“Maple Leaf Rag” sold exceedingly well ... Brash, newfangled ragtime was scorned, however, in many middle-class homes, black and white, as having disreputable associations.

“ (Tavares) looks at things through a lens that’s encouraging, which is why it’s effective,” Bobby McMann said. “He’ll say ‘You were in a good spot there, call for it next time.’ He’ll tell you things ...