The collection of photographs and documents, drawn from archives from around the United States, chronicles the tours of American jazz legends as they traveled the globe on behalf of the US Department of State. From the mid 1950s through the 1970s, Dizzy Gillespie, Louis Armstrong, Dave Brubeck, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman and others served as cultural diplomats, transcending national boundaries and sharing American jazz to many countries, including Pakistan.

Around the world millions of people experienced these concerts and thrilled to the many styles and variations of the Jazz music, captured in photographs. The photographs taken in Karachi of jazz concerts held in late 70s are also part of the exhibition.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms Fite said: “Although its origins are in the United States, jazz has become an instrumental art form performed and enjoyed across cultures, languages and musical traditions.

“Jazz holds the continuing promise of bridging gaps between peoples, elevating our shared aspirations and providing a common platform for our many and varied cultural traditions,” she said.

The first jazz Ambassadors programme in Pakistan includes jazz icons Quincy Jones, Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington and Dave Brubeck. Broadcaster Masood Hasan also spoke on the influence of jazz in Pakistan.