Joplin Family History & Genealogy

Legacy Scott Joplin and his fellow ragtime composers rejuvenated American popular music, fostering an appreciation for African-American music among European-Americans by creating exhilarating and liberating dance tunes. "Its syncopation and rhythmic drive gave it a vitality and freshness attractive to young urban audiences indifferent to Victorian proprieties ... Joplin's ragtime expressed the intensity and energy of a modern urban America." Joshua Rifkin, a leading Joplin recording artist, wrote, "A pervasive sense of lyricism infuses his work, and even at his most high-spirited, he cannot repress a hint of melancholy or adversity ... He had little in common with the fast and flashy school of ragtime that grew up after him." Joplin historian Bill Ryerson adds that, "In the hands of authentic practitioners like Joplin, ragtime was a disciplined form capable of astonishing variety and subtlety ... Joplin did for the rag what Chopin did for the mazurka. His style ranged from tones of torment to stunning serenades that incorporated the bolero and the tango." Biographer Susan Curtis wrote that Joplin's music had helped to "revolutionize American music and culture" by removing Victorian restraint. Composer and actor Max Morath found it striking that the vast majority of Joplin's work did not enjoy the popularity of the "Maple Leaf Rag", because while the compositions were of increasing lyrical beauty and delicate syncopation they remained obscure and unheralded during his life. Joplin apparently realized that his music was ahead of its time: As music historian Ian Whitcomb mentions that Joplin, "...opined that "Maple Leaf Rag" would make him 'King of Ragtime Composers' but he also knew that he would not be a pop hero in his own lifetime. 'When I'm dead twenty-five years, people are going to recognize me,' he told a friend." Just over thirty years later he was recognized, and later historian Rudi Blesh wrote a large book about ragtime, which he dedicated to the memory of Joplin. Joplin set the standard for ragtime compositions and played a key role in the development of ragtime music. And as a pioneer composer and performer, he helped pave the way for young black artists to reach American audiences of all races. After his death, jazz historian Floyd Levin noted: "Those few who realized his greatness bowed their heads in sorrow. This was the passing of the king of all ragtime writers, the man who gave America a genuine native music."

Mandy Joplin of Broken Bow, McCurtain County, OK was born on August 3, 1870, and died at age 104 years old on August 15, 1974.

Mary M Joplin was born on September 29, 1871, and died at age 99 years old on November 15, 1970.

Spotswood C Joplin of Eureka, Saint Louis County, MO was born on April 17, 1873, and died at age 93 years old on October 15, 1966.

Rettie Joplin of Herrin, Williamson County, Illinois was born on September 26, 1874, and died at age 92 years old in July 1967.

Linnie Joplin of South Point, Lawrence County, Ohio was born on October 9, 1878, and died at age 94 years old in March 1973.

Walter Joplin of Idaho was born on July 8, 1880, and died at age 83 years old in April 1964.

John Joplin of Levelland, Hockley County, Texas was born on September 17, 1881, and died at age 93 years old in October 1974.

Frances Joplin of Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky was born on July 27, 1881, and died at age 91 years old in December 1972.

James Joplin of Mattoon, Coles County, Illinois was born on April 5, 1883, and died at age 85 years old in January 1969.

Stella Joplin of Flora, Clay County, Illinois was born on January 8, 1883, and died at age 99 years old in June 1982.

John Joplin of Arkansas was born on January 10, 1883, and died at age 81 years old in February 1964.