We have a collection of 44 arrangements for Scott Joplin - The Entertainer
What makes The Entertainer one of the most recognizable ragtime melodies in the world? Learn!
Who's behind the notes? Discover Scott Joplin: The King of Ragtime
Scott Joplin, often referred to as "The King of Ragtime," was a highly influential American composer and pianist. Here are some interesting facts about him:
Birth and Early Years: Scott Joplin was born around November 1867 in Texas, although the exact date is not known. He came from a musical family, and his father played the violin.
Musical Education: Joplin received formal musical training from various teachers, including Julius Weiss, a German music professor. This education helped him develop a strong foundation in classical music.
Ragtime Pioneer: Joplin played a crucial role in popularizing ragtime music. His compositions, such as "Maple Leaf Rag" (1899), were among the first to bring this syncopated genre to a wide audience. Ragtime became a popular music style in the United States in the early 20th century.
Maple Leaf Rag: One of Joplin's most famous compositions, "Maple Leaf Rag," became a massive hit and sold over a million copies during his lifetime. It is still considered a classic in the ragtime genre.
The Entertainer: Another one of Joplin's well-known compositions is "The Entertainer" (1902). This piece gained renewed popularity in the 1970s when it was used as the theme music for the film "The Sting," which won an Academy Award for Best Picture.
Opera Aspirations: Joplin had ambitions beyond ragtime and composed an opera titled "Treemonisha." Unfortunately, the opera did not receive much recognition during his lifetime. Today, it is regarded as a significant contribution to American opera.
Legacy and Recognition: Despite facing financial struggles and not always receiving the recognition he deserved during his lifetime, Scott Joplin's contributions to American music have been widely acknowledged posthumously. In 1976, he was posthumously awarded a Pulitzer Prize for his contributions to music.
Final Years and Death: Scott Joplin died on April 1, 1917, at the age of 49, in New York City. He was buried in a pauper's grave, but later efforts by the Scott Joplin Foundation led to the placement of a proper headstone on his grave.
Honors and Celebrations: In 1976, a year after his death, Joplin was awarded a special Pulitzer Prize posthumously for his contributions to music. The United States Postal Service also honored him with a commemorative stamp in 1983.
Scott Joplin's impact on American music, particularly ragtime, continues to be celebrated, and his compositions remain an integral part of the cultural heritage of the United States.