Influence of Jazz on American CultureToday many believe that jazz is not such an important musical genre, but with our history, jazz plays an important role. “Jazz does not belong to a race or a culture, but is a gift that America has given to the world,” quoted by Ahmad Alaadeen. Jazz in the 1920s opened the eyes of whites and invited them into African-American culture; brought Americans to where we are today as it brought a change in the music scene, an acceptance of African Americans, and a change in lifestyles. Jazz began to influence American culture from the very beginning of its conception. Ironically, it is nearly impossible to find the exact spot where jazz began. Many of the early types of music, such as: blues, Afro-Latin Caribbean rhythms, work songs, Protestant church hymns, Jewish songs, contemporary silly tunes, English and Irish dance music, gospel and spirituals, and ragtime, have all flowed into creation of jazz. Much of the credit goes to African Americans for the creation of jazz. (Taborelli, Giorgio). “Jazz arose from the cultural experience of African Americans and can be traced in a direct line to the songs of plantation slaves through Negro Spirituals, Ragtime, and the Blues” (“Jazz Musicians as Cultural Intermediaries”). The amendment or ban on alcohol also fueled new opportunities for jazz (Tirro, Frank) Not only is it nearly impossible to pinpoint the conception of jazz over time, but many places are credited with its origin, the United States allowed to jazz to start. gaining popularity and leading to the change it had in the music scene. When talking about jazz, many first think that its birthplace is New Orleans, Louisiana, which has always been a great musical center......there are still people who love listening to jazz and musicians who strive to learn the genre. In conclusion, it is clear that jazz has had a great impact on American culture. The birth of jazz began with African Americans and has lasted throughout the years because of African Americans. Events like the Great Migration and the Harlem Renaissance allowed artists like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington to spread the popularity of jazz. Jazz was able to change the way Americans viewed African Americans and their culture and essentially invited Americans into their culture and shaped America to where it is today. This change occurred because jazz brought a change in the music scene, acceptance of African Americans, and a change in the lifestyle of common people. Although some will never be convinced, jazz is here to stay.