Which genre did Art Blakey prominently contribute to in the 1950s?

Art Blakey was a pivotal figure in the jazz scene during the 1950s, significantly contributing to the development of Hard Bop. This genre emerged as a response to the more relaxed and cool tones of earlier jazz styles, focusing instead on a return to the roots of jazz with an emphasis on blues elements and bebop's energetic rhythms. Blakey, known for his powerful drumming and leadership of the Jazz Messengers, helped Hard Bop gain prominence by showcasing its blend of African-American musical forms, including gospel and rhythm and blues. His ability to incorporate various influences into his music and mentor young musicians solidified Hard Bop's place in jazz history, making it a defining genre of that era.

In contrast, Jazz Fusion, Swing, and Cool Jazz had different stylistic focuses and timelines, making them less representative of Blakey's contributions during the 1950s.