Scott Joplin

Birthday: November 24, 1868

This American composer of splendidly lyrical, rhythmic, and melodious ragtime pieces, marches, waltzes, and stage works has finally gained recognition since the early '70s for his unique synthesis of popular and classical concert musics. Not much is known of Joplin's early musical influences other than the musical abilities of his father and mother, and that he received some ...more