R&B stands for Rhythm and Blues , a genre of music that originated in African American communities in the 1940s. The term was coined in 1949 by Jerry Wexler, a music marketing executive for Billboard magazine, to replace the earlier, offensive term "race music" and to categorize various African American music styles under one umbrella

. Rhythm and Blues initially encompassed a variety of styles including blues, jazz, gospel, boogie-woogie, and swing. It was characterized by its rhythmic style and emotional, often biographical lyrics reflecting the African American experience, struggles, and aspirations. Over time, R&B evolved and influenced other genres such as rock and roll, soul, funk, and contemporary R&B, which incorporates elements of pop, hip hop, and electronic music

. In summary, R&B is a broad musical genre rooted in African American culture, combining rhythmically driven music with blues influences and expressive storytelling