Shelton Brooks (1886-1975) was a Canadian-born composer and performer of popular music and jazz. He was born in Amherstburg, Ontario, but later moved to the US. He is best known for a couple of classic ragtime songs including "Some of These Days" and this song, "At the Darktown Strutters' Ball". This song has definitely moved into the oral tradition in Canada and the United States. These days you usually just hear the chorus. We've provided the verse as well. The YouTube link takes you to the original 78 of the song.