Deciding Between Rock and Rhythm and Blues: A Listener's Guide
When it comes to categorizing the music of Ike and Tina Turner or other artists, deciding whether a song is rock or RB really comes down to your own ears. It's important to understand that it doesn't have to be an all or nothing choice. Rock music often draws influences from various genres, and an artist can embody multiple musical styles.
The Evolution of Rock and Rhythm and Blues
Rock music used to be more racialized. If an artist was black, their music could be classified as RB or Race Music, while white artists were labeled as Rock and Roll. Today, RB primarily refers to contemporary black dance music, quite different from the original Rock and Roll.
The crucial aspect is the sense of feel. These terms are more commonly used by record companies and radio stations as a means to easily catalog and structure the music. Popular music genres like Rock and Roll come from a combination of earlier RB, jazz, and country music, with the addition of electric instruments. Rock and Roll was initially associated with transgression and youth revolt, characterized by energetic performances, catchy melodies, and often insightful lyrics.
Understanding Rhythm and Blues
Rhythm and Blues, or RB, is fundamentally music that is rhythmic and has the soulful, emotional aching of the blues. In the 1950s, RB sparked a new variant—Rock and Roll, which had similar rhythmic elements but was louder, more sexualized, and emphasized the electric guitar. Unlike RB, Rock and Roll was embraced by both white and black artists and audiences.
The term Rock and Roll was popularized by Alan Freed in the 1950s. Freed used it to refer to RB combos, black vocal groups, saxophonists, and black blues singers, as well as white artists who played in the authentic RB style. Essentially, Rhythm and Blues was early Rock and Roll.
Identifying Genre Everywhere
Let's consider a specific example: the song Such a Fool for You. It could be labeled as RB, but it would also fit perfectly under the genre of Rock and Roll or even Soul. Similarly, Ike and Tina Turner's version of Rollin' on the River begins as RB and transitions into Rock and Roll in the second half. This is why the term Popular Music is so handy in distinguishing between these overlapping genres.
Cross-Genre Musical Elements
Musicians and listeners often appreciate how various genres blend seamlessly. For instance, a song that starts as RB and incorporates rock elements during its development can be classified in multiple genres. Such flexibility is what makes music so dynamic and enjoyable.
Conclusion
Ultimately, deciding between Rock and RB is a matter of personal taste and the performance of the music itself. With the evolution of music and demographics, these genres have become less rigidly defined. The most important aspect is to enjoy the music as it was intended—through the lens of your experience and preferences.