Scott Joplin (Born between June 1867 and January 1868 - died April 1, 1917) remains the best-known ragtime musician and composer, setting the standard for the many who followed.
Joplin was born in Linden, Texas to Florence Givins and Giles (sometimes listed as "Jiles") Joplin. He was the second of six children. While for many years his date of birth was thought to be November 24, 1868, new research by ragtime historian Ed Berlin has revealed that this is inaccurate.