107 Jamz Celebrates Black History Month – Today In Black History February 7th
February 7, 2013 11:42 AM 
On this day in black history:
On this day in 1926 Negro History week originated by Carter G.Woodson is observed for the first time. Later in 1976, it would become Black History Month. Here’s more info about this great leader.
In 1883 on this day the legendary composer, lyricist, ragtime, jazz, and popular music pianist Eubie Blake was born. In 1921, Blake and his long-time collaborator Noble Sissle wrote the Broadway musical Shuffle Along. This was one of the first Broadway musicals to be written and directed by African Americans, so this was quite an accomplishment. Blake’s compositions included such hits as, “Bandana Days”, “Charleston Rag”, “Love Will Find A Way”, “Memories of You“, and “I’m Just Wild About Harry“. In his honor, the musical Eubie! opened on Broadway in 1978.
Blake continued to play and record into late life, until his death. Eubie Blake died February 12, 1983 in Brooklyn, just five days after celebrating his (claimed) 100th birthday (actually his 96th). When he got up in age he kinda forgot the actual date of birth and unintentionally started listing his birth year as 1883, when is was actually 1887.
Regardless of the age discrepancy Eubie Blake was one of the greatest pianist to ever live. Here he is playing one of his classics, “Memories of You” in his 90′s.
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