The "King of Ragtime" in Black history refers to Scott Joplin, a pioneering African American composer and pianist who played a significant role in the development and popularization of ragtime music in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in Texas in 1868, Joplin composed numerous ragtime pieces that combined elements of African American folk music with European musical forms.

Joplin's most famous composition is "Maple Leaf Rag," which became a major hit and helped popularize the genre of ragtime music across the United States. His intricate compositions and innovative use of syncopation influenced countless musicians and composers, and he is often credited with elevating ragtime from a regional style to a national sensation.

Despite facing racial discrimination and financial struggles throughout his life, Joplin's contributions to American music have been widely recognized and celebrated. He is regarded as one of the most important figures in the history of ragtime music and a key influence on the development of jazz.