Joseph Lamb, the only non-African American of classical ragtime's "Big Three," was born on June 12, 1887, in Montclair, New Jersey. As the youngest of four children, he showed a talent for music at a very early age. He taught himself how to play the piano and became enamored with the syncopated rhythms of ragtime music.
Despite his musical talent, Lamb enrolled at St. Jerome's College but soon realized that his passion lay in music rather than academics. In 1904, he left college and decided to pursue a career in music. He was employed by a dry goods company to support himself while honing his musical skills.
Lamb's career took a significant turn when ragtime legend Scott Joplin highly recommended him to ragtime publisher John Stark. His first published work, "Sensation," gained popularity thanks to Joplin's arrangement for printing. Lamb's innovative approach to ragtime, specifically subverting the genre's traditional four-measure phrase structure, set him apart from his contemporaries.
In 1911, Lamb married Henrietta Schultz, and the couple went on to have a happy life together. Despite his growing success as a composer, Lamb remained humble and devoted to his family.
Joseph Lamb's contributions to ragtime music continue to be celebrated to this day. His unique approach to composition and his ability to push the boundaries of traditional ragtime music have earned him a place among the genre's greats. His music was even featured on the January 29, 2000, edition of "A Prairie Home Companion," with host Garrison Keillor sharing biographical details of Lamb's life.
Joseph Lamb's legacy as a composer and innovator in the world of ragtime music is undeniable. His influence can still be felt in the music industry today, inspiring future generations of musicians to push boundaries and explore new possibilities within the genre. Though he may not have been as well-known as his contemporaries, Lamb's contributions to ragtime music have solidified his place in music history.