Artie Matthews (November 15, 1888 – October 25, 1958) was an influential American songwriter, pianist, and ragtime composer. Born in Braidwood, Illinois, Matthews moved with his family to Springfield, Illinois, where he was raised by his widowed mother. His initial musical education came from his mother and was furthered by local Springfield ragtime pianists Banty Morgan and Art Dunningham.

In 1907, Matthews relocated to St. Louis, Missouri, a hub of ragtime music, where he became part of a vibrant community of musicians. He worked as a pianist and arranger, performing in various venues including the Rosebud Café, and composed music for local theater productions. His earliest surviving composition, "Give Me, Dear, Just One More Chance," dates back to 1908.

Matthews gained recognition for his "Pastime Rags," a series of compositions that are considered some of the finest examples of ragtime music. His work with music publisher John Stark in 1913 led to the publication of these rags, which showcased his sophisticated style. His "Weary Blues," composed in 1915, became a jazz standard, famously recorded by Tommy Ladnier and Sidney Bechet in 1938.

In 1916, Matthews moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he initially worked as a church organist. In 1921, he and his wife Anna Howard founded the Cosmopolitan School of Music, a pioneering institution for African American musicians. Matthews taught there until his death, influencing students such as Frank Foster, who later became a key arranger for the Count Basie Orchestra.

Artie Matthews is remembered as one of the great ragtime composers, alongside Scott Joplin, Joseph Lamb, and James Scott. His contributions to ragtime and early blues music, particularly through compositions like "Baby Seals Blues," have left a lasting impact on American music history.