For being such a big influence in music little is known of Scott Joplin's early life, in fact his birth date can't exactly be identified. Many people believe he was born in Texas between June 1867 and mid-January 1868. When he was young his family (his father being a formal slave) left their farm to live in a small town on both sides of the Texas-Arkansas border. It is said that he had access to a piano at a white-owned home his mother worked at, were he taught himself how to play. His talent was later noticed by a music teacher (Julius Weiss) who taught him further, especially European art forms. This could be his influence in wanting to become a classical composer. The first documented sign of Joplin's music career was in the summer of 1891. He once stated,
“When I'm dead twenty-five years, people are going to begin to recognize me.”
Which was right in a way because many of his accomplishments happened after he passed away. Some of them being:
1970- He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame
1976- He won a Pulitzer Prize for his contributions to music
1983-The United States Postal Service issued a stamp of Scott Joplin
1987- He was inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame
1989- He received a star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame
Just some of these accomplishments showing how much he has impacted music to the extent that he is still being recognized for his achievements years later.
“When I'm dead twenty-five years, people are going to begin to recognize me.”
Which was right in a way because many of his accomplishments happened after he passed away. Some of them being:
1970- He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame
1976- He won a Pulitzer Prize for his contributions to music
1983-The United States Postal Service issued a stamp of Scott Joplin
1987- He was inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame
1989- He received a star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame
Just some of these accomplishments showing how much he has impacted music to the extent that he is still being recognized for his achievements years later.