American R & B

A singer calls out to the crowd. An electric bass thumps out a beat. Horns blare and strings swirl. These are the sounds of R & B. Rhythm and blues music evolved from all sorts of sounds: swinging jazz, gritty blues, and African American spiritual songs. The music's smooth mix of styles made it unique, and its passionate performers made it a sensation. Ever since Ray Charles hit the charts in the 1950s, R & B fans have held it down on dance floors. And R & B singers have belted out messages of love and calls for social change. Find out what drove R & B's earliest performers to stand up and sing. Follow the music's path from gospel choirs to wild funk bands. And learn more about legends such as James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson, and Beyoncé.