Meaning: The quote "Our repertoire consisted of rhythm and blues, sort of country rhythm and blues, Sonny Terry things" by Ray Davies, a renowned musician, provides insight into the type of music and influences that shaped his musical style and career. Ray Davies is best known as the lead singer and songwriter of the British rock band The Kinks, which was an influential and innovative force in the 1960s music scene. Davies' quote reflects the diverse range of musical genres and artists that inspired and informed his musical journey.

Rhythm and blues, often abbreviated as R&B, is a genre of popular music that originated in African American communities in the 1940s. It is characterized by a strong, insistent backbeat and a heavy, driving rhythm. R&B encompasses a wide range of styles, including soul, funk, and blues, and has had a profound influence on the development of rock and roll. The incorporation of rhythm and blues into The Kinks' repertoire speaks to the band's engagement with the African American musical tradition and their desire to infuse their own sound with the energy and vitality of R&B.

The mention of "sort of country rhythm and blues" in Davies' quote suggests a fusion of country music with the rhythmic and emotive elements of R&B. Country music, with its roots in rural and working-class American life, often features narratives of heartache, resilience, and everyday experiences. By incorporating elements of country music into their repertoire, The Kinks may have sought to infuse their music with the storytelling tradition and emotional authenticity of country while maintaining the propulsive rhythms and soulful vocals of R&B.

The reference to "Sonny Terry things" in Davies' quote likely alludes to the influence of Sonny Terry, a legendary blues musician known for his mastery of the harmonica and his collaboration with guitarist Brownie McGhee. Sonny Terry's style of playing, characterized by its dynamic rhythms and expressive phrasing, had a significant impact on the development of blues and folk music. By acknowledging Sonny Terry's influence, Davies highlights the importance of blues traditions in shaping his musical sensibilities and the approach of The Kinks to incorporating diverse influences into their repertoire.

Davies' quote provides a glimpse into the rich tapestry of musical influences that contributed to The Kinks' distinctive sound. By embracing rhythm and blues, country music, and the expressive style of Sonny Terry, the band demonstrated a willingness to explore and integrate diverse musical traditions into their own creative expression. This openness to musical cross-pollination and experimentation helped The Kinks carve out a unique niche in the music industry and left an indelible mark on the evolution of rock and roll.

In conclusion, Ray Davies' quote offers a window into the eclectic and expansive musical influences that informed his artistic journey and the evolution of The Kinks' sound. By embracing rhythm and blues, country rhythm and blues, and the influence of Sonny Terry, Davies and his bandmates demonstrated a commitment to honoring and integrating diverse musical traditions into their own distinctive style. This openness to musical exploration and fusion contributed to The Kinks' enduring impact on the music landscape and solidified their status as pioneers of rock and roll.