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Scott Joplin Popular Song Rankings [2026]
Scott Joplin, an American composer known as a performer of ragtime—a musical genre born from linking classical music with Black music and celebrated as the “King of Ragtime.” In an era when education and employment opportunities for Black people were still limited, he studied music at George R.
Smith College and was active as a pianist.
Although he did not receive widespread acclaim during his lifetime, his music was revisited and gained renewed recognition in the 1970s.
This time, we present a ranking of Scott Joplin’s most popular pieces!
Scott Joplin Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (1–10)
The EntertainerScott Joplin1rank/position
This piano piece is characterized by syncopated rhythms and a light, buoyant melody, combining a bright, pop-like atmosphere.
Its lively, energetic phrases make it a perfect match for entrance marches at sports days or as background music for calisthenics.
Originally composed by Scott Joplin in 1902, it gained renewed fame through Marvin Hamlisch’s arrangement for the 1973 film The Sting, which won seven Academy Awards including Best Picture.
Its distinctive rhythm and melodic lines make it easy to use as a march, and its familiar, singable tune appeals to everyone.
Ideal for bringing sparkle to entrance and exit scenes at school sports events, it’s recommended for those who want to create a vibrant, energetic mood.
EntertainerScott Joplin2rank/position
The Entertainer is a piano piece published in 1902 by American composer Scott Joplin.
It is a ragtime work—a genre that emerged in the late 19th century—characterized by strongly forward-driving, syncopated rhythms influenced by African American music.
Used as the theme for the 1973 Academy Award–winning film The Sting, it helped spark a renewed interest in ragtime in the 1970s.
While the left-hand technique known as stride can be fairly challenging, give it a try!
The EntertainerScott Joplin3rank/position
In this commercial, Tsuyoshi Muro appears playing two roles! He plays the father and, believe it or not, the God of Play.
Matching the active image of the Spacia Gear, the CM is themed around playfulness.
It shows a family enjoying bubble balls, and their sheer fun really stands out.
Muro’s high-energy performance as the God of Play is another highlight.
The background music is “The Entertainer,” a tune almost everyone has heard somewhere.
In fact, it’s a piece with a long history, first published in 1902.
Its lively, fun melody line is distinctive and really lifts your spirits when you listen!
The Easy WinnersScott Joplin4rank/position
Scott Joplin, who was born the child of enslaved parents in Texas, blossomed into a master of ragtime.
His ragtime works, blending elements of classical music with syncopated rhythms, continue to captivate listeners today.
One of his signature pieces, The Easy Winners (composed in 1901), is a lively, upbeat tune depicting athletes who win with ease.
Its distinctive trio section features striking chromatic inner voices that evoke anticipation and joy in the listener.
The rhythm of ragtime can be a bit challenging if you’re unfamiliar with it, but once you master it, it’s guaranteed to make you want to move! Highly recommended for fans of jazz and ragtime, and for anyone looking to bring a unique flair to a recital.
Maple Leaf RagScott Joplin5rank/position
Composed by Scott Joplin in 1899, the ragtime masterpiece “Maple Leaf Rag” became Joplin’s first major hit and greatly contributed to establishing the ragtime genre.
Characterized by syncopation and four main themes, the piece sold as many as 500,000 copies of sheet music in the ten years following its release, becoming widely recognized as one of his signature works.
The lyrics added later portray a confident man who captivates people with his dancing and charm, conveying energy and fun to listeners.
Beloved by performers across genres and featured in films and video games, this dynamic classic is one you should definitely try playing on the piano.
Pine Apple RagScott Joplin6rank/position
The rhythmical piano with a somewhat funny ring to it feels pleasant and just listening to it makes you happy.
This is Pine Apple Rag, composed in 1908 by Scott Joplin, a renowned performer and composer in the ragtime genre, which is said to be the root of jazz.
It was used for several years as background music for medal game machines and in commercials for Suzuki’s Alto Lapin kei car, so many people may have heard it without realizing.
As for ENEOS commercials, it’s used in the ENEOS Electricity “A Housewife’s Decision” segment.
The Sting ThemeScott Joplin7rank/position
It’s an old piece composed in the early 20th century by African American musician Scott Joplin, but it became instantly famous when it was used as the theme for the film The Sting.
This musical genre, developed by Black musicians based on roots music, is called ragtime.
Weeping WillowScott Joplin8rank/position
Weeping Willow (1903) is a work by American composer Scott Joplin, who was active from the late 19th century to the early 20th century.
Subtitled “A Ragtime Two-Step,” the piece was written to suit the popular dance style of its time.
Despite its gentle tempo, the melody moves through multiple keys, revealing Joplin’s meticulous compositional technique.
Among the many masterpieces Joplin left behind, this stands out as one of the most beautiful, and it’s highly recommended for anyone who enjoys rhythmic music such as ragtime or jazz.
Wall Street RagScott Joplin9rank/position
“Wall Street Rag” is an ambitious work themed around the financial panic of 1907.
Composed by Scott Joplin, the King of Ragtime, the piece vividly captures the ups and downs of the economy through music.
Annotations for each section—such as “The Panic Starts” and “Brokers in a Quandary”—reveal the composer’s witty perspective.
At the same time, phrases reminiscent of Chopin suggest a glimmer of hope.
With its quintessential ragtime rhythms, the piece ushers listeners into the complex world of finance.
Transcending genres and captivating music fans, it’s highly recommended for anyone who wants to relish the joy of playing the piano.
Elite SyncopationsScott Joplin10rank/position
Scott Joplin, the “King” of ragtime music, was active in the United States from the late 19th to the early 20th century.
Familiar with music from a young age, he released many ragtime pieces after relocating to St.
Louis.
One of his signature works, Elite Syncopations, is a masterpiece that fully showcases the lively, rhythmic qualities of ragtime.
Its melody line, which uses syncopation to great effect, feels as if it’s joyfully dancing! With a unique groove distinct from classical music, it’s also perfect for those interested in jazz piano.