Scott Joplin was an African American composer and pianist who is often referred to as the "King of Ragtime." He was born sometime between 1867 and 1868 in Texas. Joplin's music was instrumental in popularizing ragtime, a genre of music that was a precursor to jazz.

His most famous composition is "Maple Leaf Rag," which was published in 1899 and became a huge success, selling over a million copies. Joplin's compositions blended African American musical traditions with European classical music, creating a unique sound that was both complex and catchy.

Despite facing racism and discrimination during his lifetime, Joplin's music had a lasting impact on American music. He was posthumously awarded a Pulitzer Prize in 1976 for his contributions to music. Today, Scott Joplin is remembered as a pioneering figure in Black music history and a key figure in the development of American music.