Rhythm and Blues - Rock N Roll

Shortly after World War II in 1945, record companies, such as Savoy, Atlantic, Columbia, Victor, King, Imperial, and other lesser known independent labels were recording music for the black population which were referred to as "race" records.

But in 1949, Billboard, a music-trade magazine proposed that the term "race" be removed and replaced with Rhythm 'n' blues or R&B. The new terminology placed emphasis on the traditional blues pattern being performed as ensemble music, plus a rhythm section of electric guitars, electric bass, electric piano or organ and a complete drum set.

Taking an active lead in R&B were B.B. King, Bobby "Blue" Bland, Roscoe Gordon, Johnny Ray, Fats Domino, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Roy Brown and Johnny Otis. The early 1950s, brought out many vocal groups singing R&B. There were the Drifters with their recording of "Money Honey," the Dominoes' rendition of "Sixty Minute Man," the Midnighters' "Work With Me Annie," and the Five Royales doing "Think" and "Dedicated To The One I Love."

Rhythm and blues soon became a stepping stone to rhythm and gospel, with such groups as the Soul Stirrers, the Swan Silvertones, the Dixie Hummingbirds and the Pilgrim Travelers.

In 1951, Jackie Brenston recorded "Rocket 88" for. Chess Records in Memphis, Tennessee. The record became the number one hit on the R&B charts that year, but it was also referred to as the first rock-and-roll record.