Influences from around the world are found in American music. When immigrants came to America, they brought their music with them. Jazz, rock 'n' roll, blue grass, tejano, reggae, calypso, polka, and ragtime are just a few types. The music of Charles Ives and George Gerschwin mixes an American aspect to traditional European music. Sousa and his marches are a famously unique American type of music.
Gospel blues are a blend of sacred texts and blues tunes.
Several types of music show the influence of African Americans. The blues, ragtime, and jazz are perhaps the most popular today. The blues are in patterns of 12 measures with divisions into three equal phrases. They deal with human problems. The melodies use scales with the 3rd, 5th, and 7th slightly lowered, also known as blue notes.