Scott Joplin
American composer and pianist, King of Ragtime.
Last updated
via Wikipedia: Janis Joplin · see source
Joplin considered ragtime a form of classical music meant for concert halls and disdained its performance as honky tonk music in saloons.
Background
Joplin grew up in a musical family of railway laborers in Linden, Texas. Joplin received rudimentary musical education from his family and, from age seven, played piano while his mother cleaned. His father left the family in the early 1880s. At 16, Joplin performed in a vocal quartet and played piano, guitar, and mandolin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Scott Joplin?
Scott Joplin was an American composer and pianist who earned the nickname "King of Ragtime" for his pioneering work in the genre. He is best remembered for his rag compositions and his ambitious opera Treemonisha.
What is Scott Joplin's most famous composition?
His "Maple Leaf Rag" is his signature piece, becoming the first major hit of the ragtime era and later being recognized as the definitive example of the style.
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Sources
Compiled from Wikipedia and the sources listed below. Text from Wikipedia is available under CC BY-SA 4.0; this entry is adapted from it.
- Wikipedia: Scott Joplin (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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