Scott Joplin: The Ragtime King Guest: Ed Berlin, author, "King of Ragtime: Scott Joplin and His Era" Where did the soulful rhythms of ragtime come from? Scott Joplin was making waves even as a child composer. Jazz and Democracy Guest: Marcus Roberts, internationally renowned jazz pianist, composer, bandleader, and teacher What can jazz music teach us about compromise and the art of getting along? A lot. To play jazz well, you need to listen, adapt to others, and assume the best about your fellow musicians. Lessons we all need to learn as citizens of a democracy. Louis Armstrong's Big Band Years Guest: Ricky Riccardi, Director of Research Collections, Louis Armstrong House Museum, and author, “Heart Full of Rhythm: The Big Band Years of Louis Armstrong” His versatility was unmatched: gravelly singing and smooth trumpet tones. Louis Armstrong could move back and forth effortlessly, and he revolutionized both pop singing and big band music. On top of that, he was a civil rights pioneer, despite not being on the front lines marching or making speeches. And through it all, he respected everyone. In fact, he said, you'd have to earn his disrespect.