This 1911 record made by the Victor Military Band is very well recordedand gives an idea of the fast pace the song used to be played at. Thisis one song that many survivors recall being played on the night ofthe sinking. In fact it is not ragtime at all. But is the beginningof the new dance band craze that would sweep the world with songs thatwould follow like Ballin' the jack and many others that wouldeventually lead to what was soon called Jass, and later changed to Jazz.

Listen to the 1911 recording of Alexander'sRagtime Band (Real Audio® - 2.46

Samples, Source Material and Transfers
Courtesy of the Edison Museum, Menlo Park,New Jersey (© 2002)

About Historic Recordings
Samples reflect the recording methods of the day. No digitalenhancement has been applied.