Book excerpt: Jazz's influence on music in the twentieth century is unparalleled, with derivatives including bebop, funk, hip-hop, psychedelic rock, reggae, Latin soul, and ska. This comprehensive survey of jazz music dives deep into the origins of the genre and explores the history of jazz from its early roots in West African drumming to its modern interpretations. Readers will learn about the defining eras of jazz, pioneering jazz musicians, and the political and historical legacy of this music style.