Final answer:
Charles Mingus progressed jazz by incorporating diverse influences and improvisation, addressing social-political themes, and elevating jazz to higher artistic expression.
Step-by-step explanation:
Charles Mingus was pivotal in attempting to progress and expand the context of jazz performance and composition during the 1950s and 1960s. He did so by incorporating a variety of influences into his music, embracing elements of gospel, classical, and avant-garde music, which challenged and broadened the traditional boundaries of jazz. Moreover, Mingus was known for his complex compositions and his performances were often characterized by a high level of improvisation, resulting in dynamic and emotionally charged concerts. His works often reflected the social and political issues of the time, infusing his music with a depth that resonated with the civil rights movements during that era. By striving for such musical and thematic depth, Mingus helped elevate Jazz from mere entertainment to a more profound form of artistic expression that commented on American society.