Faye Ballard first became interested in ragtime after hearing a piano player named Les Cripe playing at a Shakey’s Pizza Parlor in Decatur, IL. Les was kind enough to take her under his wing and helped teach her the first rag she learned: “Maple Leaf Rag” by Scott Joplin.
Faye has been a part of the World Old-Time Piano Playing Championship since age 10 either as a contestant or as Contest Coordinator. One of her best experiences was winning first place in the Senior Division of the contest in 2024.
Listen to Faye Ballard: