Black History Month February is Black History Month – a celebration of the struggles, victories, and contributions of African Americans. It’s a time to remember the important people and events that have influenced America.

Carter G. Woodson began the tradition in 1926 by celebrating Black History Week because it was marked by the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.

Famous Black Composers Ragtime Music

Very popular in the late 19 th and early 20 th centuryVery popular in the late 19 th and early 20 th century Required a great deal of musical skillRequired a great deal of musical skill Music pieces were composed to show difficulty (sophisticated)Music pieces were composed to show difficulty (sophisticated)

Ragtime Music Cont’d Music was “jazzy” or “raggedy” soundingMusic was “jazzy” or “raggedy” sounding Considered by some to be the first style of music developed in the United StatesConsidered by some to be the first style of music developed in the United States Major influence on early jazzMajor influence on early jazz Composed with Syncopated rhythmComposed with Syncopated rhythm

Syncopation Was often seen in African-American musicWas often seen in African-American music Rhythm was brought from AfricaRhythm was brought from Africa Slaves often added it to familiar tunesSlaves often added it to familiar tunes Syncopation is any rhythm that puts an emphasis on a weak beatSyncopation is any rhythm that puts an emphasis on a weak beat

Ernest Hogan Born Ernest Reuben CrowdersBorn Ernest Reuben Crowders First African American to produce and star in a Broadway showFirst African American to produce and star in a Broadway show Credited with creating Ragtime MusicCredited with creating Ragtime Music

Shep Edmonds Was a Performer/SongwriterWas a Performer/Songwriter First African American to start a music publishing company (Named Attacks Music Company for Crispus Attacks)First African American to start a music publishing company (Named Attacks Music Company for Crispus Attacks) He published music of many other black ragtime composers.He published music of many other black ragtime composers.

Scott Joplin 1867? ?-1917 From Sedalia, MissouriFrom Sedalia, Missouri Probably the most well known rag-time composer.Probably the most well known rag-time composer. Songs include The Maple Leaf Rag and The EntertainerSongs include The Maple Leaf Rag and The Entertainer

Eubie Blake , lived in Baltimore, MD , lived in Baltimore, MD He was one of the most important figures in early 20 th century American musicHe was one of the most important figures in early 20 th century American music Wrote the Broadway musical “Shuffle Along” in 1921 – one of the first Broadway musicals ever to be written and directed by an African AmericanWrote the Broadway musical “Shuffle Along” in 1921 – one of the first Broadway musicals ever to be written and directed by an African American

James Reese Europe He was a leading figure in ragtime music and early jazzHe was a leading figure in ragtime music and early jazz Bandleader, arranger, and composerBandleader, arranger, and composer Led his band at a concert at Carnegie Hall in 1912Led his band at a concert at Carnegie Hall in 1912 Bandleader for Vernon & Irene Castle, headline dancers responsible for pioneering the Fox TrotBandleader for Vernon & Irene Castle, headline dancers responsible for pioneering the Fox Trot

Ragtime and Dancing “The Charleston,” a ragtime song, inspired a dance craze that stormed America. This dance was developed in black communities like those in Charleston, SC which is the city the song was named for. The dance spread to become popular world-wide.

In Summary…. Ragtime music was the first type of music that was completely developed in the United States. It led to jazz and other forms of popular and modern music we enjoy today. These were all influenced by those early black ragtime composers.

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