The entire month of April is known as Jazz Appreciation Month, also known as “JAM.” The month was created at National Museum of American History in 2001 to recognize and celebrate all the achievements and history of jazz music.But have you ever wondered where did jazz start? Well look no further, the Balancing Act has you covered! Here is the origin of jazz music.
The beginning of jazz music dates back to the 19th century in New Orleans, Louisiana in Congo Square. This space is where slaves would gather and play music together. This tradition brought people together from varies parts of the world introducing a bit of their own cultural music.Over time, African music and Caribbean music was joined by marching band instruments and jazz music was born. Marching bands were very popular during the Civil War. After the Civil War, formerly enslaved people from throughout the south brought the blues to Louisiana. It is still up for debate exactly when jazz began, but most feel it started in the 1800s or early 1900s. However, the genre grew in popularity in the 1920s.
When it comes to who invented this beloved genre, most historians consider Buddy Bolden the first jazz musician. He was an African-American cornet player and bandleader. Bolden is considered the leader of the genre. While there are no known recordings of Bolden’s music, his sound was said to feature improvisation that is traditionally found in jazz.Buddy Bolden was not the only musician associated with the beginning of jazz. Some other early musicians include Mutt Carey, Bunk Johnson, and Joe Oliver. Other Creole musicians like Jelly Roll Morton, Freddie Keppard, and Sidney Bechet helped shaped the genre. All of these musicians blended various musical traditions like beats from Africa and the Caribbean to European classical instruments, and other sounds and influences from around the world.
Jazz Appreciation Month or “JAM” is a celebration by National Museum of American History. JAM is intended to encourage people of all ages to participate in jazz. Either studying the genre, attend jazz concerts, listen to jazz on the radio or streaming, read books about the history of jazz, and more.
