[ja-ro]

No, blues is not just jazz. While they share some common traits and are often mentioned together, they are distinct musical styles. Blues originated in the Deep South of the United States around the late 1800s, providing the foundational structure for much of early jazz. Meanwhile, jazz developed in New Orleans in the early 20th century, combining blues, ragtime, and other musical styles. Both have been influential in world music, and countless musicians have performed in both genres. But the statement “blues is just jazz” oversimplifies the history and characteristics of both genres.