[Dixielandjazz] Ragtime question

[philwilking]

It is explained in Rawlins' "Tunes of the Twenties" that Botsford wrote the 
rag first. Then later, as ragtime faded in popularity, Berlin put words to 
two of the strains, left out the third strain, and published the result as a 
popular song.

Phil Wilking - K5MZF
www.nolabanjo.com

Those who would exchange freedom for security
deserve neither freedom nor security.

-----Original Message----- 
From: Ron L'Herault

Here's something that has been bugging a piano teacher friend of mine. The 
Grizzly Bear Rag was written in 1907, if memory serves, by Botsford. Around 
that same time Irving Berlin wrote the Grizzly Bear with words. They seem to 
be the same tune. Did Berlin put words to the rag or did one of the 
"composers" steal it from the other?