This turn-of-the-century cutie is none other than Scott Joplin (1867-1917) also known as the “King of Ragtime.” He was an American pianist and composer, and played the piano, guitar, mandolin, coronet, violin, banjo, and sang. He is best known for his ragtime pieces such as Maple Leaf Rag and The Entertainer. Joplin had a profound influence on American music; ragtime not only popularized African American music, it gave America some of it’s first native music, and became a national craze, attracting young audiences bored by Victorian life.

Joplin died too young from advanced syphilis. Although his accomplishments weren’t appreciated during his lifetime, his legacy has since been recognized, and he was even awarded a posthumous Pulitzer Prize. Hats off to you, Mr. Joplin!