In what era did ragtime music become popular?

Ragtime music became popular in the 1890s, marking a significant period in the development of American music. This genre is characterized by its syncopated rhythm and typically features piano as the primary instrument. The rise of ragtime coincided with the emergence of African American cultural influence in mainstream music. Notably, Scott Joplin, often referred to as the "King of Ragtime," composed some of the most famous ragtime pieces during this time, contributing to its popularity across various social settings, including dance halls and vaudeville performances.

The influence of ragtime extends beyond its era as it laid the foundation for later genres, such as jazz, by incorporating improvisation and syncopation in new ways. While music styles from the 1800s involved forms like minstrel shows and marches, and other mentioned decades experienced different musical trends, the 1890s stand out specifically for the distinct emergence and flourishing of ragtime music.