George Botsford

Acclaimed Pianist Piers Lane Presents George Botsford's Works

Renowned pianist Piers Lane is back on stage, this time to showcase the works of George Botsford. Known for his Ragtime compositions, Botsford's music creates a mesmerizing blend of tempo and tone. In this STAGE+ presentation, Lane explores the various facets of dance through Botsford's unique pieces.

Lane has meticulously curated a program that takes the audience on a captivating journey through Botsford's music. From the lively Black and White Rag to the emotional dynamics of other lesser-known pieces, Lane's inspired interpretation brings Botsford's vision to life. The magic unfolds with each performance, luring the audience into the beautiful dance that is Botsford's music.

We invite you to join Piers Lane on this fascinating journey. Book your STAGE+ experience today and immerse yourself in the rhythms of Botsford's rich musical legacy.

About George Botsford

George Botsford was a prominent American composer, famous for his lively ragtime works and popular songs from the early 20th century. While his name may not be as universally recognized as some of his contemporaries, his music has remained influential, especially in the genres of ragtime and early American popular music.

Botsford was born on February 24, 1874. Some sources list his birthplace as Iowa, while others mention Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He was a major composer and arranger, active mainly from the late 1890s to the 1910s. Botsford was a charter member of ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) in 1914. He passed away on February 1, 1949.

Noteworthy Works by Botsford

Botsford's repertoire includes both rags and songs, several of which became standards during their era and beyond. His most famous composition is the Black and White Rag, a standard of the genre that has been widely recorded and used in early cartoons and as a television theme. The Grizzly Bear Rag is another popular dance piece, known for its syncopated rhythm.

Botsford's songwriting skills were showcased in Pride of the Prairie (Mary), an early hit performed by Ethel Levey. Silvery Bells is another of his widely recognized songs. His varied output also includes the composition Sahara Butterfly. However, it's important to note that there is no solid evidence that “Traveling (Iowa Corn Song)” was written by George Botsford or that it is associated with him; this song is more commonly attributed to other writers.