An anonymous source once said “ Jazz is ... One of life ' s greatest gifts : fun found within surprise .” In the late 19th century , Jazz became the new type of music that everyone was listening to . Derived from African beats and personality of New Orleans , this genre became the most preferred in the United States . In New Orleans , Jazz is played at every single event , even funerals . Prior to its debut to the rest of the country , the only other genres that existed were classical , hymns , and Civil War ballads . This jazz sound was acquired by imitating the rich flavor that was formed in New Orleans . Ironically , all three genres were affected by Jazz and also helped birth another genre . The genre that Jazz help create was The Blues . It also came out around the same time and they went hand in hand became they share their African roots . These two genres were greatly embraced in the South , East , and Midwest .
One place that Jazz deeply influenced was Harlem in the 1900 ’ s . Jazz , Rhythm and Blues , as well as many different forms of art came to make The Harlem Renaissance . This event triggered a great African American movement . This movement freed people simply by means of expression weather it was art , poetry , or music . Many great buildings were made in honor of this great movement such as The Cotton Club . People who lived during that will tell you that The Cotton Club brought back many famous memories such as good nights and fun times full of music and love . Ahmad Alaaden once said , “ Jazz does not belong to one race or culture , but is a gift that America has given the world .”