Jazz was first played in the 1800's. Almost all Jazz at this time was played in the street.

Between 1910 and 1920, jazz began to spread in the South.

In the 1940's and 1950's, jazz became even more popular. Vocalists added jazz to their music. People all over the United States started to appreciate jazz. Jazz earned a permanent place in music's history.

In the 1970's, musicians put together rock and jazz. They called this Fusion Jazz. Fusion combined aspects of jazz and rythms of rock. Electronic music was played in this new jazz form. Pianists played electronic instruments called synthesizers. Horn players used electronics to multiply their sounds. Musicians gained new popularity by playing
Fusion Jazz.

During the 1970's and 1980's, many veterans of jazz remained popular. These musicians kept on playing earlier swing, hop, and cool styles.

Today jazz is recognized as an American art form by the United States government.