Eubie Blake was an influential American composer, pianist, and bandleader, born on February 7, 1887, in Baltimore, Maryland. He is best known for his contributions to the genre of ragtime music and for co-creating the hit musical Shuffle Along in 1921, which helped to bring African American culture to mainstream audiences. Blake's career spanned over seven decades, during which he collaborated with notable artists like Noble Sissle and produced many popular songs, including "I'm Just Wild About Harry." He continued to perform and compose well into his later years, leaving a lasting legacy in American music before passing away on February 12, 1983.