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Scott Joplin was a remarkable African American composer and pianist, best known for his contributions to the development of ragtime music. Here are some interesting facts about him:

1. Ragtime Pioneer: Scott Joplin is often referred to as the "King of Ragtime." He played a pivotal role in popularizing and legitimizing ragtime as a distinctive musical genre in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

2. "The Entertainer": One of Joplin's most famous compositions is "The Entertainer," which he composed in 1902. It has become one of the most recognizable ragtime tunes and is often associated with the era.

3. Educational Background: Joplin received formal musical training and studied the fundamentals of music theory and composition at the George R. Smith College for Negroes (now known as Huston-Tillotson University) in Austin, Texas.

4. "Maple Leaf Rag": Joplin's "Maple Leaf Rag," published in 1899, is considered one of the most influential and iconic pieces in the history of ragtime music. It was one of the first ragtime compositions to achieve widespread popularity.

5. The "Red Back Book": Joplin's efforts to elevate ragtime led him to publish a collection of his compositions titled "The Red Back Book" in 1908. This book included some of his most famous works and aimed to showcase ragtime as a legitimate art form.

6. "Treemonisha": Joplin also composed a full-length opera titled "Treemonisha" in 1911. It was ahead of its time, addressing issues of African American identity, education, and social progress. Despite its significance, the opera was not well-received during Joplin's lifetime.

7. Struggles and Recognition: Joplin faced challenges in gaining recognition for his music beyond the realm of ragtime. He aimed to create a more sophisticated form of ragtime that he called "classic rag," which incorporated elements of classical music into the genre.

8. Legacy and Revival: Scott Joplin's work experienced a revival in the 1970s when his compositions were prominently featured in the soundtrack of the movie "The Sting" (1973). The movie's success brought renewed attention to Joplin's music.

9. Final Years: Joplin's later years were marked by financial difficulties and health problems, including syphilis. He passed away at the age of 49 on April 1, 1917.

10. Posthumous Honors: In 1976, Joplin was awarded a posthumous Pulitzer Prize for his contributions to American music. This recognition helped solidify his status as a significant figure in music history.

Scott Joplin's enduring legacy lies not only in his catchy and lively ragtime compositions but also in his efforts to elevate ragtime to a level of artistic respectability, paving the way for the evolution of American music.