Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

February 7, 1883 in Baltimore, MD

Death

:

February 12, 1983 in New York City, NY

Genre

:

Keyboard

 

Eubie Blake was an American composer, pianist, and lyricist who was born on February 7, 1887, in Baltimore, Maryland. He was the son of former slaves and grew up in a poor neighborhood in Baltimore. Despite his humble beginnings, Blake showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of six. Blake's parents recognized his talent and encouraged him to pursue music. He began taking piano lessons from a local teacher and quickly became proficient in playing classical music. However, Blake was also drawn to the popular music of the day, including ragtime and jazz. In his teenage years, Blake began playing in local clubs and theaters, honing his skills as a pianist and composer. He also began collaborating with other musicians, including lyricist Noble Sissle, with whom he would later form a successful partnership. In 1915, Blake and Sissle wrote their first hit song, "It's All Your Fault," which was performed by the popular vaudeville duo of Williams and Walker. The song's success led to more opportunities for Blake and Sissle, and they began writing music for Broadway shows. In 1921, Blake and Sissle wrote the music for the groundbreaking musical "Shuffle Along," which was the first Broadway show to feature an all-black cast. The show was a huge success and helped to launch the careers of many African American performers, including Josephine Baker. "Shuffle Along" featured several hit songs, including "I'm Just Wild About Harry," which became a popular standard. The show's success also helped to establish Blake and Sissle as major figures in the world of popular music. Over the next several years, Blake and Sissle continued to write music for Broadway shows and other productions. They also formed their own band, the Eubie Blake Orchestra, which toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe. In addition to his work as a composer and pianist, Blake was also a talented lyricist. He wrote the lyrics for several of his own songs, including "Memories of You," which became a jazz standard and was recorded by many famous musicians, including Louis Armstrong and Billie Holiday. Blake's music was known for its lively rhythms and catchy melodies, which combined elements of ragtime, jazz, and other popular styles of the day. His compositions were often infused with a sense of joy and optimism, reflecting his own upbeat personality. Despite his success as a composer and performer, Blake faced many challenges throughout his life. He lived through the era of segregation and racism, which limited his opportunities as an African American musician. He also struggled with health problems, including arthritis, which made it difficult for him to play the piano in his later years. Despite these challenges, Blake continued to perform and compose music throughout his life. He remained active in the music industry well into his 90s, and his music continued to inspire and entertain audiences around the world. Eubie Blake passed away on February 12, 1983, at the age of 96. He left behind a rich legacy of music that continues to be celebrated and enjoyed by fans of all ages. His contributions to the world of popular music helped to pave the way for future generations of African American musicians, and his music remains an important part of American cultural history.

More....