Descriptive Summary

Eubie Blake Papers, ca.1905-1983

MS. 2800

Maryland Historical Society

Baltimore MD 21201-4674

For the researcher all of this material is a necessary source for understanding Eubie Blake's character and life, but in the final analysis it must be coordinated with his music which was central to his life.

Judging by the many activities and interests reflected in the voluminous material collected by Eubie Blake and his wife, Marion, he was a more complex person than the cheerful performer/composer we remember. There are 94 boxes of papers which comprise mainly correspondence, photographs and ephemera. They have been organized into categories by type of material and ordered chronologically and/or by author or title within each category.

There are eight boxes of correspondence arranged in ascending chronological order. Most of it was written to Eubie, but there are some responses from him or Marion. The earliest material is scattered and incomplete, but when Marion became Eubie's wife in 1945, she began to serve as his secretary and kept careful and more complete files. Some letters can be found under the correspondent's name when the writer is an important figure: Pearl Bailey, for example, or a collaborator such as Andy Razaf, Milton Reddie, or Ernie. These letters provide illuminating details about their authors' lives as well as about Eubie.

This section is followed by institutional correspondence which provides information on Eubie's compositions and his struggle to get them published and performed.

Correspondence to and by Marions and records pertaining to her life before and after her marriage to Eubie is in the next section. Her letters to Eubie during their courtship are of particular interest.

Eubie's financial records and a section containing contracts, copyright and royalty statements follow. Inportant material on various productions such as /Shuffle Along' and the Eubie Blake orchestra can be found here. These are revealing of Eubie's strength as a composer and performer and his struggle as an African American to succeed. The legal correspondence contained in the files of Beldock, Levine and Hoffman provide many insights into Eubie's career. Elliott Hoffman, Eubie's lawyer and long time friend, was called upon many times to resolve various problems as well as to offer valuable advice to Eubie.

Eubie's life is set out in several sketches and interviews contained in the section titled Scripts, Biographical Sketches. Also in Box 33 there is a complete copy of the typescript and galleys of Al Rose's biography of Eubie.

Eubie's travel experiences can be seen in the souvenir material in the Travel Ephemera files; and his love of the theater especially the musical stage in the many programs he and Marion saved.

The Public Press section adds to the information on Eubie's public performances and appearances. It includes as well clippings on racial issues. Eubie was aparently interested in the success of fellow African Americans and saved articles pertaining to political figures like Shirley Chisholm as well as performers and musicians such as Duke Ellington. Having himself suffered racial discrimination he also saved news items and other material concerning racial injustice.

He collected Ragtime and Jazz publications. A file of AMICA, a publication on player piano rolls, might prove to be valuable source for locating those Eubie made which have not been found with his papers.

There are many Christmas and birthday cards, some of which have informative notes or letters attached. Most are from long time friends, some from other celebrities. There are also cards and notes from school children. The birthday cards are especially interesting in their disclosure of the great affection for Eubie held by his friends as well as strangers.

The photographs are possibly the most revealing documents. They are arranged by category with identification when possible. Unfortunately many individuals are not identified, especially those in the snapshots. Most of these were pasted in albums thereby covering up or destroying identification. In this same section are Eubie's citations and awards, his doctoral degrees of which he was justly proud, and flyers and posters from his and other productions, some of which are probably quite rare.

FINDING GUIDE TO EUBIE BLAKE CORRESPONDENCE

(SELECTED ITEMS NOTED)

BOX 1

9 April 1918

From James Reese Europe, serving as Lt. 369th Infantry AEF

21 Aug. 1918

From Louis A. Mitchell re: his life and work in Paris

14 Oct 1918

From Noble Sissle serving as Lt 370th Infantry AEF, contains lyrics

Sept 1920

Letters from Eubie to his wife from Toronto ; Hamilton, Ontario

1921

Several letters re Eubie's performance at entertainments including contract from Harry C. Cushing, Jr. to perform dance with four musicians at Turf ; Field Club, Belmont Park

30 Dec 1921

Offer from James Henry Dunmore, Jr. to write a new play for Sissle and Blake

15 March 1921

Request by Mrs. Samuel A. Lewisohn for Eubie and four men to play

4 Dec 1922-

Solomon Goodman, attorney writes concerning judgment action against N.Y. Recording Laboratory by Sissle Blake

4 Feb 1923

Charles Bell writes of interest in score by Sissle ; Blake for his new book

10 Feb 1923

Charles Wilson thanks Eubie for NAACP benefit performance of Shuffle Along

25 July 1923

Request for confirmation of exclusiven performing rights You Were Meant for Me.

