Jazz has always been a genre that thrives on diversity . Its origins can be traced back to the musical traditions of African Americans, especially those in the southern United States. African rhythms, work songs, spirituals, and blues are foundational elements of jazz, representing the cultural heritage of a community that has overcome tremendous adversity.

As smooth jazz evolved, it absorbed influences from European harmonies, Latin rhythms, Caribbean beats, and more. The interaction of these diverse elements created a genre that is uniquely American. The essence of jazz lies in its ability to merge these varied cultural aspects into a harmonious, improvisational, and free-flowing musical expression.