Scott Joplin was an influential African American composer and pianist who played a key role in the development of ragtime music in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in 1868 in Texas, Joplin's innovative compositions helped popularize ragtime music, which blended elements of African American folk music with European musical forms.

Joplin's most famous composition is "Maple Leaf Rag," which was published in 1899 and became a huge success, selling over a million copies of sheet music. He went on to compose a number of other well-known ragtime pieces, including "The Entertainer" and "The Easy Winners."

Joplin's music was groundbreaking in its complex rhythms and harmonies, and he is often referred to as the "King of Ragtime." His work had a lasting influence on American music, paving the way for the development of jazz and other popular music genres.

Despite facing racism and discrimination throughout his life, Joplin's contributions to music have been widely recognized and celebrated. He was posthumously awarded a Pulitzer Prize in 1976 for his contributions to American music, solidifying his place as a pioneer in Black history and music.