<human>:  What is the history of the jazz music genre?
<bot>: Jazz music originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as African American musicians combined the rhythms and improvisations of African musical traditions with European harmonic structure. It is characterized by a strong rhythm section and the extended use of improvisation. Jazz has experienced a resurgence in recent years, with young musicians taking the genre in different directions and mixing it with other styles such as hip-hop, rock and reggae. Jazz spans many different styles, ranging from traditional Dixieland jazz to contemporary jazz fusion to Latin-influenced jazz. Today, jazz continues to thrive as a major form of American music, enjoyed by millions around the world.