How far has the representation of women in the rhythm and blues genre developed over the years, in relation to ‘The Supremes’ and ‘Destiny’s Child’?

Throughout many generations of music, the representation of women has changed dramatically in relation to how they look, how they sound and how they are viewed by an audience. Throughout this project, my first aim is to explore how the rhythm and blues genre differs now compared to its origins, particularly investigating how it has adapted and evolved to move with the times.

Secondly I will discuss the ever-changing representation of females within the R+B genre with particular reference to the male gaze theory. I have chosen to base my investigation around tow particular case studies, firstly ‘The Supremes’, who “were not only the most commercially successful female group of the '60s but among the top 5 pop/rock/soul acts of that decade.”(1)

 I then plan to compare and contrast them with a more contemporary rhythm and blues act ‘Destiny’s Child’  They could be seen as a post modern evolution of the ‘The Supremes’ but could arguably be said to have become more successful and ideological. Quote