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Scott Joplin was a highly influential African American composer and pianist known for his contributions to ragtime music, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Here are some interesting facts about Scott Joplin, often referred to as "The King of Ragtime":

1. Early Life: Scott Joplin was born sometime between 1867 and 1868 in Texarkana, Texas. He grew up in a musical family and showed early talent as a pianist.

2. The Maple Leaf Rag: Joplin's most famous composition is "The Maple Leaf Rag," which he published in 1899. It became a huge hit and is considered one of the most important and enduring pieces of ragtime music.

3. Educational Pursuits: Joplin received formal musical training, studying the piano with German instructor Julius Weiss. He also attended George R. Smith College in Missouri, where he studied music theory.

4. Prolific Composer: Throughout his career, Joplin composed numerous ragtime pieces, including "The Entertainer," "Elite Syncopations," and "Solace." He wrote both piano rags and orchestral works.

5. Influence on Jazz: Joplin's syncopated and lively ragtime compositions had a significant influence on the development of jazz music. His use of complex rhythms and catchy melodies laid the foundation for many future jazz musicians.

6. Operatic Ambitions: In addition to his ragtime compositions, Joplin had aspirations to compose operas. His most famous opera, "Treemonisha," was completed in 1911 but not widely recognized until years later. It is a notable work that deals with themes of African American culture and education.

7. Challenging Racial Barriers: Joplin faced racial discrimination throughout his career. Despite this, he continued to perform and compose music, contributing to the breaking down of racial barriers in the music world.

8. Decline and Legacy: Ragtime fell out of favor in the early 20th century as jazz became more popular. Joplin's financial situation deteriorated, and he struggled with health issues, including syphilis. He died in 1917 at the age of 48.

9. Posthumous Recognition: Joplin's music experienced a revival in the 1970s, thanks in part to the successful use of his compositions in the soundtrack of the film "The Sting" (1973). He posthumously received a Pulitzer Prize in 1976 for his contributions to American music.

10. The Joplin House: Scott Joplin's former residence in St. Louis, Missouri, has been preserved as the Scott Joplin House State Historic Site. It's now a museum dedicated to his life and work, offering visitors insights into his legacy.

Scott Joplin's contributions to music, especially ragtime, continue to be celebrated today. He is remembered as a pioneer in American music and a key figure in the development of syncopated rhythms and jazz.