How Ragtime Influenced Jazz?

Ragtime really isn't jazz since it rarely includes improvisation. However, it was the immediate precursor of jazz. Bands tried to imitate the ragtime style. They added improvisation and, thus, jazz was born.

Why is ragtime music important to jazz?

Ragtime later influenced the development of the stride and boogie piano styles, but ragtime itself was not yet jazz. It didn't really swing and there was no room for improvisation since the composition was intended to be played as notated by the composer.

What did ragtime music influence?

Though ragtime's heyday was relatively short-lived, the music influenced the later development of jazz. Ragtime experienced occasional revivals, most notably in the 1970s.