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Scott Joplin was an influential American composer and pianist, known for his significant contributions to the development of ragtime music and his famous composition, "The Entertainer." Here are some interesting facts about him:

1. Early Life: Scott Joplin was born in Texarkana, Texas, around November 1867 (the exact date is uncertain). He came from a musical family and began learning music at an early age. He showed exceptional talent on the piano from a young age.

2. Ragtime Pioneer: Joplin is often referred to as the "King of Ragtime." He played a crucial role in popularizing and codifying ragtime music, which is characterized by its syncopated rhythms and lively melodies.

3. Published Composer: Joplin was not only a performer but also a prolific composer. He published his first rag, "Original Rags," in 1899, and he went on to write many other famous rags, including "The Entertainer," "Maple Leaf Rag," and "The Easy Winners."

4. "The Entertainer": Perhaps Joplin's most famous composition, "The Entertainer," was written in 1902. It gained renewed popularity in the 1970s when it was used as the theme music for the film "The Sting," which starred Paul Newman and Robert Redford. This exposure brought ragtime music back into the mainstream.

5. Opera Ambitions: Joplin had ambitions beyond ragtime and composed a full-length opera titled "Treemonisha." It is considered one of the first operas by an African American composer. Despite initial struggles, it has since gained recognition for its historical and artistic significance.

6. Educator: Joplin believed in the educational value of music and published a manual titled "School of Ragtime" in 1908. He aimed to teach ragtime techniques to a wider audience, and this manual contributed to the dissemination of ragtime music.

7. Personal Tragedies: Joplin faced personal hardships during his life. He had financial difficulties, struggled with illness (possibly syphilis), and experienced the loss of loved ones. Despite these challenges, he continued to compose and perform.

8. Legacy: Scott Joplin's work had a lasting impact on American music. He paved the way for subsequent jazz and popular music styles. In 1976, he was posthumously awarded a Pulitzer Prize for his contributions to American music.

9. Rediscovery: Ragtime experienced a revival in the mid-20th century, and Scott Joplin's music played a central role in this revival. Musicians and scholars began to recognize his importance as a composer and performer.

10. Honors and Recognition: Joplin was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1970 and received a U.S. postage stamp in his honor in 1983. His music continues to be celebrated and performed worldwide.

Scott Joplin's enduring contributions to American music, particularly ragtime, have solidified his place in music history, and he remains an influential figure in the development of popular music in the United States.