Scott Joplin Popular Song Rankings [2026]

SolarisScott Joplin15rank/position

Scott Joplin – Solace performed by Phillip Dyson

Solace, subtitled “A Mexican Serenade,” by Scott Joplin is a piece with a distinctive atmosphere that sets it apart from standard ragtime.

Its relaxed tempo, incorporating habanera and tango rhythms, imparts a quiet, introspective character.

The work appears to reflect Joplin’s personal feelings around 1909, when he was newly married, and it reveals his pursuit of more refined expression in his creative endeavors.

It remains a classic that continues to captivate many, having been used in film soundtracks and video games.

It’s highly recommended not only for listeners interested in classical music, but also for anyone seeking a piece with a slightly different mood.

New RugScott Joplin16rank/position

Scott Joplin’s New Rag | Cory Hall, pianist-composer

“The New Rag,” a piano piece composed in 1912 by ragtime master Scott Joplin.

One of his signature works that blends elements of Western music and Black musical traditions, it stands out for its lively syncopated rhythms and flowing melodies.

Each section combines organically to create a cheerful atmosphere.

While upholding the traditional style of ragtime, the piece showcases Joplin’s distinct personality and reveals his mature compositional craft.

It’s a classic that lets you fully savor the charm of ragtime—highly recommended for those who want to enjoy performing to a buoyant, upbeat groove!

Pineapple RagScott Joplin17rank/position

Pineapple Rag Piano [Pine Apple Rag The Sting Soundtrack Scott Joplin]

Scott Joplin is known for his style that skillfully incorporates ragtime rhythms.

Among the pieces that most vividly reflect his distinctive approach, the 1908 work “Pineapple Rag” is a popular piece that conveys the fun of dance music from that era.

Its charm lies in a lively, sparkling atmosphere that lets you imagine couples dancing to its light, rhythmic melodies.

With Joplin’s signature arranging, it’s a highly recommended piece for anyone who wants to enjoy the piano!

Pichorin RugScott Joplin18rank/position

Peacherine Rag - Piano - Scott Joplin [Peacherine Rag - Scott Joplin]

Scott Joplin was a composer active in the United States from the late 19th to the early 20th century, known as the “King of Ragtime.” One of his signature pieces is the bright, rhythmic piano work “Peacherine Rag,” said to have been composed in the early 1910s.

The piece is packed with the quintessentially ragtime charm of Joplin’s sprightly melodies and syncopated rhythms.

The rhythms may take some getting used to at first, but once you try playing it, you’ll surely get hooked on its irresistible groove! It’s a perfect choice for pianists who want to try something with a different vibe and push themselves just a little.

Besena (Concert Waltz)Scott Joplin19rank/position

SCOTT JOPLIN – Bethena (A Concert Waltz) – MASSIMILIANO DAMERINI piano

The waltz Bethena, composed in 1905 by Scott Joplin, the composer known as the “King of Ragtime.” Among Joplin’s waltzes—renowned for their distinctive style that fuses ragtime’s lively rhythms with the classical elements of Western music—this piece is one of the most popular masterpieces.

Colored by a triple meter, its melody makes striking use of syncopation, and its contrapuntal development, where two melodic lines intertwine, is also captivating.

Featured in film soundtracks, this work is a perfect choice for those who want to savor beautiful harmonies set to a waltz rhythm.

The Ragtime DanceScott Joplin20rank/position

Ragtime Dance by Scott Joplin | Cory Hall, pianist-composer

Scott Joplin, hailed as the “King of Ragtime,” published The Ragtime Dance in 1902, a piece that takes social dancing in the African American community of the time as its theme.

Depicting a dance event called the “Darktown Ball” that begins at 9 p.m., the work reflects both satire of Black society and the connections forged through dance.

Notable for its “stop-time,” where the performer marks the rhythm with their feet, this piece is highly recommended for fans of ragtime and jazz, as well as anyone who wants to experience history through music.

Maple Leaf RagScott Joplin21rank/position

Maple Leaf Rag

This piece, composed by Scott Joplin in 1899, is a ragtime piano work that was also used as background music in the film The Sting.

Ragtime is a music genre that flourished mainly in the United States from the late 19th to the early 20th century, heavily influenced by African American music, and is considered one of the roots of jazz.

The piece is notable for its syncopated rhythms.

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