American Popular Music: Rhythm & Blues, Rap, and Hip-Hop

Influenced by the blues as well as West African and African-American sounds, rhythm and blues, rap, and hip-hop have become popular and influential forms of music around the world. Featuring soulful lyrics, hard-driving beats, and infectious rhythms, these genres form a rich branch of America's musical culture. From artists such as Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin to LL Cool J and Dr. Dre, the performers who pioneered and perfected these musical forms have become household names. importance of each of these types of music and its history and evolution. This in-depth volume combines 52 photographs, a glossary, discography, and chronology to create an ideal go-to reference for music lovers everywhere. Earth, Wind, and Fire; Eminem; Aretha Franklin; Funk; Marvin Gaye; The Isley Brothers; Etta James; Little Richard; LL Cool J; The Memphis Horns; Motown; Teddy Pendergrass; Otis Redding; Tupac Shakur; Sugarhill Gang; Donna Summer; Luther Vandross; and many others.