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Eubie Blake was a composer, jazz pianist and lyricist, born on February 7, 1887 in Baltimore, Maryland, United States. Death is recorded on February 12, 1983, at the age of 96. Awards on record include Presidential Medal of Freedom (1981) and Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame (1976).
My Take
Eubie Blake is one of those figures who make you feel the whole arc of American music in a single life. Born in 1887, performing nearly to his death at 96, he carried ragtime into jazz and popular song across an era that gave Black musicians almost nothing for free. The Presidential Medal of Freedom only hints at the doors he forced open. What moves me is the longevity, the sheer refusal to stop playing. So much of what we casually enjoy today rests on pioneers like him, and his recordings still sound alive. I consider him essential listening, not a museum piece.
1. Profile
- Name (English)
- Eubie Blake
- Name (Japanese)
- ユービー・ブレイク
- Reading
- ゆーびー・ぶれいく
- Born
- February 7, 1887 – February 12, 1983
- Zodiac / Chinese zodiac
- Aquarius / Boar
- Origin
- Baltimore, Maryland, United States
- Occupation
- composer / jazz pianist / lyricist / street artist / jazz musician
2. Background
Awards & achievements
- 1981 Presidential Medal of Freedom
- 1976 Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame
3. Links
4. About this entry
Tags
- Last updated
- 2026-06-21
Facts are limited to publicly available information up to 2024; non-public or unconfirmed items are omitted. English text is machine-assisted (facts translated by Sonnet, "My Take" written by Opus 4.8). The Japanese page is the source of record.
Frequently asked questions
When was Eubie Blake born?
Born February 7, 1887.
When did Eubie Blake die?
Died February 12, 1983, aged 96.
Where was Eubie Blake from?
Eubie Blake was from Baltimore, Maryland, United States.
What did Eubie Blake do?
Eubie Blake worked as composer, jazz pianist, lyricist, street artist, jazz musician.
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