Jazz legends: Celebrating their contribution

For 25 years, Jazz at Lincoln Center has offered thousands of performances, educational programs and events around the world. The organization is celebrating its silver anniversary this year. Co-founder and artistic director Wynton Marsalis, CBS News cultural correspondent, seen here, discussed the importance of jazz on "CBS This Morning."

Marsalis said on "CTM," "Jazz has three elements: one is improvisation in the music -- we have something to say ourselves that's important and that only we can say -- swing, which means other people have something to say too and we have to figure out how to negotiate and give them their space and the respect of their space, and also the blues -- and when we play the blues, it means in life all of us have something to deal with."

Keep clicking through this slideshow to see other legends that helped establish this music style in the American tradition.

Jazz at Lincoln Center celebrates 25 years

Newly recovered Louis Armstrong recording — AP Graphics Bank

Louis Armstrong seen in 1971. He's seen here playing at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.; it may have been the last time he played his trumpet in public.

Marsalis said on "CTM" the last thing he would want to hear is "Louis Armstrong playing something."

Jazz at Lincoln Center celebrates 25 years

Two legends on the road: Murrow and Armstrong — AP Graphics Bank

A still from 1950s footage of CBS newsman Edward R. Murrow traveling around the world with jazz icon Louis Armstrong.

Jazz at Lincoln Center celebrates 25 years

Another iconic jazz artist is Charlie Parker. He's shown here on the bandstand at Billy Berg's Club in Hollywood, Calif., in this 1945 file photo.

Jazz at Lincoln Center celebrates 25 years

Billie Holiday poses in a May 20, 1947, photo.

Jazz at Lincoln Center celebrates 25 years

Copyright Jim Marshall / MarshallPhoto.com

Jazz legend Miles Davis in the ring in 1971 in San Francisco. He loved to box, and said it was a great way for the trumpet player to keep in shape.

Jazz at Lincoln Center celebrates 25 years

Big band leader Benny Goodman, as seen in a photo from 1956.

Jazz at Lincoln Center celebrates 25 years

Miles Davis performing in the old Roman amphitheater, in Caesarea, Israel, on June 1, 1987.

Jazz at Lincoln Center celebrates 25 years

Dizzy Gillespie, as seen performing on June 1, 1989.

Jazz at Lincoln Center celebrates 25 years

Canadian jazz legend Oscar Peterson performs on the Stravinski hall stage during the 39th Montreux Jazz Festival in Montreux, Switzerland, on Saturday, July 16, 2005.

Jazz at Lincoln Center celebrates 25 years

Jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald, as seen performing on February 2, 1952.

Jazz at Lincoln Center celebrates 25 years

Jazz big band leader Count Basie as seen with his piano on March 29, 1950.

Jazz at Lincoln Center celebrates 25 years

Dave Brubeck performs with his quartet at the 50th anniversary of the Newport Jazz Festival in Newport, R.I., Saturday, Aug. 14, 2004. Brubeck made his first appearance at the second Newport festival in 1955 and has appeared regularly since.

Jazz at Lincoln Center celebrates 25 years

This is an undated file photo of singer Dinah Washington.

Jazz at Lincoln Center celebrates 25 years

Jazz great, singer Nina Simone, as seen in 1994.

Jazz at Lincoln Center celebrates 25 years