Which genre is considered a precursor to jazz?

The genre considered a precursor to jazz is the blues. Blues emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily within African American communities in the Deep South of the United States. It is characterized by its unique chord progressions, particularly the twelve-bar blues form, and its use of expressive themes often centered around sorrow, struggle, and the human experience.

The connection between blues and jazz is significant; many early jazz musicians drew inspiration from the emotional depth and improvisational elements of blues music. The improvisational style found in jazz can be traced back to the expressive, individualized performances of blues artists. Additionally, the use of "blue notes," or notes sung or played at a slightly lower pitch than those of the major scale, is a common feature in both genres, underscoring their intertwined histories.

Understanding this relationship highlights how the blues laid much of the groundwork that would evolve into jazz, showcasing an essential aspect of American music's development.