Central Harlem in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Scott Joplin
1868 - 1917
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 5, 2022
The "King of Ragtime" composer and pianist, whose works include the classic rags, "The Entertainer" and "Maple Leaf Rag," and the opera, Treemonisha, lived here in 1917.
Erected by Historic Landmarks Preservation Center.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment • Landmarks. In addition, it is included in the New York, New York City Historic Landmarks Preservation Center Cultural Medallions series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1917.
Location. 40° 48.755′ N, 73° 56.693′ W. Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is in Central Harlem. Marker is on West 131st Street east of Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 163 West 131st Street, New York NY 10027, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Romare H. Bearden (a few steps from this marker); Langston Hughes Playground (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Zora Neale Hurston (about 500 feet away); Harlem YMCA (approx. 0.2 miles away); The First Vest-Pocket Park (approx. ¼ mile away); Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. (approx. 0.3 miles away); Howard Bennett Playground (approx. 0.3 miles away); Dr. Godfrey Nurse (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manhattan.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.
Also see . . .
1. Scott Joplin (Wikipedia). Wikipedia entry:
Scott Joplin (c. 1867/68 or November 24, 1868– April 1, 1917) was an American composer and pianist. Joplin achieved fame for his ragtime compositions and was dubbed the "King of Ragtime Writers". During his brief career, he wrote 44 original ragtime pieces, one ragtime ballet, and two operas. One of his first, and most popular pieces, the "Maple Leaf Rag", became ragtime's first and most influential hit, and has been recognized as the archetypal rag. (Submitted on July 6, 2017.)
2. Maple Leaf Rag Played by Scott Joplin. YouTube (2m 45s) (Submitted on July 6, 2017.)
Credits. This page was last revised on December 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 6, 2017, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 385 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on November 10, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 2, 3. submitted on July 6, 2017, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. 4. submitted on April 12, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.