28 Oct 1924

From Al Watts, Stage Manager re stranded Shuffle Along Company

21 May 1924

N.I.Manton re Baltimore engagement of Shuffle Along

18 June 1924

Appreciation of In Bamville from Hubert Harrison

18 Jan 1927

Receipted bill for Eubie's payment of Madison Reid's funeral

5 June 1927

Romaine Johns writes Eubie's wife re Eubie's automobile accident

4 June 1927

From Harold Tillotson requesting loan and offering services

5 Oct 1927

Request to Sissle and Blake to pay account from Variety.

1 Jan 1929

Letter of appreciation from warden of San Quentin prison for Eubie's performance

3 May 1929

Oddities Idea travel schedule

22 July 1927

B.F Keith Albee Vaudeville thanks for payment of debt.

4 May 1930

From Jack Scholl offering lyrics

3 Sept 1930

Telegrams wishing success for Blackbirds

including one from Bill Robinson

8 Nov 1930

Notice of termination of Blackbirds contract

1931

Series of letters and telegrams from Harry Squires, Eubie's agent re bookings including Shuffle Along

4 June 1931

Osgood Marcellus requests payment for arrangements

22 July 1931

Vinton Freedley requests meeting re Singing the Blues

7 Sept 1931

Telegrams wishing success for Singing the Blues.

5 Jan 1932

Wilhemina Adams thanks Eubie for performance at NAACP N.Y., musicale and tea.

2 Feb 1932

Marty Forkins confirmation of work for Bill Robinson film

26 Dec 1932

Bill Robinson telegram wishing success for Shuffle Along

6 Jan 1933

From Harold Tillotson containing his and Ferde Grofe's favorable comments on Shuffle Along.

25 Sept 1933

Telegram from Noble Sissle demanding weekly payments for Shuffle Along

21 May 1934

Eubie's telegram to Harry Rogers re stranding of Shuffle Along company in Steubenville, Ohio and requesting money for people and transportation

2 Oct 1934

Brooklyn Urban League thanks Eubie for his performance

3 Jan 1936

Eubie's cover letters submitted to Paul Whiteman and Joseph Littau with composition Blue Thoughts

March 1938

Eubie's promotional letters including one to Stan Shaw re Negro song-writers

13 June 1938

Eubie's letter to Frank Murphy, governor of Michigan and his response 20 June

22 June 1938

Eubie's letter to Charles Friedman objecting to his referral of Eubie to a stage manager with copy to Max Gordon

15 March 1939

Letter of condolence for death of Eubie's wife from Sammy Stewart

7 Dec 1939

Letter from director of music, Crispus Attucks High School re collection of music manuscripts of Negro composers.

20 July 1940

Correspondence re Eubie's responses to Columbia Teachers Psychological Test for the creative process in music and 6 Jan 1941

29 Nov 1940

Correspondence with Life magazine re slur against Negro people

9 June 1941

Eubie's promotional letters for We Are Americans Too broadcast.

5 Sept 1941

From M.E. Serling, attorney to Flournoy Miller re concluding arrangements for Shuffle Along.

10 Nov 1941

From Hampton Institute re We Are Americans Too and Eubie's manuscripts

16 Mar 1942

From Ada May Potter re orchestrations

25 Oct 1944

From Harold Lisle requesting Eubie's aid in getting Noble Sissle to perform his composition

13 Sept 1942

Telegram from Noble Sissle

2 Nov 1944

From Ada May Potter

7 Jan 1945

Negro Sergeant's World War II prayer

4 March 1945

From Verlinda asking for understanding

24 April 1945

From Verlinda hinting of her pregnancy

5 Oct 1945

Eubie's letter to Countess Castegnaro (Ada May Potter) describing his activities over the past five years: marriage; new home; study of Schillinger system of musical composition; new records-- Love Will Find a Way (Hazel Scott) and Memories of You (Vaughn Monroe)

Sept. 1948

Correspondence from Niccolaii H El Michele re status of several of Eubie's colleagues such as Sissle, Razaf and Negro film No Time for Romance to Nov. 1948

11 April 1949

Audition of Shuffle Along Gaumont Co.

