Scott Joplin, the "King of Ragtime"

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Scott Joplin was an American composer and pianist who became famous for his ragtime compositions.Over the course of his career, Joplin composed more than forty ragtime pieces. The Maple Leaf Rag, which was one of his earliest compositions, is considered to be the most prominent work of the ragtime genre.

Joplin died at age 49 and was buried in St. Michael's Cemetery in East Elmhurst, NY, on April 5, 1917. However, more than 50 years later, his music experienced a resurgence in popularity after the release of the movie "The Sting" in 1973. The film, which won several Academy Awards, featured a number of Joplin's compositions, including "The Entertainer," which was adapted by Marvin Hamlisch for the movie. The film's success and music helped introduce Joplin's work to a new generation of fans.

For the past few years, St. Michael's Cemetery has been hosting an annual Scott Joplin Memorial Concert. This year's concert date is Saturday, May 19th.

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