Most Important Artists

From Louis Armstrong to Ella Fitzgerald, here are the most important artists in the history of Jazz music.

A Brief History of Jazz

Born in America, Jazz can be seen as a reflection of the cultural diversity and individualism of this country. At its core are openness to all influences, and personal expression through improvisation. Throughout its history, Jazz has straddled the worlds of popular music and art music, and it has expanded to a point where its styles are so varied that one may sound completely unrelated to another.

Influence on Society

Throughout the 1920s, jazz music evolved into an integral part of American popular culture. The "primitive" jazz sound that had originated in New Orleans diversified, and thus appealed to people from every echelon of society. The effect of jazz music upon society can be depicted through a close examination of different aspects of popular culture.