Eubie Blake

Details the life story of Scott Joplin and how he became the greatest ragtime composer of all time.

Brilliant African American composer Scott Joplin (Billy Dee Williams) fights against racism to break into the music business at the end of the 19th century, finally achieving success with a novel ragtime tune called "The Maple Leaf Rag." As ragtime becomes wildly popular, Joplin gains fame and fortune but longs to create a masterwork in a "respectable" genre. Clifton Davis and Art Carney co-star in this biographical drama.

The life story of the gifted composer who made an indelible mark upon ragtime music.

The life story of the gifted composer who made an indelible mark upon ragtime music.

Billy Dee Williams stars with Art Carney and Clifton Davis in Scott Joplin, the fascinating story about the life of the ragtime great. Best known for his song, "The Entertainer", Joplin began his career touring as a piano player in bordellos around the country. When he is discovered during a piano competition by the famous music publisher John Stark (Carney), Joplin turns into an instant success, composing songs so popular that he becomes the first black composer to be allowed to play at the World's Fair. This historic film recounts Joplin's determination in the face of racism, his heroic struggle with a debilitating disease and his ultimate triumph as a composer and musical legend.

When he's discovered during a piano playing competition by the famous music publisher John Stark (Carney), he turns into an instant success...composing songs so popular that he becomes the first black composer to be allowed to play at the World's Fair. This historic film recounts Joplin's determination in the face of racism, his heroic struggle with a debilitating disease, and his ultimate triumph as a composer and musical legend.