All Roads in Jazz Lead Back to Louisiana’s Congo Square

Originally published in No Depression, October 2021.

This series was established with the goal of revealing the hidden histories of American music. But I doubt you’ll be surprised to learn that the heart of jazz is largely in New Orleans.

However, you may be surprised to learn just how specific that birthplace is. Jazz was not only born in New Orleans. It was born in one plot of land just north of Rampart Street, known as Congo Square.