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Scott Joplin was a highly influential American composer and pianist, known as the "King of Ragtime." Here are some interesting facts about him:

1. Birth and Early Life: Scott Joplin was born in Texarkana, Texas, around November 24, 1868. The exact date is uncertain as there are no surviving birth records. He was the second of six children in his family.

2. Musical Prodigy: Joplin showed an early aptitude for music, learning to play the banjo and piano as a child. He began formal music training at the age of 11.

3. Ragtime Pioneer: Joplin is credited with pioneering the genre of ragtime music, characterized by its syncopated rhythms and lively melodies. His composition "Maple Leaf Rag," published in 1899, became one of the most famous and enduring ragtime pieces.

4. Composer and Educator: Joplin was not only a performer but also a prolific composer. He wrote many classic rags, waltzes, and marches. He also authored the "School of Ragtime," a guide intended to teach musicians how to play ragtime music.

5. The Entertainer: "The Entertainer," composed in 1902, is one of Joplin's most famous works. It gained renewed popularity in the 1970s when it was used as the theme music for the movie "The Sting," starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford.

6. Music Publications: Joplin published his music through his own company, Stark Music Co. His compositions, including "The Entertainer" and "Maple Leaf Rag," were highly successful and contributed significantly to his income.

7. Opera Aspirations: Joplin had ambitions beyond ragtime and composed an opera called "Treemonisha." This work combined elements of ragtime with a more serious, operatic form. It was not well-received during his lifetime but is now considered a significant achievement.

8. Legacy: Although Joplin's music fell out of favor in the early 20th century, it experienced a revival in the 1970s, thanks in part to "The Sting" and a renewed interest in traditional American music. Today, he is recognized as one of the most important figures in American music history.

9. Personal Struggles: Joplin faced racial discrimination during his career, which made it challenging for him to achieve the recognition and financial success he deserved. He struggled with health issues, including syphilis, which ultimately led to his premature death.

10. Posthumous Recognition: Scott Joplin was posthumously awarded a Pulitzer Prize in 1976 for his contributions to American music, specifically for his opera "Treemonisha." This recognition came almost six decades after his death.

Scott Joplin's music continues to be celebrated and enjoyed for its infectious rhythms and timeless melodies, and he remains a vital figure in the history of American music.