8 R&B Music Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

Robyn Crawford's decades of firsthand experience in the music industry lead her to reveal a deeply personal narrative about Whitney Houston's life and their complex friendship. You gain insight into the emotional and professional challenges behind the scenes of a global superstar's rise, including candid accounts of their early bond, world tours, and intimate moments rarely shared publicly. The memoir covers themes of love, loyalty, and resilience, offering readers an intimate look at Houston's humanity beyond her fame. While fans of Whitney will find rich detail, those interested in the intersection of fame and personal identity will also benefit from Crawford's nuanced perspective.

Drawing from his extensive collaborations with legendary musicians like Marvin Gaye and Ray Charles, David Ritz developed a deeply personal and nuanced biography that goes beyond the usual celebrity narrative. Through intimate interviews conducted in Gaye's final years, you gain insight into the complexities of his childhood, his rise as a defining voice in R&B music, and the tensions that shaped his artistic evolution. The book offers concrete portraits of Gaye’s struggles and triumphs, including his powerful comeback in 1983, making it a valuable read for anyone interested in the interplay between personal turmoil and musical genius. If you seek an unvarnished look at the life behind the music, this one delivers without romanticizing or glossing over the harder truths.

This tailored book explores the rich world of R&B music, focusing on your unique background and goals to create a personalized learning experience. It examines the genre’s evolution, iconic artists, vocal techniques, songwriting, and production styles, all curated to match your interests and skill level. By synthesizing a vast array of expert knowledge, the book reveals how R&B’s soulful rhythms and expressive melodies have shaped contemporary music. This personalized approach ensures you engage deeply with the material, uncovering nuances that matter most to your artistic journey and musical growth.

What started as Zoro’s personal journey through decades of touring and recording with legendary artists evolved into a detailed chronicle of the rhythmic foundations of R&B drumming. You’ll explore the development of soul, funk, and hip-hop grooves across a century, gaining specific insights into mastering the shuffle and other signature patterns. The book provides visual demonstrations alongside descriptive exercises that deepen your technical skills and stylistic understanding. If you’re a drummer or musician wanting to grasp the roots and evolution of R&B rhythm, this guide offers a focused, practical approach without unnecessary complexity.

Hal Leonard LLC, a leading authority in music publishing since 1947, created this collection to bridge the gap between emerging and seasoned musicians passionate about contemporary R&B. You’ll find 24 carefully arranged hits designed for piano, vocal, and guitar, with melody lines, lyrics, and chord symbols that make playing both accessible and enjoyable. Whether you want to perform solo or in a band, this book offers a straightforward way to master iconic tracks like "Halo" and "Location." It’s best suited for musicians eager to expand their R&B repertoire with modern favorites without wading through overly complex arrangements.

Drawing from decades as a radio host and R&B historian, Tyrone DuBose developed this engaging exploration of the genre's golden decades. You learn not just about chart-topping hits but the cultural moments that framed them, from the emergence of R&B in the 1960s to its reinvention in the 1980s and the shifts of the 1990s. The book dives into detailed top-ten artist selections, chart milestones, and even highlights African American television shows tied to each era, enriching your understanding of the music's broader social impact. If you cherish R&B's evolving sound and its personal resonance through time, this book offers a nostalgic yet informative journey worth your attention.

This tailored book delves into the heart of R&B rhythm and drumming, offering a personalized journey designed to match your unique background and goals. It explores core groove patterns, syncopation techniques, and nuanced rhythm dynamics essential to authentic R&B performance. By focusing on your interests and skill level, it reveals daily exercises that build muscle memory and timing precision, accelerating your progress in just 30 days. This personalized approach ensures you engage deeply with the stylistic foundations and rhythmic subtleties that define R&B drumming, making your practice both focused and rewarding.

Simon Pratt’s extensive experience as a bestselling guitar tutor shines through in this focused guide to acoustic R&B guitar. You’ll learn how to blend classic R&B chord voicings with modern neo-soul techniques, mastering 17 foundational chord sequences alongside inventive licks and fills that add texture and groove. The book breaks down complex ideas like multi-part chord voicings and percussive fingerpicking into accessible lessons, complemented by seven full tracks and downloadable audio to hear every nuance. If you’re serious about shaping your own authentic R&B guitar style, this book offers a clear path, though it’s best suited for players ready to deepen their musicianship rather than complete beginners.

After years immersed in the vibrant culture of Mexican-American music, Ruben Molina developed a deep appreciation for the unique blend that defines Chicano soul. In this book, you explore how genres like jazz, blues, and traditional Mexican styles merge to create a distinct sound that shaped communities and influenced broader American music. Molina’s interviews and archival materials offer you a firsthand look into the artists and moments that brought this genre to life, illuminating its evolution from the 1950s onward. If you want to understand the roots and lasting impact of this often overlooked musical tradition, this book offers detailed context and rare visuals that enrich your experience.

Joel Selvin's decades of experience as the San Francisco Chronicle's pop music critic shine through in this vivid exploration of Bert Berns and the 1960s rhythm and blues scene. You’ll gain insight into Berns's impact on iconic tracks like "Twist and Shout" and "Piece of My Heart," as well as the complex, sometimes dark, music business dynamics of that era. The book delves into Berns's fierce ambition, his connections, and how his health struggles shaped his brief but intense career. If you’re curious about the gritty realities behind the music and the personalities who shaped R&B’s golden age, this narrative offers a compelling, detailed look.