Jazz originated in African American communities in the late 1800s and is characterized by improvisation, with notable styles like swing and be-bop, featuring instruments such as trumpets and saxophones. Various genres emerged from jazz, including soul, rock 'n' roll, pop, funk, disco, hip hop, indie, and contemporary R&B, each contributing to the evolution of popular music. Notable artists across these genres include Louis Armstrong, Elvis Presley, The Beatles, and Whitney Houston, reflecting the diverse musical landscape from the late 19th century to today.