 This was a revised version of the Harlem Hit Parade chart, which it had introduced in 1942.In June 1949, at the suggestion of "Billboard" journalist Jerry Wexler, the magazine changed the name of the chart to Rhythm & Blues Records.Wexler wrote, "Race' was a common term then, a self-referral used by blacks...On the other hand, 'Race Records' didn't sit well...I came up with a handle I thought suited the music well – 'rhythm and blues.