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Delta Blues and BounceNews HeadlinesWe are asking for your help. If you have information on the records listed on the "Discography Help Needed" page or other discography listings, please let us know the correct information such as label, catalog number and year issued. Click here to send corrections or additions. Discography Help Needed |
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This is an educational, non commercial, web site dedicated to the study of 1950s and 1960s Rhythm and Blues, and Rock and Roll. We now include updated discography charts for some of the very early R&B recordings, many of which appeared on the the Harlem Hit Parade, beginning in October 1942. In 1945, The Harlem Hit Parade chart is renamed the Race Records chart. Legendary A&R man, Jerry Wexler, with Atlantic records coins the term Rhythm & Blues in 1949. In the summer of 1949, The Race Records chart is renamed the Rhythm & Blues chart. We characterize the mainly black artists' records, sepia records, or race records from 1942 to 1949 as belonging to the genre called Rhythm & Blues although the term Rhythm & Blues was not coined until 1949. In 1951, DJ Alan Freed began programming rhythm & blues records on his radio program. Alan Freed moved to New York in 1954 where he coined the term "rock & roll." By 1955, the term rock & roll is widely used and accepted to include R&B records, rockabilly records, and many of the popular uptempo recordings at the time. Most Recent Update 05/08/08 --Preface: Origin and History of Rhythm and Blues, Rock and RollThere are eight pages in this section that chronicle the short history of American rhythm and blues, rock and roll, the influences that made these music genres popular, the artists that contributed to these genres, and references for further study. Not all artists are included here. The history described here focuses on the Mississippi Delta artists who recorded during the 1950s and 1960s, and other artists are included as their contributions influenced the development of rock and roll. The limited discography traces steps from the Swing / Big Band era of the 1940s through the development of 1960s Soul. We do not include so-called British invasion music, and we do not include the rebirth of R&B after the 1970s. We apologize to any artist not included who also contributed, but due to space limitations not all can be included. Introduction: Origin and History of Rhythm and Blues, Rock and RollBoundaries dividing the years 1942 through 1965 are subjective. There are always exceptions to these boundaries. Many important songs were ahead of their time, and may precede the boundaries shown here. After the so-called British invasion of American popular music during the 1960s, rhythm & blues resurfaced as a legitimate music genre. We do not list any rhythm & blues recorded after 1970. It should be noted that artists were eager to be classified as "rock and roll" artists to reach a wider audience for their music. Distinguishing among R&B, rock & roll, and rockabilly genres often is impossible because regional popular music was produced at many independent record studios where "anything was recorded." Artists wanted to make money and become famous; they were not particularly concerned about how their music was categorized. Links to Discography Lists:
Geographical boundaries also influenced the development of American Rock and Roll. Here is a short list of major geographical influences:
Pre R&B: 1900 - 1941The pre R&B influences are important because future recording artists grew up listening to these genres of music. As future R&B artists grew up in the 1920s and 1930s, they were influenced by this music. Anyone with an interest in the cultural aspects of the music genre may consider further research on the following topic: Chicago, and the great migration from South to North. For information about Mississippi Delta Blues, please see Traveling The Blues Highway, published online by National Geographic. Genres of Interest (Research):
It should be noted that during the early 1900s, live performances were the only method for music to be heard throughout the country. Regional music was very common. By the 1930s, electric jukeboxes were becoming available. See Leroy Carr, blues musician, for more about regional music in the Mississippi Delta from 1928 - 1935. For more information on Big Band and Jazz influences during the 1930s and 1940s: See Cab Calloway and Earl Hines - biography influenced many artists during the 1940s; Earl Hines joined Louis Armstrong's "All Stars" after Earl's orchestra disbanded. Louis Armstrong was one of New Orleans' most influential performers before Rock & Roll. He performed as cornet player and singer. He also was an arranger and universal jazz musician who shaped the future of New Orleans music during the 1940s. In 1963 Armstrong scored a huge international hit with his version of "Hello Dolly". This number-one single knocked the Beatles off the top of the charts in 1964. Louis Armstrong's contribution to Jazz and popular music cannot be measured. The Delta Blues may be further researched by studying a biography of Robert Johnson, who is often credited as founder of the genre. Another pioneer from New Orleans who influenced music during the 1930s and 40s was Sidney Bechet - (Victor 27633 1941) Rip Up the Joint. This recording is a terrific venture into early rock and roll. Sidney Bechet played tenor saxophone in the Duke Ellington Orchestra. During the 1940s, the Treniers developed swing music to a fine art. Although their music failed to find favor with Rock & Roll audiences, many of their songs included rock and roll lyrics set to a swing band style. Use a search for Treniers with your search engine for more information on this unusual group. Next page ..... Origin of Rhythm and Blues (Part 2) Last page ..... Origin of Rhythm and Blues (Part 8) Return to top of page |
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