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

1. Scott Joplin Marker

Inscription.
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. It 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.

Regionally, this marker is in New York City.

It is also in the American Northeast,

in the Mid-Atlantic,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

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the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

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); UNIA (approx. ¼ mile away); Lewis Michaux (approx. ¼ mile away); Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. (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.

Scott Joplin Marker - Wide View image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, May 30, 2017

2. Scott Joplin Marker - Wide View

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.)

<i>The Maple Leaf Rag</i> Sheet Music Cover image. Click for full size.

Photographed by John Stark & Son, circa 1899

3. The Maple Leaf Rag Sheet Music Cover

Image courtesy of the Library of Congress.

Scott Joplin image. Click for full size.

from Wikipedia, 1903

4. Scott Joplin

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 716 times since then and 15 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.