Come and Take It

Scott Joplin was one of the most influential musicians and composers in American history. The son of poor black workers in East Texas, he was instrumental in popularizing ragtime music, an early precursor to jazz. Despite his popularity, the critical success and acceptance he craved within classical music circles eluded him, and he died an early death in poverty and obscurity. Nearly 50 years would pass before he became recognized outside of the musical world for his influence on America’s music and culture.

Before we begin… Who’s your favorite coach in Texas?

• The annual Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival is held each year in Joplin’s adopted home of Sedalia, MO. Their website has great information about Joplin and the International Ragtime Foundation.

• A very nice biography of Joplin, including links to his sheet music and some recordings.

• Here are three sites where you can hear different rags and songs by Joplin:

  • Piano Society

  • International Music Score Library Project

  • “Professor” Bill Edwards—Professional Patriotic Purveyor of Pianistic Pyrotechnics

• Part 1 and Part 2 of Joplin’s last work, the great passion of his life, his opera Treemonisha.