RB music online can be heard through a variety of music websites. RB music online can also be downloaded in MP3 format. R&B stands for Rhythm and Blues. It was in the 1940s, when the term "R&B" was used to describe this particular genre of music. When it first came onto the scene, rhythm and blues was a mix of gospel, blues, and jazz.

The original name of R&B, before the 1940s, was "race music." The musicians were black, as well as their audiences. Earlier artists produced a boogie sound, which can be heard through Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley. After World War II, there was a demand of race music. And when the demand began to increase in popularity, the genre exploded.

The R&B music from the past is different from R&B music that you hear today. In the 1940s and 1950s, instruments that were popular in jazz bands were used produce the sound of R&B music. Brass, woodwinds, piano and drums all made up the sound of R&B. The difference however, was the musicians used a sound that was heavier and steadier than what was heard in jazz. The lyrics focused with the aspect of segregation and other related racial issues. In the 1950s, as the rest of the nation was starting to explore with more openness and sexuality, the music in all genres started to change. This change also occurred with R&B music, when lyrics became sexually suggestive and dances became provocative to match the sound and the words of the music.

Eventually, R&B music became soul music. No longer was it made by blacks, as white musicians also begin to enter into the genre. But even still, the genre was still dominated by black musicians and artists. The Miracles, Chubby Checker, Muddy Waters and Sam Cooke were the major artists of the time. During this time, more emphasis was placed on the style and arrangement of the music versus the lyrics. The state of Chicago also became important, as it became central of R&B music and artists.

Throughout the years, R&B music continue to grow in popularity. In the 1980s is when Rhythm and Blues truly became mainstream. It transcended passed racial lines and people of all cultures enjoyed the sound. R&B began to take a new sound when electric guitars began to make their way into the genre. R&B music lost the sound of the old jazz and blues. Instead, it started picking up elements of rap, pop, and hip-hop.

Listening to R&B music online will allow you hear the changes throughout history. It is also a good way to learn about past and present RB artists. RB music online can be heard for free. If you find a track or album you like, you can purchase R&B music online from many different websites.