Welcome to the Jazz Quarterly book series’ first installment. The goal of this book series is to portray the essence of jazz, including its long history, significant musicians, classic recordings, and constantly evolving style.

Jazz has long been hailed as a phenomenon of culture, a form of expression for the arts that crosses boundaries and unites people from various walks of life. A completely original and alluring musical language was created, with its origins in African rhythms, European harmonies, and the spirit of improvisation. Jazz has changed over time, incorporating elements from many genres and cultures while retaining its fundamental qualities of freedom, inventiveness, and innovation.

We set out on a voyage through the colorful history of jazz in this volume. We examine the lives and legacies of illustrious individuals who have influenced jazz and had a lasting impression on its development, including Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, and Miles Davis. We explore key events, ground-breaking music, and revolutionary movements that have shaped various jazz periods.

Each chapter of this volume is meticulously crafted to offer a glimpse into the lives of jazz artists, the stories behind iconic compositions, and the cultural and social contexts that have influenced the genre. From the birth of ragtime to the swing era, the bebop revolution to the cool and modal jazz movements, and the fusion experiments of the later years, we traverse the ever-changing landscapes of jazz.