rhythm and blues

noun

|Updated on: 19 Jun 2018

Definition of rhythm and blues

: popular music typically including elements of blues and African American folk music and marked by a strong beat and simple chord structure

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Recent Examples of rhythm and blues from the Web

Zeshan B and the Transistors’ Beverly Arts Center debut is billed as a concert mixing Memphis rhythm and blues, Chicago blues and the sounds of Zeshan B’s roots in India and Pakistan.

— jessi virtusio, Daily Southtown, "Zeshan B and Transistors bringing blend of 'Brown Skinned Soul' to Beverly Arts Center," 14 June 2018
Expect live jazz, rock, rhythm and blues, gospel, Latino, and reggae music.

— liz biro, Indianapolis Star, "These are the best Indianapolis food events in June," 30 May 2018
Ledisi has made a distinct contribution to 21st century rhythm and blues music.

— bob kostanczuk, Post-Tribune, "R&B powerhouse Ledisi to perform in Hammond," 30 May 2018
Then head downstairs to the New Era Ballroom to see local legends like Regi Wooten play their take on old-school rhythm and blues.

— andrea williams, Condé Nast Traveler, "5 Nashville Must-Visit Music Venues (For Folks Who Hate Country)," 18 May 2018
The 30th Annual Chandler Chamber of Commerce Ostrich Festival announces Grammy award-winning American funk and rhythm and blues band Kool & The Gang to headline the festival on the Main Stage on Friday, March 9.

— azcentral, "A guide to all spring festivals in Phoenix from April through May," 6 Mar. 2018
The Stolen Parts, a rhythm and blues band from Texas City; Austin band Drew and the Internationals; and Speedway, a band from Argentina, will keep the tunes coming.

— heidi van horne, Houston Chronicle, "Texas City hosts Lone Star Deluxe Hot Rod and Music Festival this weekend," 28 Apr. 2018
The bands are a mix from tribute bands to country, rhythm and blues, rock and retro tunes.

— sonja haller, azcentral, "Things to do with kids this weekend at Westgate, Mesa Arts Center and McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park," 4 May 2018
Hosted by Anchorage radio personality Don Megga, the show features local artists such as Chris Vocalz, Taylor Gee and Conway Seavey covering the works of rhythm and blues legends like Teddy Pendergrass, Al Green and Smokey Robinson.

— Anchorage Daily News, "Coming up: R&B Live, a Kentucky Derby party and The Crystal Method," 3 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'rhythm and blues.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.