Jazz is a genre of music that originated in the African-American communities of New Orleans, United States, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It emerged from a blend of African and European musical traditions, including ragtime, blues, and marching band music. Jazz is characterized by its improvisation, syncopated rhythms, and unique harmonic progressions. Over the years, jazz has evolved into various subgenres, including swing, bebop, cool jazz, fusion, and more. It has produced legendary musicians like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, and John Coltrane. Today, jazz continues to be a vibrant and influential genre, with artists pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation.