Jazz

Jazz was created by mostly free African Americans after the civil war. It focused on black and white and urban elements that created a sound only heard in cities. Jazz was made up of African melodies and a lot of improvisation, some listeners called it swing. The one place where jazz was the most popular was New Orleans or " The Cradle Of Jazz". Jazz thrived here for a while until in 1841 New York surpassed it. Later a new music emerged from New Orleans, called blues. Blues was a slower form of jazz. Famous Jazz players were Joe "King" Oliver and Louis Armstrong, these popular musicians were attracted to Chicago, its bright lights and many dance crazes. One key change for jazz was the rapid and diverse population growth. New York still remained as the capitol of jazz and brought many new musicians and forms of jazz. It seems that jazz has died out and will never have mass audiences. It will always be behind Rock, Hip Hop and other popular music.

"jazz." American History. ABC-CLIO, 2010. Web. 1 Feb. 2010.