2 Mar 1949

6 June 1949 Correspondence with Phil Harris

21 Feb 1950

Correspondence re Bart Spicer ; Blues for the Prince

19 Mar 1950

List of Eubie's compositions for Rudi Blesch

May 1950

Telegram from Mayor O'Dwyer re I Am an American Day.

27 June 1952

Simon S. Feinstein, attorney, letter re: damages claimed by Winifred Scott for You Fascinate Me, song used in Shuffle Along.

27 Mar 1953

From Mary Lou Williams

8 April 1953

Correspondence with Phil Harris re Ham and Eggs

23 Sept 1953

Telegram and letter from Mayor Impelliteri thanking Eubie for appearance at I Am an American Citizenship Day.

Nov 1953

Correspondence thanking Eubie for his appearance for 5th Anniversary Dinner at Mt. Morris Park Hospital at the Waldorf Astoria

24 Sept 1954

Correspondence and telegrams from Mayor Wagner re Eubie's participation in I Am an American Day: program

5 Jan 1955

From Richard Watts, Jr, theatre critic N. Y. Post re term bordello

13 Feb 1955

From Adam Clayton Powell thanking Eubie

18 Feb 1955

From Paul Gallico thanking Eubie

25 Mar 1955

Shuffle Along telegrams, one from Noble Sissle, President of Negro Actors Guild

19 Oct 1956

From Stephen Papich re production of Shuffle Along with his recommendations.

22 Oct 1956

From C. L. Smith (Leroy) re arrangement of Memories of You and instruments listed

29 Oct 1956

Response to 19 Oct letter of Stephen Papich re Shuffle Along

4 Feb 1957

From Jack Dempsey thanking Eubie for contribution to Joe Louis Fund

16 May 1957

From Robert F. Wagner, mayor of New York thanking Eubie for his cooperation in the I Am American Day ceremonies

9 Feb 1959

From Ivan Harold Browning urging Eubie to get together again with Noble Sissle; contains references to various compositions and old friends

7 April 1959

Carbon of letter to Sammy Davis, Jr. from A. P. Waxman re Happy Times.

30 Oct 1969

From TV-Time recordings re recording of Mike Wallace show Oct 10, 1961

27 Nov 1961

From Garry Moore

6 Dec 1962

From John Fisher re Scott Joplin music

7 May 1962

Correspondence from Karamu House explaining arrangements for the performance of Sissle and Blake with clipping (photo) attached.

31 May 1962

Program and letter of thanks Karamu House

6 Nov. 1962

Eubie's letter of complaint to Post Office

30 July 1963

From David Ives including watercolor of Eubie

12 Mar 64

From Administrator, Principal of P.S. 147-K and pupils thanking Eubie for his performance for them

5 Jan 1965

Telegrams to Sissle and Blake re 50 year Town Hall Tribute

3 Sept 1965

From Musician's Protective Union about award.

23 Nov 1965

From Mayor John V.Lindsay

31 Dec 1965

Harry Hershfield thanks Eubie for contribution to Lambs Club celebration

BOX 2

26 Mar 1966

Correspondence from Bertrand Demeusy

including biography of Eubie

April 1966

Telegram of invitation from Leslie Uggams

3 April 1966

From John W. Work, librarian Fisk University

2 Feb 1967

Elliott Carpenter evaluates Eubie's composition Capricious Harlem, deploring influence of Gershwin.

May 1967

Congratulatory telegrams re bust honoring Eubie at Music Collections Museum, Museum of the City of New York.

22 Aug 67

Contract from David M. Boehm for film on Eubie's life and music.

28 Oct 1967

Several carbons of Eubie's letters to his friends and associates.

