Rhythm and blues, often abbreviated as R&B or RnB, is a genre of popular African-American music that originated in the 1940s. The term was originally used by record companies to describe recordings marketed predominantly to urban African Americans, at a time when "urbane, rocking, jazz based music with a heavy, insistent beat" was becoming more popular. In the commercial rhythm and blues music typical of the 1950s through the 1970s, the bands usually consisted of piano, one or two guitars, bass, drums, saxophone, and sometimes background vocalists. R&B lyrics focus heavily on the themes of triumphs and failures in terms of relationships, freedom, economics, aspirations, and sex. By the 1970s, the term rhythm and blues changed again and was used as a blanket term for soul and funk. In the 1980s, a newer style of R&B developed, becoming known as "Contemporary R&B". It combines elements of rhythm and blues, soul, funk, pop, hip hop and dance.
Soul music is a popular music genre that originated in the United States in the late 1950s and early 1960s. It combines elements of African-American gospel music, rhythm and blues and jazz. Soul music became popular for dancing and listening in the United States; where record labels such as Motown, Atlantic and Stax were influential in the civil rights era. Soul also became popular around the world, directly influencing rock music and the music of Africa. Catchy rhythms, stressed by handclaps and extemporaneous body moves, are an important feature of soul music. Other characteristics are a call and response between the lead vocalist and the chorus and an especially tense vocal sound. The style also occasionally uses improvisational additions, twirls and auxiliary sounds. Soul music reflected the African-American identity and it stressed the importance of an African-American culture. The new-found African-American consciousness led to new styles of music, which boasted pride in being black.
Stunning shot taken in 1983 of Annie Lennox wearing a striking make-up style that was originally created by artist Sue Mann
The Eurythmics captured during a photo shoot in Paris, 1986 for the cover art for their album 'Revenge'
Noel Gallagher performing with Oasis on The Main Stage in 1995 during Glastonbury's 25th Anniversary Festival
Signed limited edition technicoloured cassette art print by Horace Panter featuring 24 different images including The Clash & Sex Pistols
Amy Winehouse captured in a Primrose Hill cafe during a photo shoot with Jake Chessum in February 2004.
Amy Winehouse captured in the corridor of the Union Chapel - "She seemed particularly happy that night" - Jill Furmanovsky
At the 1995 Glastonbury Festival Joe Strummer relaxes behind the scenes
"At the time, the chances of this gig actually happening at all seemed very remote, Amy arrived an hour and a half late for her slot."
Stunning image of Amy Winehouse taken in a North London launderette during a photo shoot in winter 2004.
February 2004, Amy Winehouse is captured in a launderette in Primrose Hill by Jake Chessum
Amy Winehouse performing onstage at the world famous Union Chapel in Islington, London in November 2006
Bob Dylan captured with his classic stare whilst performing on The Main Stage at the Glastonbury Festival in 1998
Jarvis Cocker performing one of his signature moves with Pulp on The Park Stage during the 2011 Glastonbury Festival
Jeff Buckley performs at Glastonbury in 1995 as part of his Mystery White Boy Tour
Liam Gallagher owning the stage whilst headlining with Oasis at the Glastonbury Festival in 1995
Paul Weller performing on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury in 2015
Stunning Horace Panter portrait of Amy Winehouse commissioned by The Amy Winehouse Foundation.
Amy Winehouse photographed backstage at the Union Chapel, Islington during her Little Noise Sessions acoustic charity gig in November 2006
Candid black & white photograph of Amy Winehouse taken in Camden, London in February 2004
Amy Winehouse all wrapped up on a freezing day on Primrose Hill in February 2004.
Amy Winehouse at home in her flat in Camden Town in February 2004
Contact sheet of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers photographed at Hyde Park, London in 1991
Noel recalls "Maine Road was where we all used to go as kids. So I was standing there, trying to make sure I never forgot this moment"
Stunning image of Amy Winehouse taken in a North London launderette during a photo shoot in winter 2004.
Exclusive David Bowie print specially created by The Postman for Rockarchive, based on a photograph taken by Dave Hogan at Live Aid in 1985
Bob Marley was a Jamaican reggae singer, songwriter, musician, & guitarist who achieved international fame & acclaim.
Jeff Beck is one of rock’s most respected and dynamic instrumentalists. He is widely regarded as a “guitarist’s guitarist”.
Björk Guðmundsdóttir, (born 21 November 1965), known mononymously as Björk is an Icelandic singer-songwriter.
Oasis was an English rock music band formed in Manchester in 1991, to date the band has sold over 70 million records worldwide.
Here are the very latest prints we have added to our collection. We hope you love them as much as we do.
The USA has given us many of the world's greatest music artists - we celebrate the best of the best
Our contact sheet print collection is a rare opportunity to look back at the hidden moments surrounding some of rocks most iconic images.
Browse our collection of popular graphic art prints including iconic images by Storm Thorgerson and stunning work by contemporary artists.