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Scott Joplin was a highly influential American composer and pianist, known for his contributions to ragtime music and, in particular, for his famous composition "The Entertainer." Here are some interesting facts about him:

1. Early Life: Scott Joplin was born in November 1868, somewhere near Linden, Texas. The exact location and date of his birth are still a subject of debate among historians.

2. Musical Prodigy: He displayed an early aptitude for music and started playing the piano at a very young age. He received his first formal music lessons from Julius Weiss, a German immigrant.

3. Journey to Success: Joplin traveled extensively during his early years, performing in various cities and towns. He gained valuable experience and exposure to different musical styles, which would later influence his compositions.

4. Maple Leaf Rag: In 1899, Joplin composed "Maple Leaf Rag," which became one of the most famous and enduring ragtime compositions. It sold over one million copies of sheet music, making him a significant figure in American music.

5. The Entertainer: "The Entertainer," composed in 1902, is perhaps his most famous piece. It gained renewed popularity when it was used as the theme music for the 1973 film "The Sting," starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford.

6. Educational Efforts: Joplin believed in the educational value of ragtime music. He wrote an instructional manual titled "The School of Ragtime" in 1908, aimed at teaching others how to play this style of music.

7. Opera Ambitions: Joplin aspired to write a grand opera that would elevate ragtime to the status of classical music. He composed "Treemonisha," an opera set in rural Arkansas, but it wasn't widely recognized during his lifetime.

8. Tragic End: Scott Joplin faced financial struggles and health problems in his later years. He died of syphilis-related complications on April 1, 1917, at the age of 48, in a mental institution in New York.

9. Posthumous Recognition: Joplin's music experienced a revival in the mid-20th century, thanks to the efforts of musicologists and musicians who recognized the historical and artistic significance of ragtime. His compositions are now regarded as American classics.

10. Legacy: Scott Joplin's contributions to American music have had a lasting impact. He is often referred to as the "King of Ragtime" and is credited with helping to popularize this uniquely American genre of music.

11. Pulitzer Prize: In 1976, Scott Joplin was posthumously awarded a Pulitzer Prize for his contributions to American music. This recognition further solidified his place in musical history.

Scott Joplin's compositions continue to be celebrated and performed today, ensuring that his legacy lives on in the world of music.