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A testament to the power of creating beauty in the face of oppression, this stunning book is a stirring and insightful meditation on the life and times of the first great composer of American music, Scott Joplin, known as the King of Ragtime and recipient of a posthumous Pulitzer Prize.

In this radiant introduction to Scott Joplin’s life and legacy, bestselling author Jonah Winter’s poetic text and Cathy Ann Johnson’s breathtaking illustrations highlight the beauty that seemed to flow from Joplin into his immortal hits, including “The Maple Leaf Rag” and “The Entertainer.” And though Joplin faced harsh challenges as a Black man writing music in the Jim Crow era, his brilliant work endures, played by today’s young pianists, treasured by generations, and standing as a testament to the power of art to transcend dark times.

Complete with detailed backmatter, this special story explores such themes as:

Joplin’s life and work as a Black artist in the Jim Crow and Tin Pan Alley eras
How new technology—printed sheet music—made Joplin’s compositions widely available
The revi

Books by Cathy Ann Johnson

The Scott Joplin Rag