Ragtime first developed in St. Louis around the end of the 19th century (1893-1917). This genre of music was made for dancing with its lively rhythms.
Scott Joplin (1867-1917) “The King of Ragtime”
The most famous ragtime composer! He wrote about four dozen original pieces during his career. Two of his most popular pieces are “The Entertainer” and “Maple Leaf Rag” (see below).
Eubie Blake (1887-1983)
Co-wrote “Shuffle Along”, which was the first Broadway Musical to be written and directed by African Americans. He also composed “Charleston Rag” at the young age of 12 years old!
