The term "rhythm and blues" was originally coined in the 1940s to describe a genre of music that combined African-American musical traditions such as jazz, gospel, and blues with an up-tempo, danceable beat. In recent years, other terms have come into use to describe similar styles of music, including "soul," "funk," and "neo-soul." These terms all refer to music that emphasizes a strong beat and emotional vocals, but each has its own unique cultural and historical context. Regardless of the terminology used, these genres continue to be a powerful expression of African-American culture and a source of inspiration for musicians around the world.