Best 100 rhythm and blues releases

Rhythm and blues (R&B) is a genre of popular music that originated in African American communities in the United States in the 1940s. It is characterized by a combination of blues, jazz, and gospel music with soulful vocals, strong rhythms, and a heavy focus on the backbeat. R&B songs often feature a call-and-response format, with the singer or lead instrument taking a phrase and the backing vocals or instruments responding.

R&B has undergone many evolutions since its inception, with sub-genres such as doo-wop, Motown, funk, and contemporary R&B emerging over the years. It has had a significant influence on many other genres of music, including rock and roll, hip-hop, and pop.