What Is Jazz Music?
Jazz is a genre of music. This specific genre focuses on rhythm and blues. Common instruments used in jazz include the trombone, trumpet, saxophone, bass, drums, and guitar.
Jazz started around 1895 but really became popular in the 1920s and 30s when artists such as Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald became popular and pushed the genre to new levels.
Where Did Jazz Originate From?
Jazz started in the United States in New Orleans. Jazz is a mixture of rhythm, blues, harmony, and instrumentals from both Africa and Europe. This is one reason why in the United States it began in New Orleans. New Orleans is a city known for being a “port city.” People from all over the world settled in New Orleans and the city is known for its creole ancestry. The mix of cultures sparked the genre in New Orleans until it gradually spread throughout the rest of the United States, becoming one of the most popular music genres of all time.
Overall, even though jazz came from a mixture of influences, its main influence was through African Americans in the United States originating from negro spirituals.
A Few Popular Jazz Artists and Their Popular Songs
Duke Ellington
In A Sentimental Mood
Take the A Train
My Little Brown Book
Ella Fitzgerald
Dream A Little Dream of Me
Summertime
It’s Only A Paper Moon
Louis Armstrong
What A Wonderful World
Let’s Do It
When The Saints Go Marchin In
Sarah Vaughan
Misty
Black Coffee
Tenderly
My Opinion on Jazz
Personally I love jazz. I think that jazz music is extremely calming and relaxing. It brings you to a place of tranquilization. In terms of specific artists I love Louis Armstrong. For one, when he performs he always has this huge grin on his face. You can tell he really loves what he does. You can hear the passion in his voice and you can see it in his eyes. I like jazz because it is a true staple in African American music. There are many genres that African Americans have specialized in and overall essentially started but I think for the African American community jazz is truly special. I definitely don’t think that jazz is as popular as it was in the 20s and 30s, but I do think that it is still a classic in the African American community.
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