Boogie-Woogie is a lively style of piano music that originated in the African American communities of the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It features a strong, repetitive bass line and fast-paced melodies, often played in a syncopated rhythm. This energetic genre became popular in dance halls and was a precursor to rock and roll. The style is characterized by its use of the 12-bar blues structure and improvisation, allowing musicians to showcase their creativity. Notable Boogie-Woogie pianists include Meade "Lux" Lewis, Albert Ammons, and Pete Johnson, who helped bring the genre to mainstream audiences in the 1930s.