Part 3: Joplin’s Influence on Music and Culture

Although Joplin died in obscurity, his work profoundly influenced jazz, blues, and even early rock and roll.

(1973) The Sting

His pioneering use of syncopation laid the groundwork for the swing rhythms of jazz, which emerged in the 1920s and 1930s (Schuller 201). The stride piano style of musicians like James P. Johnson and Fats Waller can also be traced back to Joplin’s intricate left-hand patterns (Jasen and Tichenor 217).

Joplin’s legacy experienced a major revival in the 1970s, when Joshua Rifkin’s recordings of his piano rags introduced a new generation to his music. His composition The Entertainer became a pop culture phenomenon after it was used in the 1973 film The Sting, leading to renewed appreciation of ragtime (Berlin 219). In 1976, nearly 60 years after his death, Joplin was posthumously awarded the Pulitzer Prize for his contributions to American music (Blesh and Janis 240).

Today, Joplin’s influence can be seen in film scores, jazz improvisation, and classical interpretations of ragtime. His compositions remain an essential part of the pianist’s repertoire, and Treemonisha is now performed and studied as a landmark in operatic history. More than a century after his passing, Joplin’s vision of ragtime as a serious and enduring art form has finally been realized.

Whether you are a seasoned musician, a history buff, or a curious learner, the resources available on the website offer a multifaceted view of Scott Joplin's legacy. By immersing yourself in his music and understanding the cultural context of his era, you can truly appreciate the significance of his contributions to the world of music.