Unlike any other genre, jazz dominated the entire 20th century, influencing the development of new music genres. Its elements can be found in many types of contemporary music and subcultures. 

        Jazz is a phenomenon through which former slaves in the southern United States peacefully gained the upper hand over white Americans and implanted in them a love for Black Culture, fighting against discrimination and for their place in society after the Civil War. It is also a worldwide phenomenon that has spread joy and dance across the globe. 

        Although jazz reached its golden age in the 1920s and 1930s, its origins lie in previous centuries. Its origins can be traced back to the era of slavery in America. Jazz was born in the community of black slaves from Africa who were brought to the cotton plantations with their folk music and instruments. Rhythmic singing accompanied them during their work and prayer, and was part of the emerging black community and its traditions.

        The American South, particularly New Orleans, was the cradle of jazz. Brass bands were already popular there in the 1890s. Black and white brass bands played on the streets on various occasions. At that time, which is now known as the era of archaic jazz, the term “jazz” did not yet exist. The word “jazz” was first officially used in the American press in 1913.  The first jazz performers played Creole music and blues with strong European elements. Soon afterwards, swing and ragtime also followed. The popular entertainment district of Storyville in New Orleans was famous for its clubs, which hosted regular performances by jazz bands and individual musicians.

        From there, jazz spread northwards across the country, carried by black workers who emigrated en masse in search of work. The growing urban centres in the northern United States offered jobs and an escape from discrimination. Following the closure of Storyville in 1915 due to the numerous criminal excesses that had taken place there, the jazz scene in New Orleans and the Mississippi River basin relocated to New York, Chicago, Detroit, Pennsylvania and other American cities. In Chicago, jazz musicians from New Orleans found their place in the neighbourhood of the South Side, which was notorious for its gangs and illegal bars. In New York, black Harlem became the capital of jazz.