Carthage Historic Preservation, Inc.
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 375 | Carthage, MO 64836
Phelps House: 1146 Grand Avenue, Carthage, MO
417.358.1776
JAMES SCOTT
1885–1938
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​According to Merriam-Webster, ragtime is a musical rhythm characterized by strong syncopation in the melody and a regularly accented, often stride-piano, accompaniment, or simply music written in that syncopated rhythm, a style popular from about 1890 to 1920 that was a precursor to jazz.
James Scott is considered one of the greatest ragtime composers and pianists of all time. Scott was born in Neosho, one of six children born to former slaves James and Mollie Scott. In 1901, Scott moved to Carthage where he attended Lincoln School. Although primarily a self-taught musician with perfect pitch, Scott took piano lessons with Carthage saloon pianist John Coleman and distinguished Carthage piano teacher Emma Johns DeArmond.
While attending the Lincoln School, Scott was employed as a shoe shiner at a local barber shop. He was to perform at his high school graduation in 1903 but was unable to attend because his employer would not give him time off.​
Scott began working for Charles Dumars, Director of the Carthage Light Guard Band and owner of Dumars Music Company. Scott worked at the music company doing odd jobs until Dumars heard him play the piano. Recognizing his talent, Dumars had Scott demonstrate songs and pianos for customers. ​In 1903, Dumars published Scott’s early compositions, A Summer Breeze and The Fascinator, and helped secure opportunities for Scott to perform in the local area including Lakeside Amusement Park where Scott became a headliner.
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Scott’s first commercial success was his “Frog Legs Rag” composition published in 1906 by Stark Music Company in St. Louis who also published Scott Joplin’s compositions.
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Listen to Scott's compositions on YouTube:​​
​​Scott married his wife Nora Johnson in 1906. The 1910 census shows the couple living at 707 E. 6th Street in Carthage with his occupation listed as musician/piano salesman. Scott and his wife moved to Kansas City in 1917 where he struggled to earn a living reportedly working as an elevator operator and later a leader and performer of an 8-piece band, movie theater musician, and music teacher. He died in 1938 at the age of 53 and was buried in Kansas City, Kansas, where for many years he lay in an unmarked grave. A group of ragtime fans dedicated a headstone in 1981.
For several years Carthage was the site of the James Scott Ragtime Festival. Although that event no longer takes place, Scott’s music is featured at many other ragtime festivals occurring throughout the country. ​
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