The Grammy Award for Best Rhythm & Blues Recording was one of the first categories introduced at Grammys in the “R&B” field. The category was retired in 1968. Other categories that were included in the R&B field but later retired include Best R&B Solo Vocal Performance, Male or Female, Best R&B Instrumental Performance. The current categories that are awarded in the R&B field are:
- Best Female Vocal Solo - The Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance has been handed out since 1968. It was awarded as Best R&B Solo Vocal Performance, Female in 1968. The title was changed to Best R&B Performance, Female in 1969.
- Best Male Vocal Solo - The Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance has been handed out since 1968. In 1968 it was awarded as Best R&B Solo Vocal Performance, Male. It was awarded as Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male from 1969 to 1994.
- Best Duo Or Group With Vocals - The Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals had been handed out since 1970. Before 1970, a similar award named Best Rhythm & Blues Group Performance, Vocal or Instrumental was presented from 1967 to 1968.
- Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance - The Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance has been handed out since 1999.For the first four years, from 1999 to 2002 the award was known as the Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Vocal Album.
- Best R&B Song - The Grammy Award - Best R&B Song has been handed out since 1969. It was occasionally awarded as the R&B Songwriter’s Award. It was known as the Grammy Award - Best Rhythm & Blues Song from 1969 to 2000.
- Best R&B Album - The Grammy Award for Best R&B Album has been handed out since 1995. In 2003, the category was split into two Best Contemporary R&B Album for R&B LPs with modern hip-hop styles and Best R&B Album for R&B LPs that are traditional with less electronic influence.
- Best Contemporary R&B Album - The Grammy Award for Best Contemporary R&B Album has been handed out since 2003. This award was introduced at the 2003 Grammys to nominate and award R&B albums with the contemporary musical style of modern day hip-hop.