Facts for Kids

Ragtime is a super fun musical style that became really popular between the 1890s and 1910s! 🎶

It features a lively beat that makes you want to tap your feet. The music is played mostly on pianos and has a unique "ragged" rhythm, where the melody is played in a syncopated style. This means that the notes don't always fall where you expect them to! Ragtime is often joyful and energetic, making it great for dances and celebrations. People would gather to listen to ragtime at parties, in parks, or on the streets, filling the air with excitement! 🎉

In the late 20th century, ragtime experienced a big revival! 🎉

Musicians and fans started to rediscover its catchy sounds in the 1970s and 1980s. Scott Joplin's music became popular again, thanks to movies and performances that featured it. 🎶

Piano players began to include ragtime pieces in their repertoire, and new composers started creating their own ragtime music too! Music festivals and concerts often celebrate this lively genre, encouraging people to enjoy ragtime as it was over a hundred years ago! Isn’t that amazing? ✨

Ragtime originated in the United States, mainly in African American communities. 🎤

It started in the late 1800s, in cities like St. Louis, Missouri, and New Orleans, Louisiana. At that time, many people played piano and created new styles of music. Ragtime combined African rhythms with European musical forms, creating something fresh and fun! 🎹

The first published ragtime piece was "La Pas Ma La" by a composer named Ernest Hogan in 1895. This new genre quickly became popular, leading to more composers and musicians joining in the fun!

One of the most famous ragtime composers is Scott Joplin! 🎹

Born in Texas in 1868, he wrote many popular ragtime pieces, like "Maple Leaf Rag" and "The Entertainer." Joplin’s music helped spread ragtime all over the country. Another important figure is Jelly Roll Morton, who claimed to have invented ragtime! 🎷

He was born in 1890 in New Orleans and mixed ragtime with jazz. Other notable artists include Eubie Blake and James P. Johnson, who continued to shape ragtime music. These talented people made ragtime a wonderful genre loved by many! 💖

Ragtime music is special because of its catchy melodies and syncopated rhythms! 🎵

The melodies often have a happy and bouncy feel, while the left hand typically plays a steady bass line. The right hand plays the melody in a fun, “ragged” way, which makes it sound peppy! Ragtime is usually written in 2/4 or 4/4 time signatures, making it easier to dance to! 🌟

One cool thing about ragtime is its use of improvisation, where musicians can add their own twist to the music! This creativity makes every performance unique and exciting! ✨

Ragtime music has appeared in many films and shows! 🎬

A famous movie that features ragtime is "The Sting," released in 1973. This film used Scott Joplin's "The Entertainer" in a big way! It made more people curious about ragtime! 🕵

️ Another film is "Ragtime," based on the book by E.L. Doctorow, which tells stories about life in America during the early 1900s. 🎩

Ragtime melodies have also appeared in video games and cartoons, bringing joy to all generations. The fun rhythms and catchy melodies continue to entertain everyone! 🌈

Ragtime has a huge cultural impact! 🌍

It brought together different musical influences from African American and European traditions, showing how diverse music can be. Ragtime also influenced dance styles, encouraging people to move to the music and share joy together! 🕺

It played a vital role in breaking down racial barriers as it spread throughout the country. Many people, regardless of their background, enjoyed and performed ragtime music. Today, ragtime is considered a valuable part of American history that continues to inspire artists around the world! 🎨

There are many famous ragtime pieces! One of the most well-known is "Maple Leaf Rag" by Scott Joplin, published in 1899. 🍁

It’s super catchy and fun to play! Another great piece is "The Entertainer," also by Joplin, which became famous again in the movie "The Sting." 🎥 A sweet ragtime piece called "Cascades" was composed by Joplin as well! Other notable songs include "The Easy Winners" and "Ragtime Dance." These compositions helped define the ragtime genre and are still enjoyable today! 🎹

Which one is your favorite?

There are many fun ragtime festivals and events to celebrate this wonderful music! 🎉

The Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival, held in Sedalia, Missouri, brings together ragtime lovers every June. People can enjoy performances, workshops, and even learn to play music! Another cool event is the Ragtime Gathering in New York City, where musicians showcase their talents and share stories about the music. 🎷

There are also many local events and piano competitions that highlight ragtime music. These celebrations keep the spirit of ragtime alive and encourage new generations to explore its vibrant sounds! 🎶

Ragtime is like the cool grandparent of jazz! 🎷

It has influenced many music styles that came after it. In the 1920s, jazz musicians took some ragtime elements and mixed them with blues, creating a new sound! 🎺

This mix made jazz even more popular, especially in cities like Chicago and New York. Many famous jazz musicians, such as Louis Armstrong, were inspired by ragtime. Today, you can still hear ragtime’s impact in many types of music, from swing to rock and roll! 🎸

It helps show how music evolves over time, making it exciting and fresh!