It is more important than ever to know your story, and the DJ, historian and author of music Amani Roberts, has taken issues in their own hands when tracking the legacy of black R & b Groups.
Through his book, The quiet storm: a historical and cultural analysis of the power, passion and pain of R&B groupsRoberts deepens the increase, dominance and decrease in R&B groups, while also exploring their impact on American music and culture.
“I think this was the perfect time to highlight the legacy of R&B black groups, as we have to recognize how much they have shaped music culture as it is today,” Roberts told Bravity in a recent interview.
“Rock and roll, pop and numerous other genres were formed as derivatives of R&B music,” he continued. “ The success of K-Pop groups would not be what it is today if it were not for the model that black groups of R&B exemplified during the golden age of R&B. In addition, there is no book that exists that review the history of R&B groups for a decade and emphasizes its impact on global culture. We need more books that celebrate individual groups and events in R&B space. ”
Since The temptations into TLCThese were not groups that only hit; They also used their platforms to shape the culture and allow listeners, especially those who seemed to them, understood that their circumstances were more equal than different. If they were not powerful anthems like “still pressing” and “people are preparing” of impressions during the civil rights movement, there are also fashion statements and a level of fear that R&B groups have during the decades as influential as music.
“There are many ways in which they have influenced how we see ourselves as black people. From the fashion statements that were made, to being exploited on world issues, especially during the 1960’s and 1970’s, to being vulnerable while discussing love and relationships,” said Roberts. “These groups exemplified a level of fear that had no precedent at the time when they were popular. When you think of groups with creative risks, I look at the earth, the wind & fire and how to use a magician (David Copperfield) to make their live shows and no events can be lost.”
He added: “Black people are some of the most creative people in the world, and this was shown throughout the history of R&B. Estacy” in 1987). Can you imagine a group from our current environment that sticks with your office for 23 years to achieve a goal? “
Roberts do you think R&B groups can return?
During The quiet storm, Roberts deeply delves into the history of R&B groups, in particular the boom that took place during the 1990’s. Although he does not believe that they will never return to this special decade, he hopes that there are other ways for current acts to come together to create art that will last forever.
“The hope is that we have more groups such as Silk Sonic, who takes two (or more) established musicians and forming a group, publish some albums and then do solo projects again,” suggested Roberts. “Can you imagine a group formed by Leela James, Sza, Jazmine Sullivan and Muni Long? That would be incredible.”
When transporting the legacy forward
As for those who use their platforms to continue expanding the history of the R&B genre, Roberts took a moment to highlight Sinters Tank and J. Valentine’s R&B Money podcast.
“This is quickly becoming a safe space where R&B artists can share their stories, ups and downs of their career, and the lessons they have learned,” said Roberts. “I emphasize them because when artists share internal information about industry, it helps other artists to learn and reflect on their current career career.”
“They are definitely driving the legacy forward. I also want to highlight all the R&B inherited groups that are still outside interpreting and creating new music,” concluded Roberts. “New Edition, The Isley Brothers, The Whispers and SWV are just some of the many groups Legacy R&B that are still out of work. There are some more recent groups, such as Flo, Wanmor and Chloe X Halle R&B groups.”
Another truth that hopes that the younger generation will be taken away The quiet storm It is that most of the music they like among all genres comes from the founding of black music.
Amani Roberts’ The quiet storm: a historical and cultural analysis of the power, passion and pain of R&B groups It is available online and bookstores.
