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.

How did blues and ragtime influence jazz?

The blues contain the musical structure of jazz with the 12 bar pattern, while ragtime supplies the unique syncopations and improvisations. The early musicians of blues and ragtime would eventually provide the transition necessary to move into jazz. …

What did ragtime music influence?

Ragtime was an influence on early jazz; the influence of Jelly Roll Morton continued in the Harlem stride piano style of players such as James P. Johnson and Fats Waller. Ragtime was also a major influence on Piedmont blues.