32c Eubie Blake stamp

James Hubert "Eubie" Blake, born in 1883, the son of former slaves, studied organ and music theory as a child. In his twenties, he became a successful songwriter with his partner, band leader Noble Sissle, and together they wrote the hit Broadway show "Shuffle Along" in 1921. At 95, Blake told an interviewer he had written a couple of thousand pieces, but only about 350 had ever been published.

Reference: Postal Bulletin (August 17, 1995)

Scott Catalogue USA: 2988
mint

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Museum ID: 1996.2066.238