c) Scott Joplin

Scott Joplin, known as the “King of Ragtime,” composed the ‘Maple Leaf Rag’ in 1899, popularizing ragtime music. This genre, characterized by its syncopated rhythms, was a precursor to jazz and a significant form of African American music in the early 20th century. Joplin’s composition became the first piece of sheet music to sell over a million copies, marking a milestone in the music industry and playing a key role in the development of American music.