Eubie Blake (1883-1983)
James Hubert Blake was born in 1883 in Baltimore, Maryland. Eubie as he was called, began his musical interest as a young child under the influence of his parents. He entered the music world as a church organist with the encouragement of his very religious mother. Blake created his first ragtime composition called, "Sounds of Africa" or "Charleston Rag" in 1899 at a nearby brothel. Soon after in 1907 he began to play a local bars and such and got a reputation for being a stellar composer and musician. Through this time, he met Noble Sissle to whom he created a partnership with in 1915. His vocals and Blake's talents on the piano made them the perfect pair. However, upon Sissle's journey to war, Blake joined the Society Orchestra in 1919. His career never ended because even at the age of 86 he was still in the recording booth creating his famous tunes. Blake died in 1983, a few days after turning 100. To hear his "Charleston Rag" click on this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgX5_waK--w