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Scott Joplin, known as the "King of Ragtime," was a prominent American composer and pianist in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Here are some interesting facts about him:

1. Birth and Early Life: Scott Joplin was born around November 24, 1868, in Texas. He grew up in a musical family and showed an early aptitude for the piano.

2. King of Ragtime: Joplin's most famous compositions are his ragtime pieces, characterized by their syncopated rhythms and lively melodies. His most well-known work is the "Maple Leaf Rag," which became a significant success.

3. Educational Background: Joplin received formal music training, studying at the George R. Smith College for Negroes in Sedalia, Missouri. He later continued his education at the St. Louis Conservatory of Music.

4. Sedalia, Missouri: Joplin spent a significant part of his career in Sedalia, where he played in clubs and developed his unique style of ragtime. The city is often associated with the early development of ragtime music.

5. Treemonisha: Joplin composed a full-length opera titled "Treemonisha," which is considered his most ambitious work. It addresses social issues and is unique for its fusion of classical and ragtime elements.

6. Publishing Success: Joplin was not only a performer but also a successful composer. He established his own publishing company to promote and publish his compositions, contributing to the popularization of ragtime.

7. Legacy: While Joplin's ragtime fell out of favor for a period, it experienced a revival in the 1970s. His music became widely recognized, and he posthumously received a Pulitzer Prize in 1976 for his contributions to American music.

8. Personal Challenges: Joplin faced financial struggles throughout his life, and he struggled with health issues, including syphilis. He died on April 1, 1917, at the age of 49.

Scott Joplin's influence on American music, particularly ragtime, has endured, and his compositions continue to be celebrated and performed today.