17 April 1968

From Mayor John V.Lindsay re proposed tribute to Eubie

18 March 1969

John Hammond letter of appreciation

2 April 1969

From David Cayer to Rudi Blesh re loyalty oath

9 April 1969

Eubie's request to Copyright Office for copyrights on Red Moon Medley and Blue Rag in Twelve Keys.

25 April 1969

From Sherman Fairchild: enjoyed session with Eubie.

21 July 1969

Request by Harry Connick, candidate for District Attorney of New Orleans to use I'm Just Wild about Harry

29 Aug 1969

Lyrics from Jack Scholl

22 Oct 1969

At top of letter of this date is the message in Eubie's hand This letter must not destroyed E.B. [sic]

5 Dec 1969

Bertha C. Winston writes of Wayland Church, which was started by Eubie's father and mother.

12 Dec 1969

Maurice McCall, Dept. of Music, Hampton Institute re gift to Hampton Institute

12 Feb 1970

Maurice McCall, Dept. of Music, Hampton Institute thanks Eubie for his performance.

21 Feb 1970

From John S. Wilson, New York Times music (jazz) critic

9 March 1970

From Duke Ellington thanking Eubie for tribute

11 March 1970

Instructions for Eubie as Grammy presenter

6 May 1970

Note and clipping from Jack O'Brien, columnist

15 May 1970

From National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences awarding plaque

15 May 1970

From Eubie in Detroit to Marion

13 June 1970

James P.Johnson Memorial Award citation for Eubie at Rutgers University, Institute of Jazz Studies

15 June 1970

Robert Russell Bennett congratulates Eubie for award 22 June

28 June 1970

From William Bailiff enclosing article about Art Tatum

28 June 1970

Collection of letters to Eubie's friends and associates handwritten by Marion T. Blake

4 July 1970

From Judge Young, City of St.Louis, accompanying award for Eubie

July 1970

Many letters from friends and colleagues complimenting Eubie's TV performances with David Frost, Arthur Godfrey among others

10 July 1970

From Harry Frankel, C-G Productions, confirming Eubie's appearance on Dean Martin Show

23 July 1970

Detroit News clipping re Eubie at 87

10 Aug 1970

Copy of contract and script for Dean Martin Show

19 Aug 1970

From Institute of Jazz Studies, Rutgers University accompanying citation for Eubie

1 Sept 1970

From Bea Collins: The only time Sunpaper had a colored man's picture in paper you and I know he had killed a white man. Those days are gone forever.

2 Sept 1970

From Dotty accompanying Detroit News clipping re Eubie's appearance in TV Documentary and at Toronto Ragtime Festival

3 Sept 1970

Note from Charlie Rasch with music for Swanee Home

14 Sept 1970

Bob Kimball note accompanying clipping on Eubie and his album as best of year

24 Sept 1970

From Vernacular Music Research re Eubie's early recordings and Eubie's initiation of his own publishing company

25 Sept 1970

From WHYY-TV accompanying press review (missing) for Eubie's program there

BOX 3

5 Oct 1970

From WHYY-TV accompanying program note on Eubie's PBS special: Do You Wanna Hear Some Ragtime?

13 Oct 1970

From Vernacular Music Research accompanying photographs of Eubie and his orchestra, and various musicians

19 Oct 1970

Contract with Estella Wright, sculptress of bronze bust of Eubie.

23 Nov 1970

From Jack Scholl thanking Eubie for his album

26 Nov 1970

From Gerry Vondy with copies of her photos of Eubie in Toronto

1 Feb 1971

Correspondence with Dick Zimmerman re Eubie's upcoming performance

9 Feb 1971

From Arnold Zenker Show re Eubie's appearance

18 Feb 1971

Correspondence with Time-Life Records re errors in record album

19 Feb 1971

Note from Jack O'Brien WOR

23 Feb 1971

Howard University correspondence re honorary degree

1 March 1971

From Overseas Press Club (Willie Dobie) re jazz session

2 March 1971

Correspondence re Eubie's gift of album 86 Years of Eubie Blake, to Library and Museum of Performing Arts. Contains references to unpublished works and disposition of Eubie's papers

12 March 1971

From Fred von Ammon accompanying material on jazz artists; refers to Eubie's appearance on the Dean Martin show.

