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Scott Joplin was an influential African American composer and pianist known for his contributions to ragtime music, a popular genre in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Here are some interesting facts about Scott Joplin:

1. Birth and Early Life: Scott Joplin was born around November 24, 1867, in Texarkana, Texas, although the exact date is not known. He grew up in a musical family and began learning to play the piano at a young age.

2. Ragtime Pioneer: Joplin is often referred to as the "King of Ragtime." He played a pivotal role in popularizing this genre, characterized by its syncopated rhythms and lively melodies. His compositions helped establish ragtime as a unique and influential American music style.

3. "Maple Leaf Rag": One of Joplin's most famous compositions is "Maple Leaf Rag," which he published in 1899. It became a massive hit and is considered one of the most significant and enduring pieces of ragtime music.

4. Opera Aspirations: Joplin aspired to compose operas and other more serious forms of music. His most notable work in this regard is "Treemonisha," an opera that tackled themes of African American culture and empowerment. Unfortunately, it was not widely recognized during his lifetime.

5. Prolific Composer: Joplin was a prolific composer and wrote many ragtime compositions, including "The Entertainer," "Solace," and "The Easy Winners," among others. His works continue to be performed and celebrated to this day.

6. Educator: Joplin believed in the educational value of music and even wrote a manual titled "The School of Ragtime" to teach the principles of ragtime piano playing. He wanted to elevate the genre's status and promote its acceptance as a legitimate form of music.

7. Struggles with Recognition: Despite his talent and contributions to music, Joplin struggled with recognition and financial stability during his lifetime. He often had to contend with issues related to copyright and royalties for his compositions.

8. Illness and Tragic End: Joplin suffered from syphilis, which led to declining health in his later years. He died on April 1, 1917, at the age of 49 in a mental institution in New York City. It is a sad fact that he did not live to see the full recognition and appreciation of his work.

9. Posthumous Recognition: After his death, Scott Joplin's music experienced a revival in popularity during the ragtime revival of the 1970s. He was posthumously awarded a Pulitzer Prize in 1976 for his contributions to American music.

10. Honored Legacy: Scott Joplin's legacy endures today. His music is regularly performed and recorded by musicians worldwide, and he is remembered as a pioneering figure in American music history.

Scott Joplin's impact on music, particularly the development of ragtime, continues to be celebrated, and his compositions remain a beloved part of American cultural heritage.