## TL;DR

Jazz originated in New Orleans (late 19th/early 20th century), blending African rhythms, blues, ragtime, and European harmony. Key characteristics: swing, improvisation, blue notes, call-and-response. Called 'America's classical music.' Evolved through: Dixieland → Swing → Bebop → Cool → Free → Fusion.

## Core Explanation

Key figures: Louis Armstrong (trumpet, scat singing, defined swing), Duke Ellington (composer, big band leader), Charlie Parker/Dizzy Gillespie (bebop, fast complex improvisation), Miles Davis (Kind of Blue, 1959 — best-selling jazz album, modal jazz), John Coltrane (A Love Supreme, 1965 — spiritual jazz). Ella Fitzgerald: queen of scat. Jazz influenced rock, R&B, hip-hop — foundational to 20th century music.

## Further Reading

- [Jazz (Gary Giddins, Scott DeVeaux)](https://wwnorton.com/books/9780393978803)