Ragtime

Ragtime Music

Ragtime music started around the 1890s in the South (mainly around New Orleans) and in St. Louis, Missouri. It became popular after it was introduced en masse at the World’s Fair in Chicago 1893. The main characteristic of ragtime is a syncopated rhythm, which makes part or all of a piece of music off-beat. The main instrument was a solo piano with other instruments added more in later years. Many of the first songs were played by ear before it became common to write them down.

 

Maple Leaf Rag by Scott Joplin

Joplin was born in Texas and became a leader in the ragtime scene. He played at the World’s Fair and taught other musicians that would follow in his footsteps. The Maple Leaf Rag is an archetype of the classic rag and influenced other composers over a decade later.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMAtL7n_-rc

 

La Pas Ma La by Ernest Hogan

Ernest Hogan is credited with coining the term “ragtime” and also creating the first pieces of music in this genre. La Pas Ma La was one of the first pieces Hogan wrote. The name came from a comedy dance he created called “pasmala.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvu_7l52LF4

 

You’ve Been a Good Old Wagon but You Done Broke Down by Ben Harney

Harney was another pioneer in ragtime. This song was one of the first references to ragtime on sheet music and also the first song to be published. Some credit him with being the “Ragtime Father” as they believe he did more to make the genre popular.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jtde0dOTCB0