R&B ringtones
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Rhythm & Blues, or “R&B” as it's popularly abbreviated, has morphed in meaning since the term was first coined. Originally used to describe an up-tempo style of music, it now refers to a more emotional type of music that combines soul and gospel influences and usually showcases the artist's extraordinary vocal range. Original Rhythm & Blues was a sped-up blend of traditional 12-bar blues with a jazzy boogie-woogie beat. Classic examples of the foot stomping party music included the 1950’s hit "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On", which was put on the charts by Jerry Lee Lewis but written by the African American singer/songwriter Dave "Curly" Wililams. Tellingly, it had been recorded by several other African American artists like Big Maybelle and The Commodores (not the 70's funk band) with little impact. However, it went on to chart success for other white pop artists like Bill Haley and Elvis. Other early R&B hits included Haley's "Shake Rattle and Roll" and Ike Turner's "Rocket 88", which was generally considered one of the first rock n' roll songs ever. It was also one of the first instances of recorded, distorted guitar. The 1960’s showed the likes of artists Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, The Supremes and the Motown era. Contemporary use of R&B didn't really show up until the 1970's, when the traditional vocal powerhouses of gospel and soul like Patti LaBelle, and Chaka Khan & Rufus began singing over electronic disco beats. In the 1980’s, R&B evolved more into the mainstream pop market with artists like Lionel Richie, Luther Vandross, Kool and The Gang, Billy Ocean and Prince, who dominated airwaves. The 90’s made way for mega-stars like R. Kelly and Mary J. Blige who still continue to release hit albums. Today, R&B has gotten even more high-tech and super-producers like Jermaine Dupri and Timbaland, get as much credit for the sound as the artists. Still, there's no denying the silky-voiced power of superstars like Usher, and Beyonce, and that contemporary R&B artists are carrying on a vital pop tradition.
- 68 Ringtones Mariah Carey
- 15 Ringtones J. Holiday
- 48 Ringtones Alicia Keys
- 42 Ringtones Mary J. Blige
- 14 Ringtones The Dream
- 53 Ringtones Janet Jackson
- 32 Ringtones Keyshia Cole
- 102 Ringtones R. Kelly
- 26 Ringtones Angie Stone
- 14 Ringtones Ashanti
