R&B

R&B

• stands for rhythm and blues• a combination of blues and jazz developed by

African American musicians in the 1940’s

Motown

• Founded by Barry Gordy Jr.• Nicknamed “The Sound of Young America”• First national hit was “Money (That’s What I

Want)”• House band was called the Funk Brothers• Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever – was

where Michael Jackson first performed his moonwalk

Smokey Robinson

• The main songwriter in the early years of Motown.

• Also famous for his solo career, especially “The Tracks of My Tears”

The Temptations

• First Motown group to win a Grammy Award • Hit songs include “Papa Was a Rolling Stone”,

and “My Girl”

Ray Charles

• Blind African American musician best known for his hit song “Georgia on My Mind.”

James Brown

• Considered to have created “funk” music. • Known as the “Godfather of Soul” and the

“Hardest working man in show business”• Some of his most well known songs are “Papa

got a brand new bag” and “Say it loud – I’m black and I’m proud.”

• He is also well known for his cape routine to end shows.

Marvin Gaye

• Known as the “Prince of Motown” or the “Prince of Soul”

• Hit songs include “I heard it through the grapevine” and “How sweet it is (To be loved by you)

• Was shot to death by his father

Jackson 5

• Legendary Motown group from Gary, Indiana• First four singles all reached the Billboard Hot

100• Hits include “ABC”, “I want you back” and “I’ll

be there”• Launched the solo career of Michael Jackson

Whitney Houston

• Her debut album, Whitney Houston, is the best selling debut album of all time for a female artist

• Some of her biggest hits were “How Will I Know” and “I Will Always Love You” (which became the best selling single by a female of all time)

• Her rendition of the National Anthem at Super Bowl XXV is considered one of the greatest of all time

Boyz II Men

• A quartet of singers from Philadelphia• Have the 1st, 3rd, and 4th longest singles at

number one of all time• Some of their biggest hits are “One Sweet

Day” (with Mariah Carey) and Motown Philly