Directions:
Step 1: Look online for different R&B artists and songs. Some popular R&B artists during the time were Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin
Step 2: How did these artists express their emotions and struggles through their music? What are some ways that they presented their triumphs in their music? Were the happy moments low and soulful or high and energetic? Make note on how they present different parts of their life in their songs.
Step 3: R&B is all about the highs and lows of life. On the handout, write down some situations where you accomplished something great, and other times where you failed where you wanted to succeed. How did those failings influence you to do better?
Group Activity: Ask your friends and family about their own difficulties and accomplishments. How did their accomplishments push them to do more? How did their failings influence them to do better?
Extend Your Journey: Look further into the history of the genre and the artists we covered today. Here is a link to a documentary on Aretha Franklin and Ray Charles
Access our instructional video Here