Scott Joplin was a pioneering African American composer and pianist who is often referred to as the "King of Ragtime." He was born in Texas in 1868 to a musical family and showed early talent as a musician. Joplin's compositions, characterized by their syncopated rhythms and lively melodies, helped popularize ragtime music in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

One of Joplin's most famous works is "Maple Leaf Rag," which became a huge success and established him as a significant figure in American music. Joplin’s music was groundbreaking in its combination of African American musical traditions with European classical forms, and his compositions have had a lasting influence on jazz and popular music.

Despite facing racial discrimination and financial struggles throughout his career, Joplin's contributions to music have been widely celebrated. In 1976, he was posthumously awarded a Pulitzer Prize for his contributions to American music. Today, Scott Joplin is remembered as one of the most important figures in Black history and a key figure in the development of American music.