Jazz is a kind of music that has often been called the only art form to originate in the United States. The history of【B1】began in the late 1800"s. The music grew from a【B2】of influences, including black American music, African rhythms, American band traditions and instruments, and European harmonies and forms. Much of the best jazz is still written and【B3】in the United States. But musicians from many other countries are【B4】major contributions to jazz. Jazz was actually【B5】appreciated as an important art form in Europe【B6】it gained such recognition in the United States. The earliest jazz was performed by black Americans who had little or no training in Western music. These musicians drew on a strong musical culture from【B7】life. As jazz grew【B8】popularity, its sound was influenced by【B9】with formal training and classical backgrounds. During its history, jazz has absorbed influences from the folk and classical music of Africa, and other parts of the world. The development of instruments with new and【B10】characteristics has also influenced the sound of jazz.