Scott Joplin Popular Song Rankings [2026]

Weeping WillowScott Joplin8rank/position

Weeping Willow/Shidare Yanagi/Scott Joplin/Scott Joplin/Piano

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

Scott Joplin – Wall Street Rag (1909)

“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 – Elite Syncopations performed by Phillip Dyson

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.

Entertainer The EntertainerScott Joplin11rank/position

Joplin: The Entertainer (Sax Duo) / Asa-Kura – Morning♪Kura

“The Entertainer” is a popular piece that is frequently performed in tenor saxophone and alto saxophone ensembles, as well as by brass bands.

For those who feel it’s a bit early to tackle a large-scale work, this light and lively piece is highly recommended and a lot of fun to play.

CascadesScott Joplin12rank/position

The Cascades by Scott Joplin | Cory Hall, pianist-composer

Cascades, composed in 1904 by Scott Joplin, the “King of Ragtime,” was performed at the St.

Louis World’s Fair and created a major sensation.

A leading figure of the ragtime scene, Joplin is known for his unique style that fuses classical music with African American musical traditions.

Though technically demanding, this work is striking for its flowing melody—evoking waterfalls and rapids—and its driving rhythms.

It conveys Joplin’s strong determination to elevate African American musical expression to the level of high art.

A masterpiece highly recommended for anyone interested in ragtime or the history of American music.

Sunflower Slow DragScott Joplin13rank/position

Sunflower Slow Drag by Joplin/Hayden | Cory Hall, pianist-composer

Scott Joplin is a legendary composer known as the Father of Ragtime, who was active in America from the late 19th to the early 20th century.

This piece is one of Joplin’s most famous works and can be considered a masterpiece that fully showcases his talent and creativity.

It is characterized by a bright, cheerful atmosphere, with a charm that can’t help but bring a smile to your face just by listening.

In particular, the trio section is said to reflect happy memories with a lover, allowing listeners to sense the affection embedded in the work.

It’s a highly recommended piece not only for those interested in ragtime, but also for anyone who enjoys lively, rhythmic music!

Sugar CaneScott Joplin14rank/position

SUGAR CANE (RAG) by Scott Joplin | Hall, piano

Scott Joplin was a composer active in the United States from the late 19th to the early 20th century.

One of his signature works, Sugar Cane, is a ragtime piano piece published in 1908.

Its characteristic ragtime syncopation creates a humorous atmosphere and vibrant energy throughout.

The melody, which lifts the listener’s spirits, is full of Joplin’s unique charm.

It’s a piece I recommend to anyone who enjoys playing the piano!