Scott Joplin

Date of Birth: November 24, 1868

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: April 1, 1917

Biography

Scott Joplin was an American composer and pianist, renowned for his significant contributions to the ragtime genre. Born into a musical family in Texarkana, Texas, Joplin showed an early aptitude for music. His mother, a singer and banjo player, and his father, a former slave and violinist, nurtured his talents. Joplin’s style blended classical music’s complexity with the rhythmic syncopation of African American music, creating a revolutionary new sound. Joplin moved to Sedalia, Missouri, where he attended George R. Smith College for Negroes and studied music. He published his first piano rag, “Original Rags,” in 1899, followed by his most famous piece, “Maple Leaf Rag,” which earned him the title “King of Ragtime.” Throughout his career, Joplin composed over 40 rags, a ballet, and two operas, including “Treemonisha,” which he considered his magnum opus. Despite facing racial barriers and financial difficulties, Joplin’s music gained posthumous recognition and sparked a resurgence of interest in ragtime during the 1970s.

5 Interesting Facts about Scott Joplin

1. Scott Joplin was awarded a posthumous Pulitzer Prize in 1976 for his contributions to American music.

2. “Maple Leaf Rag” was the first piece of sheet music to sell over a million copies.

3. Joplin’s opera “Treemonisha” was one of the earliest operas by an African American composer.

4. Joplin recorded several of his compositions on piano rolls, an early form of music recording.

5. A resurgence of interest in Joplin’s music occurred in the 1970s, leading to the use of “The Entertainer” as the theme for the Oscar-winning film “The Sting.”

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Scott Joplin

1. “It is never right to play ragtime fast.”

2. “Syncopations are no indication of light or trashy music.”

3. “Ragtime should always be played slowly.”

4. “Because it is an art form, it should be treated with respect.”

5. “Don’t play this piece fast. It is never right to play ragtime fast.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Scott Joplin’s net worth is estimated to have been modest due to the racial and economic challenges of his time, but his compositions sold well, particularly “Maple Leaf Rag.”

Children

Scott Joplin had one daughter, who unfortunately died in infancy. His marriage to Freddie Alexander in 1904 was brief, as she died shortly after their wedding.