Scott Joplin, often referred to as the "King of Ragtime," was one of the most influential composers in American music history. His innovative ragtime compositions helped shape early 20th-century American music, blending African American musical traditions with classical elements. Below are five of Joplin's most celebrated compositions that continue to captivate listeners today.
Scott Joplin, often dubbed the "King of Ragtime," was a pioneering American composer and pianist whose innovative compositions forever changed the landscape of American music. Born sometime between 1867 and 1868 in Northeast Texas, the exact date of Joplin's birth remains uncertain due to a lack of official records. Raised in a musical family of former slaves, Joplin showed early promise as a musician, learning to play the piano at a young age.
Despite facing numerous challenges as an African American during the post-Civil War era, Joplin's passion for music persevered. He honed his skills by studying music theory and composition, eventually venturing out to perform in various clubs and saloons across the Midwest. It was during these formative years that Joplin began experimenting with a syncopated style of music known as ragtime, blending elements of African rhythms with European musical traditions.