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Scott Joplin was a renowned American composer and pianist, often referred to as "The King of Ragtime." Here are some interesting facts about this influential entertainer:

1. Pioneering Ragtime: Scott Joplin is best known for his contributions to the development and popularization of ragtime music. Ragtime is a genre characterized by its syncopated rhythms and lively melodies, and Joplin's compositions helped establish it as a distinct and popular style of music in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

2. Most Famous Composition: Joplin's most famous composition is "The Entertainer," which was published in 1902. This piece remains one of the most recognizable and enduring ragtime tunes in history. It gained renewed popularity in the 1970s when it was featured as the theme music for the movie "The Sting."

3. Musical Prodigy: Joplin was a musical prodigy who began playing the piano at a very young age. He received formal music training from various teachers and quickly developed his skills as a pianist and composer.

4. Opera Aspirations: While Joplin is most famous for his ragtime compositions, he also had aspirations to compose operas. His most ambitious work in this regard was "Treemonisha," an opera with a storyline that addressed themes of education and African American culture. Although it was not widely recognized during his lifetime, it has since gained appreciation as a significant work in American opera.

5. Academic Pursuits: Joplin was dedicated to his craft and saw ragtime as a serious art form. He wrote a treatise titled "School of Ragtime" in which he outlined his ideas about the proper performance and composition of ragtime music.

6. Legacy: Scott Joplin's contributions to music have had a lasting impact. He is regarded as one of the most important figures in American music history and a key figure in the development of early jazz. His compositions continue to be performed and recorded by musicians worldwide.

7. Pulitzer Prize Posthumously: In 1976, Scott Joplin was awarded a posthumous Pulitzer Prize for his contributions to American music, particularly for his opera "Treemonisha." This recognition further solidified his status as a significant American composer.

8. Tragic End: Unfortunately, Scott Joplin struggled with health problems later in life, likely due to syphilis. He died on April 1, 1917, at the age of 48 in a mental institution in New York City. He was buried in a pauper's grave, but a headstone was later erected to honor his memory.

Scott Joplin's enduring musical legacy continues to inspire and influence musicians to this day, and his contributions to the world of music, especially ragtime, are celebrated for their innovation and artistry.