Scott Joplin's style is often referred to as ragtime, a genre of music that was popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Ragtime is characterized by syncopated rhythms and a steady bass line, and is often associated with jazz and blues. Scott Joplin was an American composer and pianist who was one of the most influential figures in the development of ragtime music. He wrote some of the most iconic pieces of ragtime music, such as 'The Entertainer' and 'Maple Leaf RAG'.