James Hubert "Eubie" Blake (
February 7,
1883 -
February 12,
1983) was a composer of
ragtime,
jazz, and
popular music, as well a a lyricist. With his long time collaborator
Noble Sissle[?] Blake wrote the Broadway Musical
Shuffle Along in
1921; this was the first
Broadway musical ever to be written and directed by
African-Americans. Blake's hit compositions included "Bandana Days" "Charleston Rag", "Love Will Find A Way", "Memories of You", and "I'm Just Wild About Harry".
In 1978, the musical Eubie opened on Broadway.
Blake continued to play and record until shortly before his 100th birthday. He uttered the memorable quote, "If I'd known I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself."
Blake's authorized biography, Eubie Blake, was written by Al Rose[?].
In 1995 Eubie Blake was honored with a United States Postage stamp.
- Eubie Blake & Ragtime (http://chnm.gmu.edu/courses/magic/saloon/blake.html) includes transcription of 1970 interview with Blake