EUBIE BLAKE (ca. 1976-78) Photo archive

New York: Various, ca. 1976-1978. Set of four vintage original 7 x 9″ (17 x 22 cm) and 8 x 10″ (20 x 25 cm) black-and-white glossy photos. All have attached information blurbs, stamps and date markings. Minor use for publication, near fine.

Eubie Blake (1887-1983) was an American pianist and composer of ragtime, jazz, and popular music. Blake began his career in 1912, and during World War I he worked in partnership with singer, drummer and comedian Broadway Jones. He was one of the most important figures in early-twentieth  century African American music, and one whose longevity made him a storehouse of the history of ragtime and early jazz music and culture. (Wikipedia)

Blake is seen on stage with the cast of the 1978 Broadway production of a show celebrating his music. Two photos are with Jackie Onassis in 1976 for his show at Gallagher’s. Another portrait from the same time is for a performance at the Wilshire Ebell theatre in Los Angeles.