Jazz is the musical style that originated in New Orleans in the late 19th century. It emerged from a fusion of African American musical traditions, blues, ragtime, and European influences. Characterized by its improvisational elements, syncopated rhythms, and diverse instrumentation, jazz quickly spread in popularity, evolving into numerous sub-genres over the decades, including bebop, smooth jazz, and fusion. Notable jazz musicians like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Miles Davis have greatly influenced its development, making jazz a prominent and enduring genre in global music culture.