The Entertainer Rag Is Back Again

The Enduring Melody: Why The Entertainer Rag Is Back Again

Remember that jaunty, unmistakable tune that instantly brings a smile to your face? The one that evokes images of old-time saloons, silent films, or perhaps even the local ice cream truck? Yes, we're talking about Scott Joplin's iconic "The Entertainer." For many, it's a timeless classic, a relic of a bygone era. But what if we told you that The Entertainer Rag Is Back Again, not just as a nostalgic echo, but as a vibrant, relevant piece of our modern entertainment landscape?

In a world constantly chasing the next big hit, it’s easy to overlook the enduring power of historical gems. Yet, "The Entertainer" has defied time, experiencing multiple resurgences that prove its universal appeal. If you've ever wondered about the magic behind this melody or why it keeps finding new audiences, you're in the right place. This article will dive into the rich history of this ragtime masterpiece, explore the reasons behind its remarkable comebacks, and show you how you can enjoy "The Entertainer Rag" today.

What Exactly is "The Entertainer Rag"?

Before we delve into its resurgence, let's understand the foundation. "The Entertainer" is a classic piano rag composed by the legendary American musician Scott Joplin in 1902. Joplin, often hailed as the "King of Ragtime," was a pivotal figure in American music, known for his intricate compositions and syncopated rhythms.

Ragtime itself is a distinctive musical style that flourished from the 1890s to the 1910s, characterized by its lively, "ragged" or syncopated rhythms, where the strong beats often fall in unexpected places. "The Entertainer" was subtitled "A Rag Time Two Step," referring to a popular dance form of that era. Initially, the piece was sold as sheet music, allowing people to play it in their homes, and later as piano rolls for player pianos. Its first recording, surprisingly, wasn't until 1928, performed by "the Blue Boys" using a mandolin and guitar. Its significance in American music history is undeniable, so much so that the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) ranked it #10 on its "Songs of the Century" list.

Why The Entertainer Rag Is Back Again: A Tale of Two Revivals

While "The Entertainer" enjoyed initial popularity in the early 20th century, its mainstream appeal faded as jazz and other genres emerged. However, this wasn't the end of its story. The piece has experienced remarkable comebacks, proving its timeless charm.

The Iconic 1970s Revival

The most significant resurgence of "The Entertainer" occurred in the 1970s, igniting a widespread "ragtime revival." What sparked this renewed interest? Two major factors played a crucial role:

• The Film The Sting (1973): This Oscar-winning movie, starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford, famously used "The Entertainer" as its central theme music. Composer and pianist Marvin Hamlisch's adaptation for the film became a massive hit, climbing to #3 on the Billboard pop chart and spending a week at #1 on the easy listening chart in 1974. The film's success brought ragtime, and particularly "The Entertainer," to a global audience, cementing its place in popular culture.
• Joshua Rifkin's Classical Album: Just a few years before The Sting, in November 1970, classical pianist Joshua Rifkin released "Scott Joplin: Piano Rags." This album, which featured "The Entertainer" as its second track, sold 100,000 copies in its first year and eventually became Nonesuch Records' first million-selling record. This critical and commercial success helped reintroduce Joplin's work to both popular and classical music worlds.

Modern Day Appearances: "The Entertainer" in the 21st Century

Even decades after The Sting, The Entertainer Rag Is Back Again in more subtle, yet pervasive ways. Its catchy melody continues to find new life and new listeners:

• Pop Culture Ubiquity: You might hear "The Entertainer" popping up in unexpected places, from TV advertisements and commercials to various films and skits. It has even been featured in popular TV shows like Westworld, Doctor Who, House, and Malcolm in the Middle, as well as films like The Addams Family.
• The Ice Cream Truck Anthem: For many, the tune is synonymous with childhood summers, often played by ice cream trucks to attract attention. This seemingly simple association keeps the melody alive and introduces it to new generations from a young age.
• Social Media & New Interpretations: The digital age has given ragtime a new platform. Younger generations are connecting with ragtime through social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok, forming chat groups and even composing new rags. Modern musicians are also contributing to the ragtime revival by recording new interpretations and incorporating ragtime techniques into their own music.

