Welcome to the birthplace of American Music . . .

Jazz probably, blues no.

If you really want to start getting technical about it, Louis Moreau Gottshalk (from New Orleans) was the first American to take the sounds of all the different cultures he was surrounded by to form something uniquely American. You can hear the early beginnings of Jazz in his compositions... Furthermore, he was the first American composer to be recognized by the European music establishment as "great".

Regardless, he drew influence from African tribal rhythm's, music from cubans, other expats located in New Orleans, the European establishment, et al. The earliest jazz musicians drew from his work.

However, on the subject of blues vs. jazz... Blues came first, but the distinct and quick popularity of jazz (which drew some of its influence from the blues) opened the door for the recognition of blues music. This tends to cause confusion over which came first. The blues came first, but Jazz music became popular first.

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The blues was the first American genre of music

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i agree. and even if jazz was "first" i feel more music over the last 50 years was directly influenced by blues rather than jazz - Jazz and blues being the 2 genres of music i would claim began in the States

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i agree. and even if jazz was "first" i feel more music over the last 50 years was directly influenced by blues rather than jazz - Jazz and blues being the 2 genres of music i would claim began in the States

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yes,
but jazz being the original 'form'
of American music...

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but jazz being the original 'form' of American music

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I disagree. Blues came about first. Like another person said Jazz may have grown popular at an earlier date but Jazz took influences directly from the Blues.

Regardless I think its pretty badass that american music began in this river delta.

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And the fact that both forms continue to influence all of the best bands and musicians to listen to.

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FIFY