Definition: A predecessor of jazz, ragtime became popular in the late 1800s through wide distribution of printed music. Based on the march, popularized by John Philip Sousa, ragtime was written to accompany dancing. Its buoyant and cheerful style carried into stride piano and other early forms of jazz. Scott Joplin and Jelly Roll Morton were the most famous composers of ragtime music.
Ragtime
By Jacob Teichroew, About.com Guide
Suggested Reading
Explore Jazz
Must Reads
About.com Special Features
Holiday Central
What to eat, where to go, fun things to do and how to save money on the perfect gifts. More >
The Best Top 40 Pop Songs
Is your favorite song on our list? More >
©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.
All rights reserved.