Jazz standards have their roots in the early days of jazz, when musicians would often play popular songs of the day in their own unique style. As jazz evolved, these songs became more standardized, and the term “jazz standard” was coined to refer to these classic tunes. Many of these standards were originally written for Broadway shows or Hollywood films, and they were often adapted by jazz musicians to fit their own style.

Over time, jazz standards became an integral part of the genre, with musicians using them as a starting point for improvisation and soloing. Today, jazz standards continue to be an important part of jazz, with new interpretations of classic tunes being recorded and performed every year.