Biography
Scott Joplin was an American composer and pianist. He was born on 24 November 1868 in Texarkana, Texas, and died on 1 April 1917 in New York City.
He is recognised as a leading figure in ragtime music. His compositions include the piano rags 'Maple Leaf Rag' (1899) and 'The Entertainer' (1902), as well as the opera Treemonisha (1911).
Joplin's music was adapted by Marvin Hamlisch for the 1973 film The Sting, which led to renewed popular interest in his work. A special Pulitzer Prize was awarded to him posthumously in 1976 for his contributions to American music.
