The entertainer – Free Jazz Lead Sheet

C Major – Scott Joplin 1902

The Entertainer by Scott Joplin (1902) is a ragtime-influenced jazz piece in C Major. The composition features syncopated rhythmic patterns and lively melodic contours typical of the ragtime era. Composed by Scott Joplin, a noted pianist and banjoist, it reflects the transition from ragtime to early jazz styles. The tune's rhythmic drive and melodic charm make it a popular choice for traditional jazz ensembles.

Free Jazz Leadsheet for the entertainer, C Major ,courtesy of The Jungle Jazz Band

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About this song:

"The Entertainer" was composed by Scott Joplin and published in 1902 during the height of the ragtime era. Although it did not receive a major commercial recording at the time, the first known recording was made by the Blue Boys in 1928 in Chicago, featuring mandolin and guitar rather than piano.

The piece experienced a major revival in 1973 when Marvin Hamlisch used Joplin’s composition in the film "The Sting," leading to numerous modern piano recordings. Built from several contrasting strains, the work showcases classic ragtime syncopation and sectional form, making it one of the most recognizable pieces in American popular music history.

About the composer: Scott Joplin

Scott Joplin (1868–1917) was an American composer and pianist renowned for his contributions to ragtime. His 1899 composition "Maple Leaf Rag" became the genre's most influential work, establishing his legacy as a key figure in American musical history.

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