Jazz went through an identity crisis in the late 1960s, trying to find new modes of expression amongst a vibrant rock and funk scene. Artists such as Joe Zawinul (playing with Cannonball Adderley), Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, John McLaughlin, and Chick Corea began to use electric instruments and apply a rock beat to their jazz compositions. The electric guitar gained prominence due to the incendiary playing of Jimi Hendrix, and Moog and Fender made electric keyboards defining a new sound. Fusion blossomed in the early '70s thanks to groups like Weather Report, Mahavishnu Orchestra, and Return to Forever--each featuring members who had played in the core ensemble on Miles Davis' landmark album Bitches Brew. Out of fusion grew jazz rock, crossover jazz, and even smooth jazz, while the core rock/jazz mixture making up fusion has continued through the '80s, '90s and beyond.

Notable Artists: Weather Report, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Herbie Hancock