Jazz music is a vibrant and expressive genre that originated in the African American communities of New Orleans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is characterized by its use of improvisation, syncopated rhythms, and distinctive melodies, often incorporating elements from blues and ragtime. Over the years, jazz has evolved into various styles, including Bebop, Cool Jazz, and Free Jazz. Renowned musicians like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington have significantly shaped its development, making jazz a fundamental part of American culture and a global phenomenon that continues to inspire artists today.