R&B is a musical genre that began to develop as a distinct style in the early 1950s. Originally known as rhythm and blues, it was primarily created by African American musicians and drew influence from both blues and early rock 'n' roll, with significant interaction between these genres. Over time, musicians from different backgrounds adopted the style and introduced new elements. In the 1950s, artists like Muddy Waters contributed to shaping the genre by emphasizing faster melodies and energetic rhythms, helping to establish R\&B as a unique musical form.

In the 1960s, British rhythm and blues emerged, with London becoming a central hub for popular groups in this style. By this time, R&B had already gained popularity in both the United States and Europe. During this period, soul music also developed, bringing a more emotional and ballad-driven approach within the broader R&B genre. In the 1970s, R&B experienced a shift towards more dance-oriented music, with early records from artists like James Brown marking this transformation. The mid-1970s signaled a move toward a more modern sound within the genre. In the 1980s, artists such as Luther Vandross became known for romantic ballads, while Michael Jackson integrated elements of rock and more aggressive sounds into R&B and soul music.

In recent decades, R&B has evolved into a style known as contemporary R&B, a genre within Western popular music. While the abbreviation R&B originates from rhythm and blues, the term today typically refers to a style of African American music that developed following the decline of disco in the 1980s. Contemporary R&B blends elements of soul, funk, dance, and, beginning in 1986 with the rise of New Jack Swing, hip hop. The abbreviation R&B is commonly used instead of the full term rhythm and blues, though some sources refer to the genre as urban contemporary, a term also used for the radio format that features hip hop and contemporary R&B.

Contemporary R&B is characterized by polished, electronic production, drum machine-based rhythms, occasional guitar riffs that add a rock influence, and occasional saxophone solos, particularly in songs released before 1993. The style emphasizes smooth vocal arrangements and frequently incorporates hip hop-inspired beats, though these are typically more refined than those found in hip hop itself. R&B vocalists are often noted for their use of melisma, a vocal technique popularized by singers such as Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder, and Mariah Carey.