New Orleans R&B

New Orleans R&B is distinct from other forms of R&B primarily due to the added rhythmic complexity of the second line, which is named for the second line of marchers at New Orleans mardi gras parades and jazz funerals. It is also a feature of Dixieland and New Orleans Brass Band. New Orleans R&B also gives greater prominence to the piano and horns than most R&B. Like Rhythm & Blues, early New Orleans R&B singles, particularly the early 1950s recordings of Fats Domino and Lloyd Price, were instrumental in the evolution of Rock & Roll. Due to both regional proximity and the large horn sections, New Orleans R&B is also considered an original influence on Ska. As times changed in the 1960s and 1970s, artists like Irma Thomas and The Meters expanded the New Orleans R&B sound in the directions of Soul and Funk with a reduced reliance on piano and horns. Others, such as Professor Longhair, maintained the traditional sound of New Orleans R&B blended with other traditional genres such as New Orleans Blues.