ALEXANDER'S RAGTIME BAND - Free Jazz Leadsheet

Written by Irving Berlin in 1911, 'Alexander’s Ragtime Band' was first recorded by Arthur Collins and Byron Harlan in New York, quickly becoming one of the most famous ragtime-influenced songs of the era. Its catchy rhythms and playful lyrics popularized ragtime across the United States.

The song has been performed repeatedly in jazz, vaudeville, and big-band contexts, celebrated for its energy, wit, and invitation to dance. The lyrics depict a lively performance by a fictional band, evoking joy and entertainment.

Musically, the composition employs a 32-bar form with ragtime syncopation, stride-like piano patterns, and opportunities for instrumental embellishment, making it adaptable for both solo and ensemble interpretations.