29 March 1971

From MacInnes with clipping from Toronto Globe and Mail with review of Jazz Bash

April 1971

Appearance on David Frost show; letters and cards of congratulations:

26 April 1971

From Ivan Harold Browning

8 May 1971

Correspondence with David Cayer re interview with Eubie and Willie The Lion Smith.

13 May 1971

Correspondence with Elliot Hoffman, Eubie's lawyer re arrangements and publications

27 May 1971

From Vernacular Music Research re Eubie's early recordings pre-1932)

1 June 1971

From Doctor Terkild Vending re music of Deems and Willie Gant

8 June 1971

USIA request to record Eubie at Newport Jazz festival in July

28 June 1971

Max Morath letter enclosing manuscript of Giants of Ragtime folio

29 June 1971

From David Cayer with program attached of radio show based on Eubie's and Willie The Lion Smith's interview.

10 Aug 1971

From president of Hampton Institute re disposition of Eubie's compositions

11 Aug 1971

USIA request to broadcast Town Hall concerts

4 Sept 1971

Doctor Terkild Vending re tape of Eubie's compositions played by jazz greats

1 Oct 1971

From Per Moller Hansen re filmed interview of 4 Oct 1971 with Interview format

29 Oct 1971

Elliot Hoffman letter re E.T. Carter's book about Eubie

17 Dec 1971

Richard Jolivet letter with clipping of Punch Miller's funeral

1972

Request for exhibit material from Maryland Commission on Negro History and Culture

12 Jan 1972

From Elliott Carpenter with clipping about his playing As Time Goes By in film Casablanca

20 Jan 1972

Correspondence and contract re Eubie's appearance at Columbia University

21 Jan 1972

From Honi Coles

23 Feb 1972

From William Hyder, TV editor, Baltimore Sun re magazine article on Eubie

24 Jan 1972

From Willie Dobie with clipping re Scott Joplin opera

2 Feb 1972

Clark Terry letter

8 Feb 1972

From WNYE-TV re Eubie's participation in Black Studies Telecasts.

24 Feb 1972

Ivan Browning note with press information re Eubie and Ralph Bunche memorial program

25 Feb 1972

From Whitney Museum re Noble Sissle's friend

March 1972

Several letters re Eubie's February 23 concert

5 Mar 1972

Correspondence with Ian Fisher re location of Scott Joplin music.

18 Mar 1972

University of Michigan School of Music program, clipping of Eubie's performance at St. John the Divine

23 March 1972

From WBNS-TV Columbus expressing appreciation for Eubie's appearance

31 March 1972

Bil Baird letter

17 May 1972

USIA request to record Newport Jazz Festival

19 May 1972

Enthusiastic letter from Cloris Leachman

30 May 1972

Telegram announcing Fluxie's death

23 June 1972

From Hollie West, Washington Post columnist, with Scott Joplin clipping

23 June 1972

Elliott Carpenter letter with thanks for gift and news of Browning

BOX 4

3 July 1972

Eubie's letter to Mayor W.D. Schaefer re Edmondson High School tribute and the Mayor's failure to inform Eubie of it

5 July 1972

From Alma Whittaker with order form to Eubie Blake Music

12 July 1972

Request for interview from Associate Director Fisk University Black Studies in Music to be placed in Black Oral History archives.

15 Aug 1972

Correspondence with Roosevelt Newsom and dissertation proposal with list of music given to him by Eubie.

30 Aug 1972

From Marion thanking Mrs. Shouse for entertaining Eubie and Marion at Wolf Trap at premiere of Treemonisha

31 Aug 1972

Anne Allen Schockley, Librarian, Fisk University, thanks Eubie for interview and invites him to consider Fisk as a repository for his papers

14 Sept 1972

Correspondence with Olivette Miller Darby who claims that her father Flourney E. Miller wrote Shuffle Along.

