Scott Hayden facts for kids
Scott Hayden (born March 31, 1882 — died September 16, 1915) was an American composer. He was well-known for writing ragtime music. Ragtime is a fun, lively style of music that was very popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s. It has a bouncy rhythm that makes you want to tap your feet!
About Scott Hayden
Scott Hayden was born in Sedalia, Missouri. His parents were Marion and Julia Hayden. He is mostly remembered for the amazing ragtime songs he wrote with another famous composer, Scott Joplin.
Together, Scott Hayden and Scott Joplin created four popular rags:
- "Sunflower Slow Drag"
- "Something Doing"
- "Felicity Rag"
- "Kismet Rag"
Scott Hayden also wrote a song by himself called "Pear Blossoms."
Family and Life in St. Louis
Scott Hayden had a special connection to Scott Joplin. Joplin's first wife, Belle Hayden, was related to Scott Hayden.
Scott Hayden married Nora Wright. For a while, he and Nora lived with the Joplin family in St. Louis. Sadly, Nora passed away in 1901 while giving birth to their daughter.
Moving to Chicago
After Nora's death, Scott Hayden moved to Chicago. There, he found a job working as an elevator operator at the Cook County Hospital. He later married Jeanette Wilkins.
Scott Hayden was described as a slender and handsome man, but he wasn't very strong. He died in Chicago from a lung illness called tuberculosis. He passed away before he could finish his song "Pear Blossoms."
