Women in Ragtime: Hazel Scott

Ragtime was born in 1896 and originated from African Americans in the late 19th century. It’s sound and unique rhythm was passed down by old jigs and the style of piano thumping. By the 20th century rag time became intensely popular for people to host events with and dance to.

Maple Leaf

In 1899 Scott Joplin released his rag titled Maple Leaf. This rag helped people to establish a greater understing of ragtime music and sparked intrests. Ragtime is known to be one of the main influences of jazz music and blues.

Hazel Scott

Hazel Scott was born in June of 1920 and moved to NYC with her mother at the age of four. Throughout her early teens her music began to blossom on the piano. Throughout the 30’s and 40’s Scott was a known jazz musician and singer. Her performances created “national prestige” as stated by Wikipedia.

In the 40’s Scott was making over $70,000 a year off of her shows and music. In 2020 that is over 1 million a year. Hazel set the tone for ragtime/classical jazz music and assisted in the Civil Right’s movement. She was the first woman of African Descent to host her own TV show and voice her music and perspectives.

Rags were often times written in 2/4 or 4/4 time.

Hazel Scott playing on two Grand Piano's.

All together, Ragtime has had a special influence on multiple genre’s of music such as jazz, and blues. And Hazel Scott was a legendary black woman who shared her skill and style throughout the early 1900’s.

Works Cited

“Hazel Scott.” IMDb, IMDb.com, www.imdb.com/name/nm0779220/bio.

“ABOUT.” HAZEL SCOTT, www.hazelscott.com/about.

Team, BExcellence, et al. “Hazel Scott: The Forgotten Jazz Queen.” Black Excellence, 16 July 2020, blackexcellence.com/hazel-scott/.