May Frances Aufderheide

May Frances Aufderheide Kaufman (b. May 21, 1888 – d. Pasadena, California, September 1, 1972) – Pianist and composer. Raised in Indianapolis, May Frances Aufderheide distinguished herself as one of the most accomplished female composers of piano rags. After succeeding with her first published rag (“Dusty”), she went on to write six more (including “Richmond Rag”) as well as waltzes and songs. All of her published works were between 1908 and 1912. Although “Dusty Rag” was published by fellow ragtime composer Duane Crabb’s company, her father, John H. Aufderheide published her remaining works under J.H. Aufderheide Publishing Co. Two of her rags were re-published as songs with lyrics by J. Will Callahan (“Dusty Rag”) and Earl C. Jones (“A Totally Different Rag”). After marrying Thomas M. Kaufman, she followed the contemporary feminine model by relinquishing her own professional endeavors.