Ragtime music began just prior to the twentieth century, it enjoyed a brlef craze before its popularity
declined amid the Roaring Twenties. The music first entered the American consciousness on a national
level when Scott Joplin published "Maple Leaf Rag" in 1899. It was the first instrumental plece to sell over
a million coples. Scott Joplin's work saw a revival during the 1970s with the success of the movie The Sting.
Joplin did not invent ragtime, however. The music's origins can be traced to the African American
music of the late nineteenth century. Ragtime incorporated the rhythms and beats of African American
music with the march music of the era, which had its origins in European classical. Once the dance music
of ragtime became popular, it didn't take long to spread from the Southern hubs of New Orleans and St.
Louls to the metropolitan centers of New York and Chicago.
By the 1920s, the ragtime craze was fading. It continued to be performed and recorded, but it was
being replaced with new kinds of music. However, it had a lasting influence, evident in the early Jazz
styles that emerged/ Some might argue that ragtime is the starting point for all popular music in America.
Before ragtime, American music lacked individuality and character. The advent of this music instilled a
new rhythm and style into popular American music that continues to this day.
8. Which of the following conclusions can be drawn from the passage?
A. Ragtime music had an influence on European music.
B. Modern pop music is based on European styles.
C. Scott Joplin is the founder of American jazz.
D. Modern music can be traced as a progression of style.