Eubie Blake Quotes

A collection of quotes by Eubie Blake.

Eubie Blake (1887-1983) was an American composer, pianist, and lyricist, best known for his contributions to the early jazz and ragtime music scenes. He was born as James Hubert Blake on February 7, 1887, in Baltimore, Maryland.

Blake began playing the piano at a young age and quickly became skilled at improvisation. In his teenage years, he gained popularity playing in various lounges and brothels in Baltimore. In 1915, he joined forces with lyricist Noble Sissle, and together they wrote numerous hit songs, including the renowned "I'm Just Wild About Harry."

In 1921, Blake and Sissle collaborated on the groundbreaking Broadway musical "Shuffle Along," which became a tremendous success and one of the first major Broadway productions that featured African American talent. The show's success led to a series of other successful collaborations for Blake, including the hit song "Love Will Find a Way."

Throughout his career, Eubie Blake continued to compose and perform, adapting his style to the evolving jazz and popular music of the times. He played with legendary musicians like Art Tatum and Duke Ellington, and in the 1960s, experienced a resurgence in popularity as his music was introduced to new audiences.

Eubie Blake's impact on American music cannot be understated. His innovative compositions and energetic piano playing helped shape the sound of jazz and ragtime, and his work as a composer and songwriter laid the foundation for future generations of musicians. He passed away on February 12, 1983, at the age of 96, leaving behind a rich legacy in American musical history.