24-11-2017, 18:29
Scott Joplin was born on this day in 1868 or 1867, nobody seems quite sure – in Northeast Texas, USA. He earned the title ‘King of Ragtime’, in case anyone didn’t know. Had a tough time growing up and a not much easier one as an adult. He was a hardworking travelling/entertaining musician which may be what led to his early demise, at 48, from a nasty disease which is acquired in certain less than salubrious circles. He went crazy which is a bit sad. Before all that though, he composed many pieces which have held their own over time, and a couple of operas. He was never recorded playing himself but was said to be an astonishingly good pianist and has left a lasting legacy.
I’m sure most people are acquainted with “The Entertainer” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WxfjWnuEno, and of course, “The Maple Leaf Rag” – in this instance as arrange by Keith Emerson, from Works, Volume 2 …
I’m sure most people are acquainted with “The Entertainer” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WxfjWnuEno, and of course, “The Maple Leaf Rag” – in this instance as arrange by Keith Emerson, from Works, Volume 2 …
"The surest sign that intelligent life exists elsewhere in the universe is that it has never tried to contact us." ~ Bill Watterson