Ragtime

ragged time

to rag, feeling like an off-beat rhythm and melody

AA-BB-A-CC-DD form

Scott Joplin

a popular ragtime artist, wrote “Maple Leaf Rag”

player pianos

a self-playing piano

Irving Berlin

owner of Tin Pan Alley, wrote “Alexander’s Ragtime Band,” and “God Bless America”

ragtime dances include:

The Charleston, Swing Dancing, and the Lindy Hop

Vernon and Irene Castle

husband and wife dance duo that encouraged improve, simplified popular dances

Clef Club

a musical African American union

James Reese Europe

black military band conductor that worked closely with Irene and Vernon Castle

Tin Pan Alley

a music publishing agency in NY

song pluggers

samples of songs that acted as a preview for those looking to buy

Charles K. Harris

wrote “After the Ball”

crooning

an intimate singing style that sounds soft (i.e., Fred Astaire and Frank Sinatra)