What is Jazz music?

Origin of Jazz

New Orleans, Louisiana, early 1900s. Developed from blues, ragtime, and brass band traditions in African American communities. Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington shaped the early canon. The form evolved through bebop (1940s), cool jazz (1950s), and free jazz (1960s).

Era: 1900s--present

Defining sound of Jazz

Improvisation is the defining characteristic -- soloists extemporise melodic lines over chord changes. Swing feel, call-and-response between instruments, and complex harmony. Typical ensemble: piano, upright bass, drums, horn or guitar. BPM varies enormously by subgenre.

Pioneers of Jazz

• Louis Armstrong
• Duke Ellington
• Charlie Parker
• Miles Davis
• John Coltrane

Key Jazz artists

• Thelonious Monk
• Ornette Coleman
• Herbie Hancock
• Chet Baker
• Bill Evans
• Kamasi Washington

Related genres

Frequently asked questions about Jazz

When did Jazz start?

Jazz originated 1900s--present. New Orleans, Louisiana, early 1900s.

Who invented Jazz?

Jazz was pioneered by Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, John Coltrane. New Orleans, Louisiana, early 1900s. Developed from blues, ragtime, and brass band traditions in African American communities. Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington shaped the early canon. The form evolved through bebop (1940s), cool jazz (1950s), and free jazz (1960s).

Is Jazz still popular?

Jazz continues to be listened to and has influenced countless artists since its origins. Key contemporary artists in the genre include Thelonious Monk, Ornette Coleman, Herbie Hancock, Chet Baker.

What does Jazz sound like?

Improvisation is the defining characteristic -- soloists extemporise melodic lines over chord changes. Swing feel, call-and-response between instruments, and complex harmony. Typical ensemble: piano, upright bass, drums, horn or guitar. BPM varies enormously by subgenre.

What is the difference between Jazz and blues?

Jazz and blues are related genres that share some characteristics but differ in origin, instrumentation, and production approach. See the blues definition page for a full comparison.