Creole Belles: Music on the Mississippi from Stephen Foster to Scott Joplin
Artist Feature: Jens Bodewalt Lampe
Jens Bodewalt Lampe (1869–1929) was a Danish-born American composer, arranger, performer, and influential bandleader in the ragtime era. Born in Ribe, Denmark, Lampe immigrated to the United States with his family in 1873, eventually settling in St. Paul, Minnesota. His musical career flourished in the U.S., where he became best known for his significant contributions to early American popular music, especially ragtime and syncopated dance forms.
Fascinating Works
Lampe was renowned not only as a composer but also as an arranger. His arrangements of classic melodies and dance tunes helped sustain their popularity into the twentieth century. Among his extensive output, his work Creole Belles (1900) stands out as a landmark ragtime composition, frequently performed and recorded, and notable for its melodic charm and vibrant rhythms. His adaptability was evident as he arranged and composed pieces for various ensembles, including bands and orchestras, and his repertoire crossed genres from minstrelsy to early jazz.
Legacy and Influence
Through pieces like Creole Belles and his many arrangements, Lampe played a pivotal role in shaping the soundscape of American popular music on the Mississippi—from the parlor songs of Stephen Foster to the syncopations of Scott Joplin. His innovations, such as incorporating animal dance rhythms into popular culture (e.g., the “Turkey Trot”), and his collaborations with prominent performers, helped bridge traditional melodies with the burgeoning ragtime movement.
Lampe’s music became a staple of riverboat bands and early jazz orchestras, contributing to the lively musical spirit that defined the era. His compositions, many published under the pseudonym "Ribé Danmark" (after his birthplace), continue to be performed and enjoyed today.
Lampe's Musical Journey
In addition to his own compositions and arrangements, Lampe's musical journey was greatly influenced by his associations with other musicians and ensembles. Notably, The Chesapeake Minstrels, a ragtime band in which Lampe played, enriched his experience in the field. Lampe's association with George Weigand, a prolific mandolin virtuoso, further cemented his place as a leading figure in the ragtime era.
Explore the fascinating works of Jens Bodewalt Lampe and let his harmonious melodies transport you back to the vibrant, lively musical world of the early 20th century.