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S53E13

Now Hear This – “Everyone Loves Joplin”

Premiere: 4/17/2026 | 0:30 |

Scott Joplin was the king of ragtime, a new kind music for the turn of the 20th century. Rick Benjamin’s Paragon Ragtime Orchestra takes Scott Yoo back in time to experience the music, movies and style of that era.

Premiere: 4/17/2026
PBS   •   PBS App

About the Episode

Premieres Friday, April 17 at 9/8c on PBS, pbs.org/gperf and the PBS app

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Scott Joplin was the king of ragtime, a new kind music for the turn of the 20th century. Rick Benjamin’s Paragon Ragtime Orchestra takes Scott Yoo back in time to experience the music, movies and style of that era. Pianist John Novacek paints a picture of the birth of ragtime and the Joplin revival that finally brought him international fame. Meanwhile, opera director Weyni Mengesha restages Joplin’s magnum opus, “Treemonisha,” for the 21st century.

Great Performances: Now Hear This – “Everyone Loves Joplin” is part of season 7 of Now Hear This.

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TRANSCRIPT

Now Hear This.

I'm Scott Yoo.

Scott Joplin was the king of ragtime.

He became famous, then forgotten.

His life, in many ways, was tragic.

50 years ago, he was rediscovered.

They used Joplin on the soundtrack.

That began a Joplin revival that continues today.

See why Everyone Loves Joplin.

On Now Hear This on Great Performances.