Who's behind the notes? Discover Scott Joplin: The King of Ragtime
Scott Joplin was a highly influential American composer and pianist, best known for his contributions to ragtime music. Here are some interesting facts about Scott Joplin and his composition "The Entertainer," which includes "The Entertainer" and "Maple Leaf Rag."
Birth and Early Life: Scott Joplin was born around 1867 in Texas, although the exact date is uncertain. He grew up in a musical family and showed an early aptitude for the piano.
Ragtime Pioneer: Joplin played a key role in popularizing ragtime music, a genre that combines African American musical styles with European musical forms. Ragtime was especially popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Maple Leaf Rag: One of Joplin's most famous compositions is the "Maple Leaf Rag," published in 1899. It became a huge hit and is often considered one of the most important and enduring compositions of the ragtime era.
The Entertainer: "The Entertainer" is another iconic Joplin composition, written in 1902. This ragtime piece gained renewed popularity in the 1970s when it was used as the main theme for the movie "The Sting," starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford.
The Sting and Revival: The use of "The Entertainer" in "The Sting" led to a resurgence of interest in ragtime music and solidified Joplin's place in musical history. The soundtrack, which prominently featured Joplin's compositions, won the Academy Award for Best Original Song Score.
Opera Aspirations: Joplin had aspirations beyond ragtime and sought to compose a grand opera. He completed an opera titled "Treemonisha" in 1911, which is now considered a significant work in African American musical history. However, it was not widely performed during Joplin's lifetime.
Legacy: Scott Joplin's contributions to American music have earned him a lasting legacy. He is often referred to as the "King of Ragtime" and is credited with elevating ragtime from a popular genre to a recognized art form.
Posthumous Recognition: Despite facing financial difficulties and personal challenges during his lifetime, Joplin's music gained increased recognition after his death in 1917. In 1976, he was awarded a posthumous Pulitzer Prize for his contributions to music.
Scott Joplin's compositions, including "The Entertainer" and "Maple Leaf Rag," continue to be celebrated and performed, showcasing the enduring appeal of his innovative musical style.