Musical Genius
Step into the remarkable world of Scott Joplin, the visionary composer who transformed ragtime from parlor entertainment into a profound artistic statement. Often hailed as the “King of Ragtime,” Joplin’s journey—from a self-taught pianist in rural Texas to a groundbreaking composer—was marked by bold creativity, unshakable perseverance, and a desire to redefine American music. His works, distinguished by their elegant syncopation and classical structure, did more than popularize a genre—they challenged the boundaries between high art and popular culture. Joplin’s lifelong mission to elevate ragtime culminated in Treemonisha, an ambitious opera that fused African American musical traditions with classical forms. Though underappreciated in his lifetime, his legacy soared in the decades that followed, influencing the evolution of jazz and modern American music. This site invites you to explore Joplin’s life, his musical innovations, and the enduring influence he continues to wield over generations of artists and audiences alike.
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10 Fun Facts
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He Was the First African American Composer to Win a Pulitzer Prize… Sort Of
In 1976—59 years after his death—Scott Joplin was posthumously awarded a special Pulitzer Prize for his contribution to American music. -
He Had a Bit of a “Musical Rivalry”
Joplin once had tensions with fellow ragtime composer Tom Turpin, as both were leading names in the St. Louis ragtime scene. But rather than duel it out, they let their music do the talking. -
He Probably Wrote Over 60 Pieces—But Some Are Lost to Time
Only about 40 of Joplin’s compositions survive today. Many were unpublished or lost, including an entire symphony that’s never been recovered. -
He Composed an Entire Ballet (And Almost No One Talks About It!)
Joplin composed a ballet called The Ragtime Dance in 1899. It combined dance, narration, and piano music—an early form of musical theater! -
He Once Self-Published His Work After Publishers Turned Him Down
Frustrated by lack of interest in Treemonisha, Joplin took it upon himself to publish the opera at great personal expense. Total indie artist energy. -
His Music Crossed Racial Barriers in a Segregated America
Even during the Jim Crow era, Joplin’s rags were wildly popular with both Black and white audiences—proof that music has the power to transcend injustice. -
He Had a Real-Life Ragtime Rival Named Jelly Roll Morton
Jelly Roll Morton, a jazz pianist who came after Joplin, claimed he invented jazz. Morton was heavily influenced by Joplin but often downplayed Joplin’s contributions. Drama! -
He Might've Had a Photographic Memory
According to some historians, Joplin could hear music once and then reproduce it by ear, with incredible accuracy. Basically, a human music recorder. -
His Sheet Music Covers Were Works of Art
The covers of Joplin’s printed rags often featured elegant illustrations and colorful designs. They were part of what made ragtime sheet music so collectible and recognizable. -
His Music Was Used to Train Early AI and Player Pianos
In the early 20th century, Joplin’s compositions were among those used to test automated piano rolls—one of the earliest forms of mechanical music playback and a precursor to digital music today.
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