Is Jazz African-American music?

Question

This was a question given by my music professor.

Answer 1

Jazz is an original American musical art form that originated around the start of the 20th century in New Orleans, rooted in African American musical styles blended with Western music technique and theory. Jazz uses blue notes, syncopation, swing, call and response, polyrhythms, and improvisation.

Answer 2

Yes. The answer is a big YES.

African Americans in New Orleans the 1900's started jazz music with left over military instruments. The African Americans of these times were living much different lives from the whites of the times. It would be an injustice to say it's not African Americans music. Of course, times have changed and anybody can be a jazz musician. The heritage of jazz is from the culture of African Americans. Please don't let anyone tell you it's not theirs.

It's the music of freedom, in many ways. Respect what it is, and the people who lived through what they did to create it.

Answer 3

The answer is yes and no because the origins of jazz music did start with rhythm and blues but African Americans were not the only people to perform jazz music when it began unlike, Rock and roll which was originally started by African Americans and then Caucasians began to do versions of their songs which became hits.

Answer 4

Traditionally, yes. If memory serves me right Scott Joplin was one of the earliest to practice the style.

Answer 5

no.