Eubie Blake, musical pioneer in jazz and ragtime

Eubie Blake National Center

May 23, 1921

Categories: African American, Arts, Culture
Tags: 1900 – 1940, Baltimore City

James Hubert “Eubie” Blake(1887-1983) teams up with Noble Sissle (1889-1975) to launch the first All African American Broadway production, Shuffle Along. It becomes a major hit running for 504 performances and introducing future stars Josephine Baker and Paul Robeson.

Eubie Blake is born to formerly enslaved parents in Baltimore and shows an early ability as a pianist. He becomes a pioneer in ragtime, jazz and popular music and is an active artist for nine decades. He is particularly popular because of his strong connections to the beginnings of jazz music. He receives a Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Ronald Reagan in 1981 for his contributions as a musician.

For More Information

Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center

View Other Mosaic Pieces

Marylander Roger B. Taney hands down the Dred Scott decision.

Roger Taney, Maryland native and Supreme Court Chief Justice, delivers 7-2 opinion in 1857, in the Dred Scott case, declaring that Blacks in the US are not considered citizens nor entitled to government protection, and that Congress cannot prohibit slavery. The decision becomes a major factor leading to the Civil War.

Anna Ella Carroll advises Lincoln on Civil War strategy

Anna Ella Carroll is the only woman to privately advise Lincoln on Civil War tactics. Her strategy leads to the capture of forts in the Western Campaign, the first major Union victory in Civil War in 1862.

Maryland’s flag, the most popular, has a long history

The General Assembly makes new (old) flag official in 1904. Based on heraldic crests in the George Calvert family it is now the most popular and most recognized state flag. The flag was used by both sides during the Civil War conflict. A full description of the flag’s history is on Maryland Secretary of State’s website.