What is the difference between r and b and blues?

Answer 1

Rythm and blues is a very broad category where as blues is a bit easier to catergorize. RandB tends to use jazzy chords and can be a simple two or three chord song or have a pretty complex format. RandB is usually focused heavily on the vocals and lyrics, but may have very impressive musicianship by the different musicians. RandB started in the sixties with more of a jazzy feel and now a days has more of a hip hop feel while always maintaing a strong since of soul.

Blues is easy to catergorize because it almost always follows a very similar chord progression. either 12 or 16 bars (measures). Blues is generally focused more on the band leader's instrument/voice while the rest of the band backs him/her up. The lyrics are generally basic and simple. The leader will almost always take solos in every song. Generally blues is lead by a guitar player, but sometimes by a keyboard/piano player. the bands are usually smaller than RandB bands as there isn't much need for back up singers and full horn sections. Blues is always simple.

RandB examples:

Marvin Gaye, Al Green, stevi wonder, earth wind and fire, Anthony hamilton, mariah carry, eryka badu, rhiana, usher, Michael Jackson,

Blues examples:

Stevie ray vaughn, bobby blue bland, Robert jonson, keb mo, robben Ford, bb king, albert king, albert Collins,