Jazz is an American art form that originated sometime around the turn of the 20th century. Its roots lie in the blues, which is believed to have been carried across the Atlantic Ocean to America during the slave trade of the Colonial era. Since its birth in New Orleans, the music has spread all around the globe and has evolved into many different and distinct styles.

Elements commonly found in jazz are improvisation, modal scales, and bent notes. Brass instruments such as the trumpet and saxophone are typically played along with the piano and drums. Jazz has never been concretely defined, and there are several opinions on what is and what is not jazz.

Prominent artists include Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk and many others. A large number of musicians did not reach their peak in popularity until after their deaths and remain overlooked. Despite this, their contributions have and continue to influence other genres of music.

Jazz was brought to Europe in 1918 when an all-black army regiment from New York landed in France to prepare for battle in World War I. The regiment included a marching band, and French audiences soon became captivated by its music. The first international jazz festival was held in Paris in 1949, and there are  now over fifty festivals held each year all over the world.