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Rhythm and Blues is one of the most confusing genres of music partially because almost every decade it has a slightly different definition. Another issue is the fact that many artists within the genre do a lot of cross over work, or experimenting in other genres. For example, quite a few blues singers expand their talents into the world of gospel. Therefore, if you are looking for great R&B singers, you might discover that you have selected a jazz or soul recording. This article will endeavor to introduce you to some of the really great women of R&B. Aretha Franklin This remarkable woman is often referred to as the Queen of Soul, and she has more than earned the title. Born on the 25th of March 1942 in Memphis, Tennessee, her introduction to music began in her home where, at a young age, she learned to play the piano. Her first public appearance was singing in her father's church, New Bethel. Delighted, her father recognized her talent and began taking Aretha on his travels. As part of his "gospel caravan", Aretha would sing in the various churches that they visited. Her father was also instrumental in getting her signed on with J. V. B. Records. After signing her first recording contract, Aretha's career took off, and she has never looked back. As a singer, she has managed to win some of the most prestigious awards in the industry. These include several Grammys in various categories including Best Female R&B Vocalist and Best Gospel Performance. She has also earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Also to her credit, she was the first female inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, an honor that she received in 1987. As of 2013, Aretha is still active in the music industry. Her current projects includes a new album under the RCA label. Dinah Washington Dinah, an accomplished pianist and an incredible singer, has been dubbed both the Queen of the Blues and the Queen of the Jukebox. Ruth Lee Jones (Dinah) was born on December 14, 1963 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. As with many singers, her career started in the church. She began playing the piano for St. Luke's Baptist Church when she was very young. Once she got older, she also sang and directed the church choir. Dinah began playing in the clubs of Chicago when she was fifteen. At one time, Dinah was playing upstairs at the Garrick Stage Bar while Billie Holiday performed downstairs. In 1944, Dinah's first recording hit the airwaves. The song "Evil Gal Blues", under the Keynote label, made Harlem's Hit Parade. After Keynote went out of business, Mercury Records signed her and Dinah's career was well on its way. Although, Dinah had an incredible career, her personal life was another matter. In her short life, she was married seven times and gave birth to two sons, George Jenkins and Robert Grayson. As a performer, Dinah achieved a great deal of success. Her list of honors includes a Grammy for the Best Rhythm and Blues Performance in 1959 and she also had a number of songs inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Sadly, Dinah passed away in 1963. The cause of her death was listed as an overdose of amobarbital and secobarbital. Dinah was buried in Burr Oak Cemetery in Alsip, Illinois. Ruth Brown Ruth Brown is known as the Queen of R&B, a title that she richly deserves as her music and influence changed the face of R&B forever. Ruth was born in 1928 on the 12th of January, in Portsmouth, Virginia. Although Ruth's father was the director of the local church choir, Ruth had little interest. She preferred to do her singing in the local clubs. Ruth signed her first contract with Atlantic Records. Although label label loved her voice, they wanted her to switch from singing ballads to singing blues. Ruth had a number of big hits during the fifties. Some of these hits included "Mambo Baby", "I Know", "Oh What a Dream" and "5-10-15". During the sixties, Ruth almost completely disappeared from the public eye. She was busy with her family. Ruth staged a comeback in the mid seventies. It was during this time that she decided to expand and try acting. Her performance on Broadway, in the show "Black and Blue", earned her a Tony award. Ruth's influence in the industry extended behind the scenes as well. She was a huge advocate for all singers. Ruth wanted to see musicians rights changed. Sadly, Ruth passed away in 2006. She suffered from a stroke and a heart attack, which lead to major complications resulting in her death. At the time, she was still very active in the music industry. For more information and videos of women in R&B, visit our site at: Rhythm and Blues Videos
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