Biography

Max Morath never abandoned his intense study and presentation of early-1900s ragtime piano. Throughout the years, he singlehandedly kept the essence of that era in the public eye with his numerous plays, television programs, writing, and recordings. He earned the moniker "Mr. Ragtime" because of his ardent devotion. Max Morath was born in Colorado Springs on October 1, 1926. An early interest in playing piano was nurtured and developed by his mother, who was a professional ragtime pianist. After obtaining a degree in English from Colorado College, he began his eclectic career dabbling in writing, acting, sales, television, and (primarily) piano. His initial theatrical performances found him in a variety of plays in the west. It was here that Morath began his intense research of ragtime and the Americana that surrounded it. His heroes were equal parts Thomas Edison, George and Ira Gershwin, Teddy Roosevelt, Irving Berlin, Bert Williams, and the kings of ragtime: Eubie Blake and Scott Joplin. His passion for the music and culture of early Americana was an integral part of the ragtime revival of the early '70s. In 1969, he premiered his critically acclaimed one-man play, Turn of the Century, off Broadway. He matched that success with the equally triumphant Living a Ragtime Life and The Ragtime Years. In the early '60s, Morath began a relationship with PBS that lasted for decades. His informative and entertaining programs focusing on the ragtime era were considered classics in that genre. His other endeavors examining the music and culture of the early 1900s spilled into contributions to radio programs for NPR and his written essays appeared in numerous publications. In 1996, he finished work on a master's degree at Columbia University in American Studies. His master's thesis investigated the writer Carrie Jacobs-Bond, who wrote "I Love You Truly" and hundreds of other classic early 20th century songs. Morath remained busy at the beginning of the 21st century, traveling all over the world with his one-man show, Max Morath the Ragtime Man. His recordings remained in print throughout the years and were available on several labels, including Vanguard, Epic, and RCA Red Seal. Max Morath died in Duluth, Minnesota on June 19, 2023; he was 96. ~ Al Campbell, Rovi