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A Detailed History of the Ragtime Genre
Ragtime is a musical genre that emerged in the United States in the late 19th century and enjoyed immense popularity through the early 20th century. Characterized by its syncopated or "ragged" rhythm, ragtime was a pivotal precursor to jazz and an essential component of American musical heritage.

by Kevin Johnson

Origins of Ragtime
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African Roots
Syncopated rhythms and folk traditions
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Cakewalks & Coon Songs
Precursors to ragtime's syncopation
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Piano Ragtime
Adaptation of banjo and dance tunes
The origins of ragtime can be traced back to the post-Civil War era in African American communities in the Southern United States. The genre evolved from a fusion of African rhythms and European musical forms, blending elements of marches, jigs, waltzes, and folk tunes with the syncopated rhythms characteristic of African music.
Development of Ragtime (1890s–1910s)
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Publication of Sheet Music
Ragtime began to gain widespread attention in the 1890s with the publication of sheet music, allowing the genre to reach a broader audience beyond live performances. The first ragtime piece published was "La Pas Ma La" by Ernest Hogan in 1895, but "Maple Leaf Rag" by Scott Joplin, published in 1899, became the genre's first major hit.
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Spread through Vaudeville and Minstrel Shows
Ragtime music was performed extensively in vaudeville theaters, saloons, and dance halls, contributing to its popularity across racial and socioeconomic boundaries. This widespread exposure helped solidify ragtime's place in American music.
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Technological Advances
The advent of player pianos and piano rolls allowed ragtime compositions to be mechanically reproduced, further disseminating the music and making it accessible to a larger audience.
Characteristics of Ragtime
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Syncopation
The hallmark of ragtime is the use of syncopated rhythms in the right hand (melody) against a steady, march-like bass pattern in the left hand. This creates a "ragged" rhythm that gives the genre its name.
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Form
Ragtime compositions often follow the structure of a march, typically arranged in multiple strains or themes, each 16 or 32 bars in length.
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Instrumentation
While the piano is the quintessential instrument of ragtime, the music was also arranged for orchestras, bands, and other ensembles.
Key Figures in Ragtime
Scott Joplin
Known as the "King of Ragtime," Joplin was the most influential ragtime composer. His works, including "Maple Leaf Rag," "The Entertainer," and "Pine Apple Rag," are considered classics.
James Scott
A prominent composer whose works, like "Frog Legs Rag" and "Grace and Beauty," contributed to the genre's development.
Joseph Lamb
One of the few white composers of classic ragtime, Lamb's compositions, such as "Sensation Rag," were highly regarded.
Eubie Blake
A composer and pianist whose career spanned ragtime, early jazz, and beyond. His piece "Charleston Rag" is a notable work.
Peak Popularity of Ragtime
Ragtime became the dominant form of American popular music from the late 1890s through the 1910s. The genre transcended racial barriers, appealing to both black and white audiences, and influenced dance styles and social gatherings.
Ragtime pieces were taught in music schools, and learning to play ragtime became a mark of skill for pianists. The genre's popularity extended beyond the United States, influencing European composers like Claude Debussy and Igor Stravinsky.
Influence on Other Genres
Jazz Development
Ragtime's syncopation and improvisational possibilities laid the groundwork for jazz. Early jazz musicians, such as Jelly Roll Morton, incorporated ragtime elements into their performances.
Classical Music
Composers