Jazz developed at the turn of the 20th century in south Louisiana from a combination of musical traditions including work songs, spirituals, blues, and ragtime. From the early days of vaudeville and minstrel shows through the formidable first years of jazz, Donaldsonville was a hotbed of musical activity. Many early musicians developed their interest and talent while living on or near plantations in the rural communities of Ascension Parish. The people and neighborhoods of Donaldsonville and Ascension Parish nourished these rural musicians, famous and unsung, and helped lay the foundation for jazz's uniquely prominent place on the world stage. Notable native sons from this region include Claiborne Williams, Joseph "King" Oliver, Willie Foster, Richard Myknee Jones, George "Pops" Foster, Davidson C. Nelson, and Emanuel Sayles.