Edward Browne Claypoole, known as Ed Claypoole, was an influential American composer born on December 20, 1883, in Baltimore, Maryland, and passed away on January 16, 1952. He was the youngest of five children in a family deeply rooted in Baltimore's civic life, with his father, Captain James Yeardsley Claypoole, serving as a court clerk. Despite his family's legal background, Ed Claypoole carved out a career in music, becoming one of the most recognized composers during the ragtime era, a period when sheet music was more prevalent than recordings.

Claypoole was largely self-taught, having shown an early interest in the piano. Although he briefly took formal lessons, he primarily developed his skills independently, focusing on popular music forms without formal training in harmony or theory. His high school music teacher assisted him in notating his compositions, enabling him to publish his works.

His career began in the late 19th century, with some of his earliest compositions dating back to 1899. Over the years, Claypoole created a substantial body of work, including pieces like "Ragging the Scale" (1915), which became a model for other composers, and "Bouncing on the Keys" (1924), known for its challenging piano techniques. His compositions often featured elaborate piano displays and were popular among pianists seeking to showcase their virtuosity.

Despite his focus on sheet music, Claypoole's work did not translate extensively into recordings, with only one known recording as a pianist throughout his career. His compositions, however, have been covered by other artists, with "Alabama Jigger" receiving notable attention during the Scott Joplin revival in the 1970s.

Ed Claypoole's legacy lies in his contributions to the ragtime genre and his influence on the music of his era, making him a significant figure in American musical history.