Eubie Blake

Date of Birth: February 7, 1887

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: February 12, 1983

Biography

Eubie Blake, born James Hubert Blake, was a pioneering American composer, lyricist, and pianist, best known for his contributions to early jazz and popular music. He was born on February 7, 1887, in Baltimore, Maryland. Blake displayed musical talent from a young age, beginning piano lessons when he was just five years old. He went on to become one of the most important figures in the development of ragtime and early jazz. Blake’s career took off in the 1910s when he teamed up with lyricist Noble Sissle. Together, they created the groundbreaking musical “Shuffle Along” in 1921, which was one of the first Broadway musicals to be written and performed by African Americans. The show was a major success and helped to break down racial barriers in the entertainment industry. Throughout his long career, Blake composed numerous songs that became standards, including “Memories of You,” “I’m Just Wild About Harry,” and “Love Will Find a Way.” He continued to perform and compose well into his old age, gaining renewed recognition during the ragtime revival of the 1970s. Eubie Blake passed away on February 12, 1983, just five days after his 96th birthday. His legacy endures through his timeless music and his contributions to American culture.

5 Interesting Facts about Eubie Blake

1. Eubie Blake lived to be 96 years old, passing away just five days after his birthday.

2. Blake was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Ronald Reagan in 1981.

3. He composed his first piece of music, “Sounds of Africa,” when he was just 12 years old.

4. “Shuffle Along,” his groundbreaking musical, was one of the first to feature a sophisticated African American love story.

5. Eubie Blake was also a talented organist and played in churches and burlesque theaters early in his career.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Eubie Blake

1. “If I’d known I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself.”

2. “Be grateful for luck. Pay the thunder no mind – listen to the birds. And don’t hate nobody.”

3. “I don’t have any bad habits. They might be bad habits for other people, but they’re all right for me.”

4. “When I was 21, I was 19. When I was 25, I was 19. I stayed 19 for a long time.”

5. “Life is what we make it, always has been, always will be.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Eubie Blake’s highest net worth is not precisely documented, but he was estimated to have achieved a peak net worth of around $500,000 during his lifetime, a significant amount considering the era he lived in.