Although rhythm and blues is not a part of jazz per se, its evolution as a 20th-century American art form parallels and often overlaps the development of jazz. The term was originally coined in 1948 by future record producer and label executive Jerry Wexler while he was a Billboard magazine staffer. While rhythm and blues is a general classification that encompasses most recorded African-American popular music, the phrase is also widely used as a synonym for soul music. Thus, the work of many jazz and blues performers also falls under the rhythm and blues banner.
Many performers, particularly vocalists, have achieved distinction as both jazz and rhythm and blues artists. Among those who have straddled that line are Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Sarah Vaughan, Aretha Franklin, Carmen McRae, Esther Phillips and Nancy Wilson.
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