Scott Joplin

• Scott Joplin was born on November 24th, 1868 in Linden Texas

• Musical prodigy, whose talent was seen at young age

• Studied music while living in St. Louis. This is where Ragtime, a unique blend of African harmony and rhythm was created

• Famous works include the Maple-Leaf Rag, and The Entertainer. Joplin also wrote an Opera, Treemonisha, but it was unsuccesful.

The Latter Days

• After having steadily deteriorating health from Syphilis, Scott Joplin died on April 1st, 1917 at the Manhattan State Hospital.

Pulitzer Prize

• In 1973, Joplin’s music was featured in the movie The Sting

• 3 years later in 1976, his opera, Treemonisha won a Pulitzer Prize

Listening Examples

• I AM THINKING OF MY PICKANNINY DAYS(1902)

• THE ENTERTAINER(1902)