Definition

Proper noun 1. Scott Joplin (1868-1917): A United States composer and pianist, known as a pivotal figure in the development of ragtime music. He was among the first to formally notate and publish ragtime compositions. 2. Janis Joplin (1943-1970): A United States singer renowned for her powerful, blues-influenced vocal style and her role as a leading figure in the 1960s counterculture rock movement.

Usage Examples

• Referring to Scott Joplin:
  • The music of Joplin, such as "The Maple Leaf Rag," defined the ragtime era.
  • Students of music history often study Joplin's contributions to American classical and popular music.
• Referring to Janis Joplin:
  • The raw emotion in Joplin's performance of "Piece of My Heart" is legendary.
  • Many biographers have written about Joplin's life and impact on rock and roll.

Advanced Usage

• The name Joplin is often used metonymically to refer to the artistic style or era associated with each individual.
  • His piano playing has a touch of Joplin in it. (This could imply the ragtime style of Scott Joplin.)
  • Her vocals channel the spirit of Joplin. (This typically refers to the blues-rock style of Janis Joplin.)

Variants and Related Words

• Joplinesque (adj): Resembling or characteristic of the style of either Scott or Janis Joplin.
  • The pianist delivered a Joplinesque performance full of syncopated rhythms.
• Ragtime (n): A musical genre with a syncopated melody, strongly associated with Scott Joplin.
• Blues-rock (n): A music genre combining blues and rock, a style exemplified by Janis Joplin.

Synonyms

• For Scott Joplin: Ragtime composer, the "King of Ragtime."
• For Janis Joplin: Blues-rock singer, psychedelic rock icon.

Related Phrases and Contexts

• "The Joplin sound": This phrase can refer to the distinct musical style of either figure, requiring context for clarity.
  • The band is known for its homage to the Joplin sound of the late 1960s. (Implies Janis Joplin.)
• "A Joplin revival": Can refer to a renewed interest in the music of either Scott or Janis Joplin.
  • The 1970s saw a Joplin revival after the film "The Sting" used his music. (Refers to Scott Joplin.)

Noun

1. United States composer who was the first creator of ragtime to write down his compositions (1868-1917)
2. United States singer who died of a drug overdose at the height of her popularity (1943-1970)