Most experts agree that the traditional music and dance of American slaves played a big part in the development of ragtime.

VOA: special.2010.01.24

Today we tell about the life and work of one of America's greatest music writers: Scott Joplin, the King of Ragtime.

VOA: special.2010.01.24

Before his death in nineteen eighty-three, Eubie Blake was believed to be the only musician still living who had played ragtime music.

VOA: special.2010.10.08

Levee piano players "professors, " they were called cracked their knuckles before plucking out the hiccupped notes of ragtime.

NPR: Elevating the World's Oldest Profession in Chicago

From ragtime to modern fusion, jazz music has always relied on one staple instrument: the piano.

NPR: Gene Rizzo's 'Greatest Jazz Piano Players'

The idea to swap Scott Joplin for Jay-Z and ragtime for rap was a bold and brilliant choice.

CNN: Luhrmann's 'Gatsby'? It's a shame