Why are rhythm and blues important?
Though it began as a general term for African American music, the synthesis of styles that became what is now called rhythm and blues caught on among a wide youth audience during the post war period and contributed to changing the racial divide in American society and music of the mid-twentieth century.
What is the importance of blues music?
The social significance of Blues music resides in the revolutionary element of African Americans creating their own aesthetics. Blues music represented the opposing voice that refused to be silenced by oppression and segregation. The Blues expressed this with unprecedented clarity, honesty and simplicity.
Why is the history of blues important?
The origins of the blues are also closely related to the religious music of the Afro-American community, the spirituals. The first appearance of the blues is often dated to after the ending of slavery and, later, the development of juke joints. It is associated with the newly acquired freedom of the former slaves.
What impact did rhythm & blues have on American popular music in the 1950s and 1960s?
During the late 1950s and into the 1960s, rhythm and blues was a major cultural force in the United States. With white audiences increasingly enjoying the genre, many artists began to move away from the strong gospel and blues influences of the previous decade and toward a style influenced by pop music.
How did rhythm and blues music impact the civil rights movement?
As such, both Blues and Jazz music played an important role in the Civil Rights movement, which hit its peak in the 1960s. Most musicians involved with the movement came from a mixture of backgrounds, and the music served as a source of empowerment for those who shared similar sentiments with those performing it.
What is the difference between blues and rhythm and blues?
One way to think of it is that the blues is essentially a vocal music, while R&B is more instrumental—but the real way to think of it is this: It’s a good song, or it’s not a good song.”
How did the blues influenced country music?
Country music has roots in African American jazz and blues of the south. Blues styles have been used and adapted extensively throughout country music’s recorded history. Jimmie Rodgers, sometimes called the father of country music, was known for combining the blues, gospel, jazz, cowboy, and folk styles in his songs.
What is so special about the blues?
Blues songs are lyrical rather than narrative; blues singers are expressing feelings rather than telling stories. The emotion expressed is generally one of sadness or melancholy, often due to problems of love but also oppression and hard times.
What music influenced the blues?
Blues developed in the southern United States after the American Civil War (1861–65). It was influenced by work songs and field hollers, minstrel show music, ragtime, church music, and the folk and popular music of the white population.
How did music help the Civil Rights movement?
Music and singing played a critical role in inspiring, mobilizing, and giving voice to the civil rights movement. “The freedom songs are playing a strong and vital role in our struggle,” said Martin Luther King, Jr., during the Albany Movement. “They give the people new courage and a sense of unity.