Author(s): Aaron Mendelson
Format: Hardback
No. of Pages: 64
Publisher: Twenty-First Century Books (CT)
Language: English
Date Published: 2012-11-01
Dimensions: 248.92 x 251.46 x 10.16mm
Publication City/Country: Minneapolis, United States
Edition:
Illustrations: Bibliography; Index; Illustrations, color; Illustrations, black and white

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.