Jazz emerged in the early 20th century in New Orleans, where African rhythms met blues, gospel, and ragtime. The music was raw, rhythmic, and centered around improvisation. Pioneers like Buddy Bolden and Louis Armstrong helped shape this new sound, which quickly spread through cities like Chicago and New York.

The 1930s brought the rise of swing — jazz that filled dance halls with large ensembles and infectious rhythms. Artists like Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Benny Goodman led orchestras that defined the sound of an era. Jazz became a central part of popular culture.

After World War II, jazz evolved into a more complex and virtuosic form with bebop. Fast tempos, intricate melodies, and harmonic innovation became the new norm, led by musicians like Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and Thelonious Monk. This era marked a shift from dance music to serious art.

In contrast to bebop’s intensity, cool jazz offered a smoother, more restrained style, while modal jazz opened new harmonic possibilities. Innovators like Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Charles Mingus expanded the emotional and structural depth of jazz. The 1960s also saw the emergence of free jazz, an experimental and boundary-breaking form.

Jazz began blending with rock, funk, and world music to form jazz fusion. Artists like Herbie Hancock, Weather Report, and Mahavishnu Orchestra embraced electric instruments and new textures. Meanwhile, jazz scenes flourished globally — from Japan to Brazil, Africa to Europe.

Modern jazz is a wide spectrum — from traditional revivalists to artists blending jazz with hip-hop, soul, and electronic music. Musicians like Kamasi Washington, Esperanza Spalding, and Robert Glasper continue to innovate while honoring jazz’s roots. Vinyl reissues and boutique pressings keep the genre alive for collectors and new listeners alike.