We have a collection of 44 arrangements for Scott Joplin - The Entertainer
Why was "The Entertainer" mistakenly associated with the 1930s in The Sting film? Learn!
Who's behind the notes? Discover Scott Joplin: The King of Ragtime
Scott Joplin was a renowned American composer and pianist, often referred to as "The King of Ragtime." Here are some interesting facts about him:
Pioneering Ragtime Composer: Scott Joplin is best known for his contributions to ragtime music, a genre characterized by its syncopated rhythms and lively melodies. His compositions played a pivotal role in popularizing ragtime during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Birthplace: Joplin was born around November 1867, in either Texarkana, Texas, or Linden, Texas. The exact date and location of his birth remain sources of debate among historians.
Musical Education: He received formal music training in his youth, studying the piano with various teachers. He later expanded his musical knowledge by learning about classical music and opera.
Maple Leaf Rag: Joplin's most famous composition is the "Maple Leaf Rag," published in 1899. It became an instant hit and is often considered the definitive ragtime piece.
Notable Works: In addition to "Maple Leaf Rag," Joplin composed many other well-known rags, including "The Entertainer," "Solace," "Heliotrope Bouquet," and "Pineapple Rag."
Treemonisha: Joplin ventured into composing a full-length opera called "Treemonisha." It addressed themes of African American empowerment and education and remains one of his most significant and ambitious works.
Publishing Success: Joplin was not only a talented composer but also a shrewd businessman. He self-published many of his compositions and earned royalties from their sales, which was unusual for a Black composer during that era.
Influence on Jazz: Joplin's syncopated melodies and rhythms were precursors to jazz music. His compositions had a profound influence on the development of early jazz styles.
Tragic End: Joplin's later life was marked by struggles with poverty and declining health. He died of complications from syphilis in a mental institution in New York City on April 1, 1917, at the age of 49.
Posthumous Recognition: Despite facing difficulties during his lifetime, Scott Joplin's music experienced a resurgence in popularity during the 1970s, thanks in part to the successful use of his compositions in the soundtrack of the 1973 film "The Sting." He was posthumously awarded a Pulitzer Prize in 1976 for his contribution to American music.
Scott Joplin's legacy endures as a pivotal figure in the history of American music, and his ragtime compositions continue to be celebrated and performed to this day.