In the 1940s a new, more intellectual style of jazz emerged. The style was called Bebop, and its creators developed it as a reaction against the mainstream popularity of Swing. They wanted to play music that was appreciated on its own merits, rather than to accompany dancers. They dramatically reduced the size of the jazz ensemble – instead of big bands, they had combos of four or five players. Dance music needs to have a stable rhythm and structure, but Bebop was much more complex and unpredictable. Tempos were faster, melodies were less predictable, and improvisation was more adventurous.

Some of the most famous Bebop musicians included Charlie Parker, a saxophonist, and his partner Dizzy Gillespie, who is famous for the way his cheeks puffed out when he played the trumpet. They are regarded as giants of jazz, although their style was not as widely popular as the swing music that preceded it.

After World War II, Cool Jazz emerged as a more laid-back alternative to Bebop’s intensity. Cool Jazz musicians like Woody Herman, Stan Getz, and Miles Davis embraced a style that was subtle and expressive. The style was perceived as being a bit more accessible than Bebop’s intellectualism, and it had an influence on new age and pop music.

In the 1960s, rock music was king – and it began to permeate the jazz field. Some jazz purists objected to the resulting style, known as Fusion, but its rock elements attracted the attention of listeners who might not otherwise embrace jazz. Fusion made use of electronic instruments like synthesizers and electric guitars with effects pedals. Cool Jazz legend Miles Davis experimented with the new style. Other famous Fusion players included Chick Corea and Frank Zappa.

Jazz continues to flourish today. Although it evolved through many styles over the course of the twentieth century, fans of any type of jazz can find it performed in clubs around the world. Whereas jazz developed in poor and disadvantaged urban communities, it is now a respected genre that is studied in conservatories. Opinions on this change are mixed. Some people feel that in its transition from the streets to conservatories, it has lost some of the spirit that makes it unique. However, jazz is an important part of American history and deserves the respect that it has earned.