This enduring presence highlights that "The Entertainer" isn't just a historical artifact; it's a living piece of music that continues to resonate.

How to Enjoy "The Entertainer Rag" Today

Feeling inspired to reconnect with this classic or discover it for the first time? Here are several ways to immerse yourself in "The Entertainer" and the broader world of ragtime:

Listen and Appreciate

• Streaming Services: "The Entertainer" is readily available on all major music streaming platforms. Search for Scott Joplin's original compositions or Marvin Hamlisch's famous adaptation from The Sting.
• Live Performances: Keep an eye out for local piano concerts or jazz festivals that might feature ragtime sets. There are also dedicated ragtime festivals, such as the Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival in Sedalia, Missouri, which aims to keep the music and its history alive.
• Film Soundtracks: Re-watch The Sting to fully appreciate how the music perfectly complements the film's atmosphere.

Learn to Play It Yourself

If you're a musician, or aspiring to be one, learning "The Entertainer" can be a rewarding experience.

• Piano Tutorials: Due to its popularity, there's an abundance of piano tutorials available online, from beginner-friendly simplified versions to more advanced lessons that tackle the nuances of Joplin's original composition. Many resources offer sheet music downloads to help you get started.
• Guitar Arrangements: While primarily a piano piece, "The Entertainer" has been adapted for other instruments, including guitar. You can find tutorials for fingerstyle guitar arrangements that offer a different perspective on the classic.
• Embrace the Tempo: Scott Joplin himself was very particular about the tempo of his rags, advising musicians not to play them fast. He believed they should be played at the "speed of a march." So, take your time, focus on the syncopated rhythms, and let the music breathe.

Explore Ragtime's Enduring Influence

"The Entertainer" is a gateway to understanding the broader impact of ragtime music.

• Roots of American Music: Ragtime played a crucial role in shaping 20th-century American music. It directly influenced early jazz, Harlem stride piano, and Piedmont blues. Its innovations in rhythm and harmony laid the groundwork for genres like R&B and rock-and-roll.
• Classical Connections: Even European classical composers like Erik Satie, Claude Debussy, and Igor Stravinsky were influenced by ragtime.
• Beyond Joplin: While Joplin is the "King," explore other ragtime composers like James Scott and Joseph Lamb to broaden your appreciation of the genre.

Conclusion

From its origins in the early 20th century as a "Rag Time Two Step" to its cinematic revival in the 1970s and its continued presence in modern media, The Entertainer Rag Is Back Again and proves its timeless appeal. Scott Joplin's masterpiece isn't just a piece of history; it's a vibrant, engaging melody that continues to captivate audiences across generations. Its syncopated rhythms and infectious joy remind us that great music truly transcends time.

So, the next time you hear those familiar notes, take a moment to appreciate the rich history and enduring legacy of "The Entertainer." What's your favorite memory associated with this iconic tune? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Who composed "The Entertainer Rag"?

A1: "The Entertainer" was composed by the American musician Scott Joplin in 1902. He is widely recognized as the "King of Ragtime."

Q2: Why did "The Entertainer" become popular again in the 1970s?

A2: The primary reason for its resurgence in the 1970s was its prominent use as the theme music for the 1973 Oscar-winning film The Sting. Additionally, classical pianist Joshua Rifkin's successful album "Scott Joplin: Piano Rags," released in 1970, contributed significantly to the ragtime revival.

Q3: What is ragtime music known for?

A3: Ragtime music is characterized by its lively, syncopated rhythms, often described as "ragged" rhythms. It typically features intricate piano compositions and was a popular American music style from the 1890s to the 1910s.

Q4: Is "The Entertainer" difficult to learn on piano?

A4: "The Entertainer" can be a challenging piece due to its syncopated rhythms and distinct sections, but there are many simplified versions and tutorials available for beginners. Scott Joplin himself advised against playing ragtime too fast, encouraging a more measured tempo.