Music in America

Americans have contributed to many art forms, but the jazz, a type of music, is the only art form that was created in the United States. Jazz Was created by Afro-Americans. The black slaves sang and played the music of their homeland. Jazz is a combination of the music of West Africa, the slaves' songs, and religious music. The musicians make the music up as they go along, or create the music up on the spot. The music was inspired by African culture but evolved directly from spirituals, ragtime and blues. Jazz is characterized by improvisation. That's why a jazz song might sound a little different each time it is played. By the 1940s you could not only hear jazz in clubs and bars, but in concert halls as well. Today, people from all over the world play jazz. Jazz musicians from the United States, Asia, South America and Europe meet and share their music at festivals on every continent. In this way jazz continues to grow and change.

Famous jazz singers and leaders are well-known all over the world. They are Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong and Charlie Parker.

Although the improvisational style of early jazz survives today jazz has moved on to new frontiers. Jazz musicians began combine the rhythms of rock'n'roll and electronic instruments with traditional elements of jazz to form a blend of music called " fusion" Today jazz is extremely popular in America.

The influence of jazz is found in many types of American music. The music of George Gershwin (1898-1937), one of American's most popular composers, was strongly influenced by jazz.

 

1. Who created jazz? 2. In what country was it created? 3. What music is jazz a combination of? 4. When did jazz become popular? 5. Why does jazz sound a little different each time? 6. In what countries is jazz popular nowadays? 7. Are you fond of jazz? 8. What popular jazz musicians do you know?