At the root of almost all modern American music is Ragtime, itself a synthesis of quintessentially American rhythms and melodies. Made eternally popular by composers like Scott Joplin, ragtime was also emblematic of American culture itself: a synthesis of African- and European-American musical forms, structures, songs, and styles. Drawing on folk songs, blues, and popular tunes from the late nineteenth century, ragtime emerged as a somewhat subversive form of music. The word "ragtime" probably derives from the colloquial term "rag," an energetic dance jig. However, some ragtime historians note that the term connotes ragtime's distinctive rhythmic intensity: its "raggedness." One of the distinguishing features of ragtime is its syncopated rhythms. Yet ragtime also incorporates distinct melodies that derive largely from European music. Ragtime music is mainly piano-based, and it is on the piano that most ragtime tunes come to life most vibrantly. In fact, the medium of the piano lends itself especially well to ragtime because it is at once a percussive and a melodic instrument. Ragtime is socially, culturally, historically, and politically relevant and is emblematic of American culture.

             The origins of ragtime are as sketchy as the origins of any art form. What is known as ragtime is a blend of several different musical styles that, over time, evolved into a recognizable genre. Scott Joplin undoubtedly added distinctiveness and definition to the term when his compositions became popular around the turn of the last century. However, it is important to note that while he is most emblematic of the art form, "Joplin did not invent ragtime" (Schmidt-Jones). Rather, ragtime grew out of African-American music, played in smoky bars, whorehouses, and saloons: in short, anywhere where black musicians were permitted to play. As an underground musical form, ragtime shares much in common with many similar genres in a social and political context.