Historian shares insight on Scott Joplin

By: Jim Williamson - Texarkana Gazette

• Texas State Historian Bill O’Neal discusses Texas musicians during a lecture Monday at Texarkana College. He said Texarkana musician Scott Joplin was a musical pioneer in ragtime and jazz.

The rhythm of steel wheels on railroad tracks influenced the music of composer Scott Joplin from speeding trains to a slow clacking, says Texas State Historian Bill O’Neal.

“There is a close connection between the railroads and music. The railroad sound influenced his styl...

Published: 12/04/2012