Eubie Blake

Eubie Blake, originally named James Hubert Blake, was born on February 7, 1883, in Baltimore, Maryland. He emerged as a pivotal figure in the evolution of African American music during the early 20th century, significantly impacting ragtime and early jazz before his death on February 12, 1983.

Blake's musical journey commenced at the tender age of four when he began playing the pump organ. By fifteen, he was performing ragtime in a local brothel, marking the start of his professional career. In 1905, he relocated to New York City, where he sought the assistance of Will Cook to promote his debut composition, “Sounds of Africa.” Although the initial sale didn’t materialize, the song was later rebranded as “The Charleston Rag,” solidifying his status as a songwriter.

After returning to Baltimore, he collaborated with fellow musicians including C. Luckeyeth Roberts and James Johnson. In 1910, he wed classical pianist Avis Lee. Blake's first published work, “Chevy Chase,” came out in 1914, and he met his future songwriting partner Noble Sissle in 1915. Together, they composed the hit “It’s All Your Fault” for Sophie Tucker.

Blake and Sissle's most significant achievement was “Shuffle Along,” the first all-black musical to achieve success on Broadway, featuring timeless songs like “I’m Just Wild about Harry.” Following the decline of ragtime in the 1920s, Blake transitioned to jazz and continued performing until a lengthy break from 1946 to 1969. He returned to the stage at 86, contributing to the ragtime revival of the 1970s inspired by the film “The Sting.” Blake also saw a resurgence of his work with the musical “Eubie” in 1979. He performed well into his nineties and passed away just after celebrating his 100th birthday in New York City.