Timeline: Media Analysis Paper - R&B

May 25, 1950

Intro 1

RB music isn't only important because of its focus on the African American culture/history, but it’s also important because it has always been a popular favorite in music genres, along with rap. RB stands for rhythm blues, it combines smooth and soothing melodies with heartfelt and story-telling lyrics. RB had a strong and undeniable influence on the music industry, influencing and inspiring music like Pop and Hip-Hop.

May 25, 1950

Intro 2

RB artists make music expressing love, struggle, and hope, making music that is more meaningful, rather than music that is only made for a catchy tune/beat. RB now continues to evolve, some love modern RB and some don’t, but RB continues to prove its timelessness throughout the years from generation to generation. Traditional (Classic) Style RB was developed in the 1940s-50s, combined with elements of jazz, blues, and gospel with strong backbeats and soul-filled lyrics.

May 25, 1950

Intro 3

Traditional (Classic) Style RB involves artists like Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, Ruth Brown. Soul Style RB was developed in the late 1950s-60s, combined with elements of gospel, love, and struggle with powerful and emotional vocals, it's considered one of the most expressive forms of RB starring artists like Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Stevie Wonder.

May 25, 1950

Intro 4

Quiet Storm Style RB emerged in the mid 1970s, combined with elements of sensuosity, romance, intimacy, and soft/smooth lyrics from artists like Anita Baker, Luther Vandross, Smokey Robinson. However, RB doesn't always have to be from an earlier time period. A modern example of Traditional is Beyonce. Examples of Soul are Daniel Caesar, Summer Walker, SZA. Lastly, examples of Quiet Storm are Daniel Caesar, H.E.R., Giveon, Brent Faiyaz, SZA, which is also a list of many of my favorites.

Sep 7, 1957

Record Label from Sam Cooke's - "You Send Me"

An example of Sam Cooke's Traditional Style RB music is his song "You Send Me," released in 1957. This song is considered one of his most important and influential tracks, showcasing a smooth and effortless delivery. It was his debut solo single and became a #1 hit on both the Billboard RB Chart and the Hot 100 Chart.

Aug 25, 2017

Audio Track From Daniel Caesar's - "Best Part" (feat. H.E.R.)

An example of Daniel Caesar's Soul Style RB is his song featuring H.E.R. called "Best Part", released in 2017. The song centers around deep, emotional and passionate affection and connection, emphasizing love's comforting and soothing moments. It delivers smooth and gentle harmonies, making it one of the most popular soul-inspired modern RB tracks of its decade.

Dec 9, 2022

Music Video From SZA's - "Snooze"

An example of SZA's Quiet Storm Style RB is her song "Snooze", released in 2022. The song is smooth and intimate and includes soft drums, a warm bass, and gentle vocals. The lyrics focus around emotional closeness and passion while the music video captures the tenderness, vulnerability, and sensual energy, fitting the quiet storm mood

Oct 16, 2025