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Scott Joplin was an influential African American composer and pianist known for his significant contributions to the development of ragtime music during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Here are some interesting facts about him:

1. Birth and Early Life: Scott Joplin was born between 1867 and 1868 in either Texarkana, Texas, or Linden, Texas. His exact birthdate remains uncertain due to the lack of official records from that time.

2. Musical Prodigy: Joplin demonstrated musical talent at a young age. He received his first formal music lessons from a German immigrant named Julius Weiss, who recognized Joplin's potential.

3. Prolific Composer: Joplin composed numerous ragtime pieces, including his most famous work, "The Entertainer." His compositions often featured complex syncopated rhythms and catchy melodies that became synonymous with the ragtime genre.

4. Ragtime Pioneer: Joplin was a key figure in popularizing ragtime music. His compositions helped bridge the gap between classical and popular music, making ragtime a mainstream genre.

5. "Maple Leaf Rag": One of Joplin's most famous compositions is "Maple Leaf Rag," published in 1899. It became a massive hit and is considered one of the most iconic pieces in the ragtime repertoire.

6. Operas and Ballets: Joplin aspired to create more than just piano rags. He composed two operas, "A Guest of Honor" and "Treemonisha," as well as a ballet titled "The Ragtime Dance."

7. Treemonisha: "Treemonisha" is often considered Joplin's magnum opus. It is an opera that addresses issues of race, education, and social progress. Unfortunately, it was not widely recognized during his lifetime.

8. Piano Rolls: Joplin recorded several of his compositions on piano rolls, which allowed people to listen to his music on player pianos. These rolls helped spread his music even further.

9. Legacy: Scott Joplin's music continued to gain popularity in the 1970s with the resurgence of interest in ragtime. In 1974, his opera "Treemonisha" received a Pulitzer Prize posthumously.

10. Posthumous Recognition: In 1976, Joplin was posthumously awarded a Pulitzer Prize for his contributions to American music. This recognition solidified his status as a pioneering figure in American music history.

11. Joplin's End: Tragically, Scott Joplin died on April 1, 1917, at the age of either 48 or 49. He spent his last years in New York City, suffering from the effects of syphilis and poverty.

Scott Joplin's music continues to be celebrated and played today, and his legacy as the "King of Ragtime" endures as a significant part of American musical history.