The "King of Ragtime" in Black history refers to the legendary composer and pianist Scott Joplin. Joplin was a pioneering figure in American music, known for popularizing the ragtime genre in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His compositions, such as "Maple Leaf Rag" and "The Entertainer," became iconic pieces that captured the spirit of the ragtime era. Joplin's intricate syncopated melodies and lively rhythms helped establish ragtime as an influential precursor to jazz and other forms of popular music. Despite facing racial discrimination and limited success during his lifetime, Joplin's music has endured and continues to be celebrated for its creativity, innovation, and lasting impact on American music history.