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

1. 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 genre into the mainstream.

2. Maple Leaf Rag Success: "Maple Leaf Rag" became a massive hit and is often considered one of the most important and enduring compositions in ragtime music history. It sold over a million copies during Joplin's lifetime.

3. Educational Background: Joplin came from a musical family, and he received formal music training. He studied at George R. Smith College in Sedalia, Missouri, where he learned the fundamentals of music theory.

4. Opera Aspirations: Beyond ragtime, Joplin had aspirations to compose grander works. He composed a ragtime opera titled "Treemonisha," which was an ambitious and innovative project. Unfortunately, it wasn't fully appreciated during his lifetime.

5. Piano Rolls: Joplin recorded some of his compositions on piano rolls. These were early forms of music recording, capturing the pianist's performance on perforated paper rolls that could be played back on player pianos.

6. Legacy and Recognition: Scott Joplin's contributions to American music have been widely recognized. In 1976, he was posthumously awarded a Pulitzer Prize for his contributions to music, specifically citing "Maple Leaf Rag."

7. Tragic End: Joplin's life ended tragically. He suffered from syphilis, which led to mental and physical deterioration. He died in 1917 at the age of 48.

Scott Joplin's legacy continues to influence and inspire musicians, and his contributions to the development of American music, particularly ragtime, are celebrated to this day.