RIRBPS started as an ambitious idea of Dr. Edward A. Coates, ED.D, a self taught, former part-time rhythm and blues musician, who, together with a small group of grassroots R-and-B lovers and performers, founded and incorporated the Society December 1, 2003. The Society received advanced approval as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in July 2004. The Society ensures that the R-and-B desires of members with special tastes and interests, as well as the desires of the broader membership and community, are met at some level in the organization mission. A board of directors and set of bylaws governs the Society.

The Society reaches out within the state diverse communities to spread the word about the rich musical heritage and history of the classic music style. Providence communities of the West Side, East Side and South Side have deep roots in the perpetuation and spread of R-and-B music throughout the state. The Society focuses primarily on local artists and contributing communities.

RIRBPS is the home of the popular Preservation Hall Rhythm and Blues Band that plays classic R-and-B with a touch of jazz. It is also the home of R-and-B projects and programs, to include collecting local oral histories of the early R-and-B era, purchasing musical instruments for underprivileged children, conducting R-and-B education workshops for the public, creating an R-and-B Hall of Fame for local performers and raising funds to support nonprofit organizations that provide afterschool music programs for underprivileged children and final burial expenses for performers in need to name a few.

The Society is supported by membership fees, donations and fund raisers where jam sessions are held and hats and T-shirts are sold. The Hall Band is the primary fundraising tool of the organization.