What music is named after a cat? - briefly
"Jazz" is often cited as a genre of music that is named after a cat. The story goes that in the early 20th century, musicians in New Orleans started referring to their improvised musical style as "jass," which was a Creole slang term for a cat or tomcat. Over time, this term evolved into "jazz."
What music is named after a cat? - in detail
The musical genre known as "Jazz" has an intriguing connection to the feline world, specifically to cats. The origin of this name can be traced back to the early 20th century in New Orleans, where jazz music began to take shape. At that time, the term "jazz" was used colloquially to refer to various things, including energy, vitality, and even sexual prowess. However, it is believed that the name "jazz" was also inspired by a particular cat named Jasper or Jazzy.
Legend has it that there was a bordello in New Orleans where a lively and playful cat named Jasper resided. The cat's antics and unpredictable behavior were said to embody the spirit of the new musical style being developed there—a blend of African rhythms, blues, and ragtime. Musicians who frequented the establishment began to use the term "jazz" to describe this vibrant, improvisational music, drawing a parallel between the cat's lively nature and the spontaneous, energetic qualities of the new genre.
Over time, as jazz music spread from New Orleans to other cities like Chicago and New York, the name stuck. The term "jazz" came to represent not only the musical style but also the cultural and social atmosphere associated with it—a spirit of freedom, improvisation, and unbridled creativity that mirrored the playful and unpredictable nature of cats.
In summary, jazz music, which originated in New Orleans, is named after a cat, specifically a lively feline named Jasper or Jazzy whose antics inspired musicians to adopt the term "jazz" for this new, energetic musical genre. The name has since become synonymous with one of the most influential and enduring genres in modern music history.