Jazz is considered one of the most influential types of music in American history. Some of the world's greatest artists have contributed to the success that jazz has had not only in American history but throughout the world. This article will explain the history of jazz, its origins, and the effect it had on America. Culture.Meltingpot.fortuecity.com states that in the 1930s and 1940s, jazz was at an all-time high. Although it is unclear when jazz began, some believe that jazz began in New Orleans. Proceed to other large cities in the Midwest, cities like Memphis, St. Louis and Chicago have their own unique jazz style. While the city of New Orleans was founded in 1719 by French men and was ruled by Spain for years. Until France regained control of the territory in 1803 and immediately sold it to the Americans as part of the Louisiana Purchase. The city of New Orleans offers a new perspective on life with a love of good food, wine, music and dance. The city of New Orleans was far from any US colony with their old world culture. Nps.gov states that New Orleans' cultural background played an important role in the beginning of jazz, because different sounds came together to form the music of jazz. Europeans were not the only race heading to New Orleans, as much of the population was made up of slaves from West Africa. Around 1721 West Africans made up 30% of the population, and by the late 1700s people of various African origins, both free and enslaved, made up more than half of the city's population. While many arrived through the Caribbean and brought with them West Indian cultural traditions. The influence of black Americans, who dealt with slavery, brought to the middle of the paper a rich history in the American music industry. He will always be remembered for this, his unique sound and uplifting spirit. Jazz has changed history, the way of life and the way people perceive life. Even though jazz isn't big today, it will always be remembered because it helps pave the way for today's music. Works Cited "A Brief History of New Orleans Jazz." Jazz History: New Orleans Jazz NHP. Network. December 2, 2009."Bebop." Network. December 2, 2009."BeBop." Jazz Styles: Mainstream Jazz: Bebop. 2000. Network. December 2, 2009. Burns, Ken. "The Great Depression." PBS Jazz A Ken Burns Film: Lazz in Time The Great Depression. Network. 2 Dec 2009."Introduction." Network. 2 Dec 2009. Scaruffi, Piero. A history of jazz music. 2005. Network. December 2, 2009."Swing." Network. 2 December 2009 "What does jazz have to do with it?" Swing Net Music Jazz Music and History of Jazz. 2004.Web. December 2 2009.