17 Oct 1972

RAI Corporation, Italian TV thanks Eubie for interview

20 Oct 1972

From Ann Vanderlee returning handwritten biographical notes sent to her by Eubie in 1961

31 Oct 1972

Correspondence in appreciation of Eubie's performance from Duke Ellington Fellowship Program Committee, Yale School of Music from which Eubie received an award

21 Nov 1972

From Mayor Schaefer accompanying clipping (missing)

5 Dec 1972

From Helen Ennico re Eubie's performance at Alice Tully Hall and other news of jazz greats and Eubie's performances; clippings by John S. Wilson and others

9 Dec 1972

Roy Allen, CBS-TV producer, thanks Eubie for his appearance on Black Arts.

11 Dec 1972

From Eubie denying that he was father of Buddy Williams as stated in Milton Adams's column; clipping attached

19 Dec 1972

Elliott Carpenter re Eubie's concerts, TV appearances, Browning, Razaf and other news

18 Jan 1973

From Leonard Feather thanking Eubie for his appearance at L.F.'s lecture

23 Jan 1973

From National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Brooklyn Club re Eubie's receipt of Professional Award

26 Jan 1973

Correspondence re I'm Just Wild About Harry being voted into Songwriters' Hall of Fame

26 Jan 1973

From Frank Harris regreting Governor Mandel's inability to attend Eubie's 90th birthday salute.

1 Feb 1973

From Eubie thanking David Bourne for arranging TV dates

7 Feb 1973

From Bob Seeley sending birthday greetings for Eubie's 90th and enclosing article on Eubie

10 Feb 1973

From Ivan Browning describing Andy Razaf's funeral and informing Eubie about Hugh Gordon Book Shop as record dealer

10 Feb 1973

From Cynthia Cantrell Effron, promotion manager of Rochester Philharmonic orchestra, enclosing clippings

17 Feb 1973

Correspondence re naming of Tompkins Park Cultural Center The Eubie Blake Theatre

20 Feb 1973

Many letters re Eubie's 90th birthday

21 Feb 1973

From Eubie thanking Quentin Lawson, Asst to Mayor of Baltimore for his effort in making Eubie Blake Day a success

21 Feb 1973

From Eubie thanking Richard B. Allen, curator of Archives of New Orleans Jazz, Tulane University for Nobody's Lookin' but De Owl and De Moon.

21 Feb 1973

From Eubie thanking Franklin Showell, Exec. Director, Maryland Commission on Negro History and Culture, for Maryland's birthday salute.

21 Feb 1973

From Eubie thanking Governor Marvin Mandel for Certificate of Distinguished Citizenship

21 Feb 1973

From Eubie thanking Mayor Schaefer for Eubie Blake Day

6 Mar 1973

From Trebor Tichenor with contract for Ragtime Festival

16 Mar 1973

Correspondence with Mayor John Lindsay re Eubie's attendance at opening ceremonies for the Tompkins Park Recreation and Cultural Center

17 April 1973

Correspondence re honorary degree for Eubie from Morgan State College

18 April 1973

From Marion to Elliott Hoffman re possible breach of contract suit. Correspondence with Jasen attached

21 April 1973

From Ivan Browning re low pay for his and Eubie's appearances

1 May 1973

From Leontyne Watts with program which includes Voodoo Man by Eubie

3 May 1973

From Mike Lipskin enclosing his review of Reminiscing with Sissle and Blake.

14 May 1973

Correspondence re Eubie's appearance at Abyssinia Baptist Church

6 June 1973

Correspondence re honorary degree from Brooklyn College

11 June 1973

Correspondenc and contract with BBC

13 June 1973

From Willie Ruff, Assoc. Professor of Music, Yale University, inviting Eubie to be a soloist with full orchestra at a Duke Ellington Fellowship program

18 June 1973

USIA request for permission to record Eubie's performance for broadcast.

