Final answer:
The "Maple Leaf Rag" by Scott Joplin is an iconic example of ragtime, a genre that features syncopated rhythms and was a precursor to jazz. Joplin's influence on the genre was profound, and his music, including this composition, greatly contributed to its spread.
Step-by-step explanation:
The composition "Maple Leaf Rag" by Scott Joplin is a seminal piece of music that falls under the category of ragtime. This genre is a uniquely American form of music that originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Noted for its syncopated, or "ragged," rhythm, ragtime was an important precursor to jazz. Joplin, an African American composer and pianist, was one of ragtime's greatest contributors and innovators, often hailed as the "King of Ragtime Writers."
"Maple Leaf Rag," his first successful piece, propelled Joplin to fame and played a significant role in the popularity and spread of ragtime music. It was characterized by a lively, syncopated melody that encouraged listeners to tap their feet or dance along. The popularity of this genre eventually gave rise to other forms of American music, including jazz and eventually blues, although those are distinct from ragtime itself. Joplin's music, including "Maple Leaf Rag," was predominantly disseminated through the sale of sheet music during an era when the recording industry was still in its infancy.