Joplin, Scott , 1868–1917, American ragtime pianist and composer, b. Texarkana, Tex. Self-taught, Joplin left home in his early teens to seek his fortune in music. He lived in St. Louis (1885–93), playing in saloons and bordellos. In 1894 he moved to Sedalia, Mo., and played s...
Scott Joplin was an American composer and pianist known as the “king of ragtime” at the turn of the 20th century. “Maple Leaf Rag” and “The Entertainer” are his most famous songs.