Jazz is a collective term for a variety of styles that trace their origin back to the music of African-American slaves. A distinctive
jazz
style first appeared in the southern U.S. at the beginning of the 20th century. Combining West African and European traditions, and using early
slaves' songs
and
spirituals
, black southerners created a new, unique music. Its main features include improvisation, syncopation—rhythm that stresses the weak beats—and melodies using blue...