Although it may not apparent, Jazz is still very alive in today’s modern American music. Music in America was not always like it is now. Music was very engrained in society, but not in the way we see today. During the early stages of America, sixteenth to nineteenth century, music was mostly used as folk music: tradition cultural music that was performed on a local/individual level. This type of music tended to be focused on the custom that it accompanied. Another major form of music during the early stages of America was classical music, performed with more sophisticated instruments in more formal tones.
As more music genres begin to arise and production and distribution of music develops, the 1920s becomes an era for music history through the spawn of jazz music. Termed as the Harlem Renaissance (because Harlem, Manhattan, New York City is considered the birthplace of jazz), the 1920s changed the course of music forever. Jazz music was very unique from its genre predecessors, diversifying the way music is composed. Unlike its predecessors, jazz was very upbeat and enticing; “big band swing” music that makes people want to get up and dance. Jazz music made people excited and defined the carefree nature of the era. Music become a way to party and let loose.
Jazz paved the way for music to become exciting and dance-inducing. Jazz set this precedent of making upbeat music that make you want to move with the rhythm. Jazz essentially created “jamming out” to music. Furthermore, jazz has continued to influence music till today. Many modern genres have branched out of Jazz: pop, rock, hip-hop, etc. Jazz techniques for harmony and rhythm continue to be replicated in today’s modern American music.
With this shift in modern American popular music, the old tradition music still continues to live on. Although these traditional music genres are not as mainstream as music like pop and rap, there are still many who are keeping these traditional types of music alive.