It is widely believed that, Jazz was the reason for the survival of the tenor saxophone. The tenor saxophone, was first invented by a Belgian in 1841. It is a medium-sized saxophone. In the mid-1920s, with more and more rock bands making their presence felt, the saxophone slowly evolved into the mainstream.

The tenor saxophone was slightly smaller and was pitched in the key C, and was popularly known as the C-melody saxophone. They were very popular but very soon went out of style. Then Coleman Hawkins arrived on the scene, and the saxophone was back in the reckoning. Post Hawkins, there have been many saxophonists who were instrumental in promoting the instrument; Lester Young, Ornette Coleman, Charlie Parker, Eric Dolphy and John Coltrane. Many of the greatest jazz musicians have primarily been tenor players.

The family of the saxophone includes; sopranino, sopranissimo, soprano, mezzo-soprano, tenor, alto, bass, baritone, subcontrabass, and contrabass. Of these saxophones, the alto, and tenor have been most widely used. The tenor is used in many ensembles like concert band, big band, marching band, and small jazz ensembles, but very rarely in symphony orchestras. Today, when most people think jazz, they think of tenor saxophone.