Jazz Origins and Cultural Influences in New Orleans

New Orleans Founded

Founded in 1718 by France; later controlled by Spain (1763), then France again, then sold to the US in the Louisiana Purchase.

Cultural Syncretism

The blending of African, Latin, and European cultures that created a unique musical and cultural environment in New Orleans.

Congo Square

A place in New Orleans where enslaved people were allowed to gather, dance, and play music starting in 1817.

Code Noir

A set of laws that governed the treatment of enslaved people in Louisiana; allowed some to gain freedom and become Creoles.

Creoles of Color

A social group of mixed ancestry in Louisiana who were often educated and wealthy; not fully accepted by white or Black communities after 1890.

Syncretism

The blending of different cultural or religious traditions into something new.

African Contributions to Jazz

Drum circles, call-and-response, polyrhythms, and improvisation.

European Contributions to Jazz

Harmony and classical music traditions.

Country Blues

Simple, folk-style blues with solo singer and guitar, often using a 12-bar structure and call-and-response.

Classic Blues

Commercial blues style with female vocalists and band accompaniment; emerged in early 1900s.

Ragtime

A piano-based music style from the 1890s with syncopated rhythms; influenced early jazz.

Scott Joplin

The most famous ragtime composer; wrote 'Maple Leaf Rag'; blended ragtime with other styles and helped pave the way for jazz.

Buddy Bolden

Often considered the first jazz musician; combined ragtime, blues, and improvisation but left no recordings.

Second Line

A New Orleans parade tradition where musicians and community members follow the main line, dancing and playing music.

Original Dixieland Jazz Band (ODJB)

Made the first jazz recording in 1917: 'Livery Stable Blues'; all-white band that helped popularize jazz.

Jelly Roll Morton

Creole pianist and composer from New Orleans; led the Red Hot Peppers; made early influential jazz recordings.

Joe 'King' Oliver

Cornet player and bandleader from New Orleans; mentored Louis Armstrong and expanded jazz arrangements.

Louis Armstrong

Trumpeter and singer who revolutionized jazz with his solos; led the 'Hot Five' and 'Hot Seven'; became a global icon.

Era of the Soloist

A shift in jazz where individual solos became the focus, led by Louis Armstrong's influence.

Sidney Bechet

Clarinetist and saxophonist who helped establish jazz in Europe; known for his expressive solos and traditional style.

Hot Five and Hot Seven

Recording bands created by Louis Armstrong in the 1920s, marking a key moment in jazz history.

Livery Stable Blues

The first jazz recording, made by the Original Dixieland Jazz Band in 1917.