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Scott Joplin, known as the "King of Ragtime," was a highly influential American composer and pianist. Here are some interesting facts about him:

1. Birth and Early Life:

   • Scott Joplin was born between July 1867 and January 1868, in Texarkana, Texas. The exact date of his birth is uncertain, and historical records are inconsistent.

2. Musical Prodigy:

   • Joplin showed an early aptitude for music and reportedly taught himself to play the piano at a young age.

3. Ragtime Pioneer:

   • Joplin was a key figure in the development and popularization of ragtime music. Ragtime is a genre characterized by its syncopated or "ragged" rhythm, and Joplin's compositions helped bring this style to a broader audience.

4. Maple Leaf Rag:

   • His most famous composition is the "Maple Leaf Rag," which he published in 1899. It became a huge success and is considered a classic of ragtime music.

5. The Entertainer:

   • Another one of Joplin's well-known compositions is "The Entertainer," written in 1902. It gained renewed popularity in the 1970s when it was used as the main theme for the movie "The Sting."

6. Educational Background:

   • Joplin received formal music training at the George R. Smith College for Negroes in Sedalia, Missouri.

7. Operas and Classical Works:

   • In addition to his ragtime compositions, Joplin wrote two operas, "A Guest of Honor" and "Treemonisha." Unfortunately, he struggled to get these more serious works recognized during his lifetime.

8. Legacy and Recognition:

   • Although he faced financial difficulties throughout his life, Joplin's contributions to music were eventually recognized posthumously. In 1976, he was awarded a Pulitzer Prize for his contributions to American music.

9. Personal Struggles:

   • Joplin faced challenges in his personal life, including financial struggles and health issues. He suffered from tertiary syphilis, a condition that ultimately led to his premature death.

10. Death and Burial:

    • Scott Joplin passed away on April 1, 1917, in New York City, at the age of 49. He was buried in a pauper's grave, but later, a headstone was placed at his burial site in 1974 by the Scott Joplin Memorial Foundation.