Ragtime | Mimi Bebe

Ragtime, a vibrant musical genre that flourished primarily between 1897 and 1918, is characterized by its syncopated or "ragged" rhythm against a steady march bass. Born from African American communities, it blended European harmonic structures with African rhythmic traditions, creating a sound that was both novel and immensely popular. Key figures like Scott Joplin, James Scott, and Joseph Lamb composed enduring pieces that defined the era, influencing jazz and popular music for decades. Its initial popularity waned with the advent of jazz, yet ragtime experienced significant revivals, cementing its status as a foundational element of American musical heritage. The genre's complex interplay of melody and rhythm continues to captivate musicians and audiences alike.