The Story of Jazz
By Essence Ward

Origins
Jazz originated in New Orleans. Traditional Jazz or New Orleans Jazz came from the many different culture gathering in congo square. Africans taken from the Caribbean were introduced to this new style of music from European cultures and jazz was born. New Orleans was the mecca because it was the route many slaves from many different cultures came through. It was also the only place slaves were allowed to freely perform music and dance from their culture. On Sundays, slaves performed in congo square creating jazz. The first real artist to come out of this mecca of music was Charles “Buddy” Bolden. He was known as the first jazz king and he was suppose to had listened to the music from congo square since he was a child.
Jazz Kings
Kings of Trumpet

Charles “Buddy” Bolden
The first King of jazz was known to had sat during the infamous performances at congo square as a child. He grew up to start the first jazz band. He was wildly popular and he eventually was admitted to an insane asylum due to his fame.

Freddy Keppard
Keppard succeeded Bolden as the Jazz King of New Orleans. He took Jazz to the west coast, starting the first orchestra in 1912.

Joe “King” Oliver
King Oliver was a noted trumpet player and composer who took jazz to Chicago and influenced and taught possibly the greatest jazz artist Louis Armstrong.

Louis Armstrong
Louis Armstrong was the first great jazz soloist. He pioneered all jazz as we know it now, he is the model. He affected other music genres and styles. He travelled all over showcasing his talent as a vocalist and trumpeter.