Scott Joplin was a renowned African American composer and pianist who was a key figure in the development of ragtime music in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in Texas in 1868, Joplin's compositions, such as "The Maple Leaf Rag" and "The Entertainer," helped popularize ragtime music and solidified his legacy as the "King of Ragtime."

Joplin's music blended African American musical traditions with European classical influences, creating a unique and distinctly American sound that would go on to influence jazz and other musical genres. Despite facing significant racial discrimination during his lifetime, Joplin's talent and contributions to music were widely recognized, and he remains an iconic figure in Black history and American music.