Scott Joplin: The King of Ragtime

Scott Joplin was an American composer and pianist who pioneered the classic ragtime genre. His sophisticated compositions, most notably Maple Leaf Rag, brought him national fame and created a lasting musical legacy that transcends the early 20th century.

Early career

Born around 1867 or 1868 in Texas, Joplin honed his musical skills as a traveling musician across the American South. He settled in Sedalia, Missouri in the 1890s, where he published his first two rags, Original Rags and the Maple Leaf Rag, in 1899 with local publisher John Stark & Son.

Breakthrough

Joplin's 1899 publication of Maple Leaf Rag was his definitive commercial and artistic breakthrough. The sheet music sold hundreds of thousands of copies, earning Joplin a steady royalty and cementing his reputation as the premier composer in the ragtime style, though formal sales certifications did not exist at the time.

Key tracks

Maple Leaf Rag — This 1899 composition became the genre's first massive hit and defined the classic rag blueprint.

The Entertainer — Published in 1902, this rag enjoyed a monumental second life as the theme for the 1973 film *The Sting*.

Solace — A 1909 publication, this piece is a masterful and haunting Mexican serenade that showcases Joplin's compositional depth.

Pine Apple Rag — This 1908 rag featured a celebrated collaboration with lyricist and singer Billy Murray for a popular vocal version.

Treemonisha — Joplin's 1911 folk opera was his ambitious, though initially unsuccessful, attempt to elevate ragtime into a larger theatrical form.

Joplin moved to New York City in 1907, continuing to compose complex rags and dedicating his remaining years to his opera Treemonisha. Despite a failed 1915 staging and his declining health, his work aimed for serious artistic recognition beyond popular piano music.

Similar artists like James Scott and Joseph Lamb were fellow members of the "Big Three" of classic ragtime under Stark's publishing. The stride piano evolution is heard in Eubie Blake, while the nostalgic revival is connected to Joshua Rifkin, whose 1970 recordings reintroduced Joplin to a new generation.

Scott Joplin's music maintains a constant presence on dedicated classic ragtime and early jazz radio streams. His piano rolls and modern interpretations are staples on historical music stations and online channels celebrating American musical roots.

The timeless ragtime of Scott Joplin can be heard on radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can explore his iconic catalog through the classic and historical music stations available on onairium.com.