American ragtime pianist, composer, actor, and playwright Max Morath (October 1, 1926 – June 19, 2023) passed away. He was known as “Mr. Ragtime” and was well renowned for his piano skills.
In addition to performing on the road, he had a variety of careers, including those as a composer, recording artist, actor, playwright, and radio and television host. “One-man ragtime army” is how Rudi Blesh described Morath.
His involvement in melodrama productions in Cripple Creek and Durango, Colorado, as a pianist and musical director sparked his interest in early American popular music and theater, as well as a study of its social and economic history.
He was greatly influenced by George and Ira Gershwin, Irving Berlin, and his ragtime idols Eubie Blake and Scott Joplin. The first recordings Morath made as a professional were inspired by such theatrical undertakings.
Max Morath Songs
Max Morath songs can be found on musical platforms such as Apple Music, Spotify, Deezer and I many more.
Max Morath Family
Morath’s only prior union resulted in divorce. His family consisted of a daughter of Skomars and three of his own children.
Max Morath YouTube
Max Morath, a founding member of PBS and a pianist, hosts The PlayList on YouTube to share his passion for entertainment and the beginnings of educational television.
Max Morath Death
On June 19, 2023, Morath passed away in Duluth, Minnesota, at the age of 96.