We have a collection of 44 arrangements for Scott Joplin - The Entertainer
Did you know this iconic ragtime piece became globally famous nearly 70 years after its creation? Learn!
Who's behind the notes? Discover Scott Joplin: The King of Ragtime
Scott Joplin was a remarkable American composer and pianist known for his contributions to the ragtime genre of music. Here are some interesting facts about him:
Ragtime Pioneer: Scott Joplin is often referred to as the "King of Ragtime." He played a significant role in popularizing this unique and syncopated genre of music in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Birthplace: Joplin was born in either November 1867 or January 1868 in Texarkana, Texas, depending on the source. The exact date of his birth remains uncertain.
Musical Prodigy: He displayed a prodigious musical talent from a young age and received early training in classical music. His skills on the piano were evident, even as a child.
Composer Extraordinaire: Joplin composed many famous ragtime pieces, with his most notable composition being "The Entertainer," which gained immense popularity and is still widely recognized today. It was later featured prominently in the 1973 movie "The Sting," earning Joplin a posthumous Grammy Award.
Educational Pursuits: Joplin had a strong belief in formal music education and sought to elevate ragtime as a legitimate art form. He even wrote an instructional manual titled "School of Ragtime" to help aspiring musicians understand and play ragtime music correctly.
Published Works: In 1899, Joplin's first published ragtime composition, "Maple Leaf Rag," became a huge success. It's considered one of the most important and influential ragtime compositions ever written.
The "Red Back Book": In 1901, Joplin published "The Entertainer" as part of a collection called "The Red Back Book." This collection contained some of his best-known compositions and contributed significantly to his legacy.
Opera Ambitions: Joplin had ambitions to compose a grand opera called "Treemonisha," which was ahead of its time in addressing social issues and featuring a predominantly African American cast. Though it was not widely recognized during his lifetime, "Treemonisha" is now celebrated as an important work in American music history.
Legacy: Scott Joplin's contributions to ragtime have left a lasting impact on American music. His compositions continue to be performed and recorded by contemporary musicians, preserving his legacy.
Tragic End: Unfortunately, Joplin's life took a tragic turn towards the end. He suffered from syphilis and died in a mental institution in New York City on April 1, 1917, at the age of 48. He was buried in an unmarked grave, but a headstone was later placed on his grave in 1974 to honor his memory.
Scott Joplin's innovative and enduring contributions to music have earned him a special place in American cultural history. His compositions remain a beloved part of the musical canon to this day.