Rhythm and blues music evolved from a combination of blues, gospel and jazz music styles which began in the 1930s and came to prominence shortly after World War II.
Jerry Wexler, a writer for Billboard created the term "rhythm and blues" to describe what had formerly been known as "race music."
Louis Jordan, a saxophonist, band leader and vocalist, was an early pioneer in rhythm and blues, as well as a best-selling artist. Other prominent artists include Ruth Brown and Ray Charles.
R&B music evolved from its beginnings as an urbanized and electrified version of the country blues, through jump blues in the 1940s and doo-wop in the 1950s. In the 1960s and early 1970s soul music became the predominant form of rhythm and blues. From the early 1980s until today R&B has both influenced and been influenced by hip-hop music.
Rhythm and blues was a major influence in the development of rock and roll, as well as disco and hip-hop.
The greatest accomplishment of R&B music was that it helped to break down racial barriers by opening up white audiences to black music and culture.