It has several roots, like the culture and music of West Africa, along with African-American musical traditions like blues and ragtime, and even including military band music from Europe.
I really enjoy ragtime. Jazz really has roots there from their culture.
I really want to get into jazz music but there's so much to learn. Well, to give you some history, jazz started in New Orleans' African-American communities. That's interesting! What else can you tell me about its history?
Jazz has roots in West African cultural and musical expression, and in African-American music traditions including blues and ragtime, as well as European military band music.