Eubie Blake | |
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Background information | |
Birth name | James Hubert Blake |
Born | Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. | February 7, 1887
Died | February 12, 1983 Brooklyn, New York City, U.S. | (aged 96)
Genres | Jazz, popular, ragtime |
Occupation(s) | Composer, musician |
Instrument | Piano |
Labels | Emerson, Victor |
James Hubert "Eubie" Blake (February 7, 1887 – February 12, 1983) was an American pianist and composer of ragtime, jazz, and popular music. In 1921, he and his long-time collaborator Noble Sissle wrote Shuffle Along, one of the first Broadway musicals written and directed by African Americans.[1] Blake's compositions included such hits as "Bandana Days", "Charleston Rag", "Love Will Find a Way", "Memories of You" and "I'm Just Wild About Harry". The 1978 Broadway musical Eubie! showcased his works, and in 1981, President Ronald Reagan awarded Blake the Presidential Medal of Freedom.