Richard Zimmerman found ragtime while still a high-school student and has been playing ragtime and promoting ragtime for 28 years.   He has edited and provided copy for the "Rag Times", the most informative newsletter on ragtime since 1973, and was the music director of the prestigious Sedalia, Missouri, Scott Joplin International Ragtime Festival for 17 years.

Dick's concert and ragtime festival piano renditions have set a high standard for ragtime performance.   When he performs, he shares his vast knowledge of the history of composers with his audience.   Two highlights of his performing career include Eubie Blakešs 100th Birthday Concert in the Shubert Theater in New York City and the "Old Town Music Hall Ragtime Festivals" in El Segundo, California which have been ongoing for 22 years.   In addition to compiling several sheet music folios of ragtime music, he has rediscovered many obscure rags and committed them to CD.   He is well known for his lectures and demonstrations on ragtime history, ragtime composers and ragtime music.   Several years ago, Tony Bill, motion picture producer of the movie "The Sting" commented "Richard Zimmerman is Americašs top ragtime pianist."

Dick has played and compiled many CDs and tapes of ragtime music, including a 4 CD set of the complete Scott Joplin rags, marches and waltzes (Bescal BSCD4/4), and a 2-CD set chronicling the history of ragtime (Vanguard 167/68-2).   Both of these are available through local music stores and on the web.