Rhythm & Blues

Reaching mainstream popularity in the 1950s, rhythm and blues sprung from the rugged roots of blues and gospel music, pairing soulful vocals with pop sensibilities. While in recent years R&B has become more closely associated with rap and hip hop, legends and young artists are recreating the sound and mood of the genre's glory days.

New Orleans is the birthplace of R&B and on Rhythm & Blues Crescent City legends Snooks Eaglin, Irma Thomas and Rockie Charles join other first generation soul artists Lavelle White, The Emotions and Sam Moore (of the classic soul duo Sam & Dave). Moore unites generations in a collaboration with Keb' Mo' and Angie Stone on the Willie Dixon-penned, Howlin' Wolf classic, "Wang Dang Doodle," a track produced by American Idol's Randy Jackson.

Rhythm & Blues features songs by other contemporary artists including British musician James Hunter, who blends intricate guitar licks with an Otis Redding-like wail on "'Til Your Fool Comes Home." On "100 Days, 100 Nights," Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings deliver a deeply stirring performance that reflects the pain of the lyrics. The Quantic Soul Orchestra mixes rhythm and blues with elements of reggae and Latin jazz in their cover of the Marion Black classic "Who Knows." Jazz and blues vocalist Catherine Russell and New York collective Cracked Ice round out this collection of rhythm and blues that is "guaranteed to make you feel good."