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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZBLAKE, Eubie(b James Herbert Blake, 7 February 1887, Baltimore MD; d 12 February 1983) He claimed to have been born in 1883 and celebrated his 100th birthday in 1983, but every important document (Social Security, censuses etc) show 1887. The pianist, bandleader, and composer was taught in Baltimore by W. Llewellyn Wilson (1887-1950); at one time in the 1920s all the black music teachers in NYC schools were former Wilson pupils, as well as many entertainers. Blake's long career began in 1899 in Baltimore cafes; he teamed with Noble Sissle in 1915 in vaudeville, and went to Europe with him in James Reese Europe's band (which Sissle later led for a while after Europe's death). Blake composed piano rags including 'Charleston', recorded piano rolls 1917-21; the team had hit song 'It's All Your Fault', performed by Sophie Tucker, then produced the musical Shuffle Along in NYC in 1921, mounted with difficulty due to lack of funds: singer/dancer Florence Mills came from the chorus to become a star before her early death in 1927; smash hit songs included 'Love Will Find A Way' and 'I'm Just Wild About Harry' (revived in 1948 for the Truman election campaign). Sissle and Blake performed on radio, also contributed to Elsie '23, Revue '26 (in London), then split up until Shuffle Along Of 1952 as Sissle returned to Europe. Blake worked on the show Chocolate Dandies '24 with Spencer Williams; Blackbirds Of 1930 with Andy Razaf, including smash hit 'Memories Of You'; Shuffle Along Of 1932, Olsen and Johnson's Atrocities Of 1932; Swing It '37; Tan Manhattan '40 with Razaf; Brownskin Models '54; Hit The Stride '55. He toured as a USO entertainer during WWII; joined Sissle in clubs and benefits. He made album Wizard Of The Ragtime Piano '59, and on the revival of interest in ragtime came out of retirement: two-disc set The 86 Years Of Eubie Blake '69 was produced by John Hammond; he started his own record company and appeared at jazz festivals '72; honours from ASCAP on what he said was his 90th birthday. He took his first aeroplane ride to a piano roll recording date '73; concerts, festivals and TV shows increased. Illustrated book by R. Kimball and W. Bolcom Reminiscing With Sissle And Blake was published '72; TV show taped with the same title '74; honorary degree in music '74; played at President Carter's White House jazz party '78; continued performing almost until he died, famously saying that if he'd known he was going to live that long he'd have taken better care of himself. Albums on own Eubie Blake Music included with singer Edith Wilson (1896-1981) and Ivan Harold Browning (b 1891 in Texas; he originated lead roles in Shuffle Along and Chocolate Dandies); Live Concert '73, solo piano Rags To Classics, Song Hits with Emme Kemp, Mable Lee, Mary Louise. |