Blake was known both as a composer and lyricist for many Broadway shows in the 1920s and, in his later years, as the last living link to ragtime. He and singer Noble Sisser wrote songs for "Shuffle Along," the first all-black musical, in 1921, and his song, "I'm Just Wild About Harry," was used by Harry Truman in his 1948 Presidential campaign.
In his book, The 101 Best Jazz Albums, Len Lyons recommends the 1969 Eubie Blake album, "The 86 Years of Eubie Blake" (Columbia), which led to a revived interest in Blake's music. Unfortunately, that album is only available in vinyl, used from Amazon.com.
Blake's Memories of You, available from Amazon.com may be the best alternative on CD.
Blake plays "I'm Just Wild About Harry" via piano roll here:
Robert
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