Scott Joplin Popular Song Rankings [2026]

The EntertainerScott Joplin1rank/position

The Entertainer – Piano – Joplin

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 Piano Scott Joplin [ The Entertainer Piano Scott Joplin ]

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!

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Hamada Takuya

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The EntertainerScott Joplin3rank/position

The Entertainer

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!

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Hane Keisuke

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The Easy WinnersScott Joplin4rank/position

The Easy Winners by Scott Joplin (older version) | Cory Hall, pianist-composer

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

Maple Leaf Rag Played by Scott Joplin

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

Piano – Scott Joplin – Pineapple Rag

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.

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KOH-1

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The Sting ThemeScott Joplin7rank/position

The Sting Theme (Joplin – The Entertainer)

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.