The intricate evolution of music genres often intertwines with historical events, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the realm of rhythm and blues.

While names like Usher, TLC, Beyoncé, and Chris Brown may come to mind instantly, delving deeper reveals that classic R&B had a more jazz-rock orientation compared to the contemporary R&B, which seamlessly integrates hip-hop and electronic elements.

A perceived gap exists between classic R&B and its modern counterpart, especially when juxtaposing early soul singers with those of the last decade. Yet, beneath the surface, the threads connecting these eras persist, and understanding the genre’s evolution makes these links more palpable.

Embarking on a journey through the history of R&B unveils two distinct eras: the classic rhythm and blues era reigning from the 1940s to the late 1970s, and the contemporary style that took shape in the 1980s and continues to flourish in the present day.