One of Scott Joplin's earliest works (1898 or 99), the Maple Leaf Rag became a model for ragtime compositions by other composers. It is one of the most famous of all ragtime pieces and its success led to Joplin being dubbed the "King of Ragtime" by his contemporaries. Publication of the piece by the John Stark Company provided Joplin with a stream of income for the rest of his life.
Maple Leaf Rag
Scott Joplin