Who helped to create a distinctive blend of blues and ragtime music called jazz?

Jazz emerged in the early 20th century, primarily in New Orleans, and was shaped by a diverse mix of musicians, including African American artists such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Jelly Roll Morton. These musicians drew from blues, ragtime, and other genres, incorporating improvisation and syncopated rhythms to create a unique sound. The cultural melting pot of New Orleans, with its rich musical heritage, played a crucial role in the development of jazz as a distinct genre.