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Welcome to The St. Louis Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Troubled clothing manufacturer owes $570K on defaulted city-backed loans.

• Upcoming Barry Manilow concert

• A deep-dive into the life of Scott Joplin

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.”

– Joseph Campbell

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Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

What unique feature distinguishes the St. Louis City Museum from traditional museums, making it a popular attraction for both children and adults?

A) Its location in a former shoe factory

B) Exhibits created from architectural and industrial objects

C) It is entirely outdoors

D) Live animal exhibits

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The St. Louis street famous for its eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, often considered the heart of the city's cultural scene, is D) Delmar Boulevard

News

💼 Business

Manufacturer to get millions in federal funds to expand semiconductor wafer production. (Link)

Judge orders St. Louis to pause guaranteed basic income program while lawsuit plays out. (Link)

🏒 Sports

2024 MLB second-half projections, World Series chances: How the playoff races are shaping up. (Link)

MLB Draft Day 1 takeaways: Bowden on the biggest winners teams, players and colleges. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Troubled clothing manufacturer owes $570K on defaulted city-backed loans. (Link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

⚾ Washington Nationals at St. Louis Cardinals
Busch Stadium, St. Louis
Friday, July 26th to Sunday, July 28th | (More info)

⚾ Texas Rangers at St. Louis Cardinals
Busch Stadium, St. Louis
Monday, July 29th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Barry Manilow
Enterprise Center, St. Louis
Thursday, July 25th | (More info)

🎵 Hawthorne Heights
Pop's, St. Louis
Saturday, July 27th | (More info)

Family

🧘 Sunday Kids Yoga
Cricket Field, St. Louis
Sunday, July 28th | (More info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “A city in the clouds, with buildings suspended in the air over St. Louis” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

St. Louis Historical Events

Scott Joplin and Ragtime Music (Early 1900s) - The "King of Ragtime" lived and worked in St. Louis.

Scott Joplin, often hailed as the King of Ragtime, was a notable composer and pianist whose musical innovations in the late 19th and early 20th centuries had a profound influence on the development of American music. Born sometime around 1868, Joplin's early years were infused with music; his mother was a singer, and his father played the violin. However, it was in St. Louis, Missouri, where Joplin would leave an indelible mark on the musical landscape. During the 1890s and early 1900s, St. Louis was a bustling, vibrant city, a melting pot of cultures and ideas that provided the perfect backdrop for Joplin's creative genius. It was here that he composed some of his most enduring works, including the iconic Maple Leaf Rag, which not only achieved unprecedented success during his lifetime but also immortalized him as a pivotal figure in American music.

Ragtime music, characterized by its syncopated, or ragged, rhythm, emerged as a distinct genre in the late 19th century. Its roots can be traced to African-American musical traditions, blending elements of march music with the syncopated patterns of the banjo and other African instruments. Joplin's compositions epitomized the ragtime style, infusing it with both complexity and sophistication. His music was not merely for entertainment; it was a form of artistic expression that conveyed the rich tapestry of American life. Ragtime quickly gained popularity across the United States, with St. Louis serving as a hub for both black and white musicians to collaborate and perform. Joplin's vision for ragtime was ambitious; he sought to elevate it from the bars and saloons of the Midwest to the concert halls of America.

Despite facing the racial prejudices prevalent in early 20th-century America, Scott Joplin's influence on music was undeniable. His compositions, which include rags, marches, waltzes, and two operas, highlighted his belief in the significance and seriousness of ragtime as an American classical genre. Sadly, Joplin did not live to see the full extent of his impact; he died in 1917, largely forgotten by the mainstream. However, the resurgence of interest in ragtime music in the 1970s, notably through the use of his compositions in the soundtrack of the movie "The Sting," reclaimed Joplin's legacy as the "King of Ragtime." Today, his work is celebrated for its innovation and beauty, securing his place in the annals of American music history, with St. Louis proudly acknowledging its role in the life and career of this musical pioneer.

Famous People From St. Louis

Scott Joplin (c.1868–1917) - Composer and pianist, known as the "King of Ragtime Writers," who lived and worked in St. Louis.

Scott Joplin, celebrated as the "King of Ragtime Writers," was an influential American composer and pianist whose work has left an indelible mark on music history. His life story is one of creativity, perseverance, and the enduring legacy of ragtime music.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings (c.1868-1885)

Scott Joplin was born around 1868 near Linden, Texas, to parents who were musicians in their own right. His father played the violin, while his mother sang and played the banjo, fostering Joplin’s early musical education. Joplin displayed a prodigious talent for music from a young age, often experimenting with piano, which laid the foundation for his future contributions to American music.

Emergence as a Musician (1885-1899)

In his late teens, Joplin left home to pursue a career as a musician. Traveling across the American South, he performed at various venues, honing his skills as a pianist and composer. During this period, Joplin absorbed the syncopated rhythms of African-American musical traditions, which he would later incorporate into his ragtime compositions.

Ragtime Revolution (1899-1901)

Joplin's music career took a significant turn in 1899 with the publication of "Maple Leaf Rag," which became an immense commercial success. This composition showcased Joplin’s innovative ragtime style, characterized by its syncopated rhythms and vibrant melodies, establishing him as a leading figure in the genre.

St. Louis Years: A Hub of Creativity (1901-1907)

Moving to St. Louis, Missouri, a city vibrant with cultural activities and a thriving ragtime scene, Joplin continued to compose and publish music. During these years, St. Louis served as a critical backdrop for Joplin's creativity and productivity, where he composed many of his greatest works, including "The Entertainer," solidifying his reputation as the "King of Ragtime Writers."

"The Entertainer" and Mainstream Success (1902)

"The Entertainer," published in 1902, became one of Joplin's most famous pieces, further cementing his status as a preeminent ragtime composer. Its enduring popularity, even into contemporary times, exemplifies Joplin's profound impact on American music.

Opera Ambitions and Challenges (1907-1911)

Joplin's artistic aspirations extended beyond ragtime; he sought to elevate African-American music and narratives through opera. His opera "Treemonisha," written during this period, was groundbreaking in its portrayal of African-American life and its fusion of ragtime with operatic forms. However, Joplin faced significant challenges in gaining recognition and support for his operatic works.

Later Years and Continuing Struggle (1911-1917)

Despite his declining health and financial difficulties, Joplin remained dedicated to his music and continued composing until his death in 1917. His later years were marked by a struggle for acknowledgment of his more serious compositions and a desire to secure his place in the annals of American music.

Posthumous Recognition and Legacy (1917 and Beyond)

After Joplin's death, his music gradually faded from the public's attention, only to be revived in the 1970s when a wider appreciation for ragtime and Joplin’s contributions to American music emerged. Today, Joplin is recognized not only as the foremost composer of ragtime music but also as an influential figure in the development of American music.

Key Achievements of Scott Joplin:

• Pioneered the ragtime genre, fundamentally shaping American music.

• Composed "Maple Leaf Rag," the first piece of instrumental music to sell over one million copies in American history.

• Created iconic pieces such as "The Entertainer," which remains a staple of American music.

• Composed the opera "Treemonisha," showcasing African-American life and blending ragtime with operatic styles.

• Granted a posthumous Pulitzer Prize in 1976, acknowledging his contributions to music.

Scott Joplin's journey from a musically inclined child in Texas to the "King of Ragtime Writers" is a testament to his unparalleled talent, innovation, and determination. Throughout his life, Joplin sought not only to entertain but also to elevate the status of African-American music. His legacy endures, not merely in the notes of "The Entertainer" or "Maple Leaf Rag" but in his enduring influence on the fabric of American music.

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