Scoreload

American ragtime composer and pianist, celebrated as one of the 'Big Three' ragtime composers alongside Scott Joplin and James Scott.Largely self-taught, Lamb rose to prominence after meeting publisher John Stark in 1907. Composed influential rags while working full-time in New York's textile industry. Rediscovered during the 1940s ragtime revival, cementing his legacy in American music history.

• As the only white member of ragtime's 'Big Three,' Lamb faced industry racism; publisher John Stark initially assumed he was Black upon hearing his music.
• Scott Joplin personally endorsed Lamb's 'Sensation Rag' (1908), leading to its publication and launching Lamb's career.
• Abandoned composing after ragtime's 1920s decline, working 35 years unnoticed as a wholesale textiles manager before his 1959 rediscovery.
• Died suddenly of a heart attack in 1960, just as his music regained popularity during the ragtime revival era.