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Eubie Blake sheet music collection

 Collection
Identifier: MS 2800.1

Abstract

This collection contains sheet music and other materials from the estate of Baltimore born composer and pianist James Hubert “Eubie” Blake. Includes sheet music written by Eubie Blake as well as other composers.

Dates

  • 1917-1979

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research use.

Conditions Governing Use

The reproduction of materials in this collection may be subject to copyright restrictions. It is the responsibility of the researcher to determine and satisfy copyright clearances or other case restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in the collections. For more information visit the MCHC’s Rights and Permissions page.

Biographical Note

James Hubert (Eubie) Blake was born in Baltimore on February 7, 1887 and died in Brooklyn, New York on February 12, 1983, a few days before his ninety-sixth birthday. Composer, lyricist, and pianist, he was a major figure in the revival of ragtime and early jazz, returning them to prominence as true American musical genres.

Blake was playing piano professionally and composing by the age of 16. His career began to take shape when he met fellow musician Noble Sissle in 1915. Together, the two of them wrote hundreds of songs, many of which became major hits. Blake and Sissle also collaborated on writing the musical play Shuffle Along, which featured classic songs such as “I’m Just Wild About Harry.” Shuffle Along, Blake and Sissle’s most famous work, was significant not only for reviving the black musical genre, but also for helping launch influential young performers and composers who went on to their own successful careers. Among them were Josephine Baker, Florence Mills, Paul Robeson, and William Grant Still. Many songs from Shuffle Along became great hits and were recorded dozens of times.

Blake gave talks and performed well into his nineties. The musical “Eubie!” based on his songs, appeared in 1978 and became a major Broadway hit. Blake was a frequent guest on The Tonight Show during the 1970s, and among his many awards was the Presidential Medal of Freedom. To recognize his approaching hundredth birthday, the Kennedy Center presented the televised Eubie Blake: A Century of Music, which won an Emmy Award in 1983.

Extent

151 Linear Feet (151 boxes (no boxes 147 or 150))

Language of Materials

English

Arrangement

Arranged alphabetically by title.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of the Estate of Eubie Blake, 1984; Accession # 001035.

Related Materials

MS 2800, Eubie Blake manuscript and ephemera collection, circa 1905-1983

PP301, Eubie Blake photograph collection, 1908-1983

Title
Guide to the Eubie Blake sheet music collection
Status
Under Revision
Author
Michael Mark
Date
2015-11
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Revision Statements

  • 2020-02-12: Manually entered into ArchivesSpace by Emily Somach.

Repository Details

Part of the H. Furlong Baldwin Library Repository

Contact:
H. Furlong Baldwin Library
Maryland Center for History and Culture
610 Park Avenue
Baltimore MD 21201 United States
4106853750