Lyrics | Artists | Scott Joplin

Scott Joplin

Born in Texas in 1868, Scott Joplin was an African-American pianist and composer who is now referred to as the ‘King of Ragtime’. While most of his 100 songs – including “Maple Leaf Rag” and “The Entertainer” – fall under the ragtime genre, he also penned a ragtime ballet and two operas. Growing up in Texarkana, Arkansas, he became a musician with help from local teachers. He left his job as a railway laborer and pursued a career as a musician. In 1894, he moved to Sedalia, Missouri and taught piano for a living. The following year, he started publishing his music and by 1899, “M...