Scott Joplin

Jet, Dec 1, 1997

November 24, 1868-

Scott Joplin, originator of ragtime music, was born on this day in Texarkana, TX. Joplin received formal classical piano training as a child but could only find work in bars. He began teaching piano and studying theory and composition at George R. Smith College for Negroes in 1894. His most famous rag, The Maple Leaf Rag, was published in 1899, which began a lucrative career in composing rags. Joplin went on to compose a ballet and two operas. He died in 1917.