Influence on 20th century music

The most important influence on 20th century music? African Americans and the musical culture they brought to this country – developed within the bonds of slavery.

Even before the 20th century began, blues music was evolving across the country out of the traditional African slave spirituals, work calls and chants. Of all the developing genres, the blues would be the most far-reaching, with its influence felt in everything from jazz to rock, country music to rhythm and blues, and classical music.