The pianists and arrangers who recorded and created the music we still enjoy today are often shrouded in mystery. Record-keeping wasn't as regimented as it is today, and as the roll companies went out of business or switched to manufacturing other products, records were often destroyed or lost.

In addition, a host of pseudonyms were used by artists, sometimes to make the company's stable of artists appear larger, sometimes to record popular music or ragtime without being considered "lowbrow", and other times to create a 'personality' around a different style of playing.

The information in these biographical pages comes from a variety of sources. Where known, I provide references. If you have more information on any of these talented artists, or spot any errors or inconsistencies, please email me.
 

    
Label advertising Autograph Hand Played rolls from QRS roll box