensations include the Black Eyed Peas, R. Kelly, and Rihanna – currently topping the charts with her single “Umbrella” featuring Jay-Z. Fergie, lead singer for the Black Eyed Peas, also embarked on a solo career, experiencing much success with her singles “London Bridge,” and “Glamorous.”

Crossover Artists Want A Cut of the Cake
The R&B and Soul genres have become such giants in the music industry, that alternative artists are beginning to dabble in the style. Kelly Clarkson, winner of the very first American Idol, and boy-band-singer Justin Timberlake have branched away from their mainstream pop recordings, and into a soulful R&B mix. Timberlake’s album “Future Love Sex Sounds” was one of the most anticipated releases of the year, while Clarkson continues to wow fans with her ever-adapting musical abilities. Canadian Nelly Furtado too, has branched away from her once soft adult contemporary/pop style into a more R&B sound.

Celebrity Gossip All the Rage
With radio hosts and television shows dedicated to keeping us average Joe’s in the loop on all the latest gossip, it is not surprising to find the R&B world sharing some secrets. Fergie, long time singer for the Black Eyed Peas has hinted that the band might consider a reunion. Long time fans will find that their predictions for the end of the Peas may have been wrong. Despite exceedingly successful solo projects, a 2008 tour might be in the works. And no gossip is complete without some information about Beyonce Knowles, and Rapper Jay-Z’s on again off again relationship. The world of R&B and Soul music is in the limelight when it comes to album sales, chart top singles, and celebrity gossip unearthed from beneath the heaviest stones.