Scott Joplin and the Age of Ragtime

by Ray Argyle

At the turn of the twentieth century, Scott Joplin struggled on the margins of society to play a pivotal role in the creation of ragtime music. His brief life and tragic death encompassed a tumultuous time of changes in modern music, culture, and technology. This biography follows Joplin's life from the brothels and bars of St. Louis to the music mills of Tin Pan Alley as he introduced a syncopated, lively style to classical piano.

231 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Ray Argyle is a Canadian journalist and author who has written several books of biography and political history. His new book, An At of Injustice, is a Canadian historical novel based on a true story. It will be published in April, 2017 by Mosaic Press. Argyle worked for United Press International before establishing Argyle Communications Inc. where he counseled political leaders and business executives. He is a former Trustee of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection. In 2012 he received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for significant contributions to Canadian life. When not travelling, he lives in Kingston, Ont., with his partner Deborah Windsor.