Though he notes that African Americans as an ethnic group are not mentioned in the film, several of the musical styles used have their roots in musical styles developed by Black people. One of the earliest famous songs introduced by Ludwig in the film is a ragtime piece, a genre which Lehman notes was pioneered by African-American composer Scott Joplin.
Despite the absence of any mention of African Americans as a group within the film, several musical styles featured in it have roots in music created by Black people. One notable example is a ragtime piece introduced by Ludwig, which Lehman identifies as having been pioneered by African-American composer Scott Joplin.