Final Answer:
The most famous composer accredited with birthing ragtime music is c) Scott Joplin, and his most popular piece is "Maple Leaf Rag."
Step-by-step explanation:
Scott Joplin: Scott Joplin is widely recognized as a key figure in the development and popularization of ragtime music. He was an influential composer and pianist during the Ragtime era.
"Maple Leaf Rag": Joplin's most famous and enduring composition is "Maple Leaf Rag." Published in 1899, it became a major hit and is considered a classic ragtime piece. Its syncopated rhythms and lively melodies contributed significantly to the popularity of ragtime as a genre.
Ragtime Music: Ragtime, characterized by its syncopated rhythms and lively, upbeat nature, gained widespread popularity in the early 20th century, and Scott Joplin played a pivotal role in shaping and defining this musical genre.
Thus the correct option is C