BOX 5

11 July 1973

From Hospital Audiences thanking Eubie for his program

13 Aug 1973

From Eileen Southern with copy of Eubie's interview she proposes to publish in Black Perspective in Music

15 Aug 1973

From James Philpot, inmate at Brooklyn House of Detention

4 Sept 1973

From Eubie to Mayor John Lindsay re letters from James Philpot, inmate at Brooklyn House of Detention

7 Sept 1973

Re Mayor Lindsay's Certificate of Appreciation

18 Oct 1973

From Jazz At Home Club re award

9 Nov 1973

From The Mississippi Rag re article featuring Eubie

16 Nov 1973

Correspondence from Center for Afro-American and African Studies re Eubie's appearance at a symposium

3 Dec 1973

From James Standifer re tape for Eva Jessye Afro-American Music Collection, University of Michigan

3 Dec 1973

From National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences re Eubie's election to NARAS Hall of Fame elections committee.

Jan 1974

From NARAS requesting Eubie's selections of five recordings; list of choices attached

13 Jan 1974

From Marian McPartland re concert at Hawthorne School

18 Jan 1974

From Geraldine Ostrove, Librarian, Peabody Institute thanking Rosaland Lee for material on Eubie Blake

21 Jan 1974

List of Eubie's manuscripts held by Kerry Price Gower

22 Jan 1974

Program and correspondence re Fisk University dinner held in honor of Eubie

22 Jan 1974

From M.T. Taylor in appreciation of Eubie's presentation, University of Michigan; clipping attached

4 Feb 1974

Correspondence with Eva Jessye re Eva Jessye Day, Ann Arbor, Michigan

5 Feb 1974

From Eileen Southern re occasion to honor William Grant Still

20 Feb 1974

Several of Eubie's replies to requests for appearances, interviews etc. and his appreciation for birthday wishes and photos.

Mar 1974

Correspondence with Hugues Panassie of the Hot Club de France

18 Mar 1974

From Barry Brook, Graduate School and University Center of the City University of New York, thanking Eubie for his performance of Gershwin's The Man I Love.

28 Mar 1974

From Marion to Dr. Liberman re Eubie's scheduled dates as listed

3 April 1974

From Howie Horton reminiscing about Eubie and other pianists and enclosing photo of President Woodrow Wilson

1 May 1974

From Don Swan enclosing photo of himself and Eubie

8 May 1974

From Albertine Hunter

9 May 1974

Correspondence with Arthur Fiedler re March Eubie composed for him

18 May 1974

Several letters from Marion acknowledging correspondence related to Eubie's illness.

29 May 1974

From Geoffrey Haydon, BBC, re filmed interview

1 June 1974

Re dedication of the Eubie Blake theatre, congratulatons on Rutgers University degree

10 June 1974

From USIA requesting permission to record Eubie's performance for broadcast

15 June 1974

Handwritten letter from Eubie to Gunther Schuller re new composition, March of the Senegalese dedicated to Schuller.

17 June 1974

From Bob Vernon re Three Generations of Ragtime program

19 June 1974

Eubie's handwritten list of five compositions

BOX 6

5 July 1974

Request for interview from Mary Campbell, Associated Press

10 July 1974

Correspondence re citation to be awarded by the National Association of Negro Musicians

17 July 1974

Correspondence between Marion in hospital and Eubie in Nice

25 July 1974

John Pruyn, the University Club sends program from Nice, Grande Parade du Jazz

12 Aug 1974

Correspondence re David Cayer's program on Eubie

19 Aug 1974

Correspondence re honors at Dartmouth from John G. Kemeny and Peter Smith

26 Aug 1974

From Senator Van der Beatty re Senate Resolution honoring Eubie's contribution to society.

13 Oct 1974

From Eileen Southern re proposed Eubie Blake Festival at Harvard

24 Oct 1974

From Wm Livingstone, Stereo Review re tribute by Eubie to Duke Ellington

29 Oct 1974

From Isaac B. Grainger re dinner honoring Bob Hope and how much Eubie was missed.

4 Nov 1974

From Leroy Robinson in appreciation of Eubie's appearance on the Nancy Wilson Show

2 Dec 1974

From John Hammond to Carl Seltzer questioning C.S.'s refusal to allow recording of Balcom-Blake concert

17 Jan 1975

From Stereo Review re cover story on Eubie by Bill Bolcom and Bob Kimball; copy enclosed

20 Jan 1975

Correspondence re piano Frank Taplin tried to have donated to Eubie by Steinway

30 Jan 1975

Correspondence with Peter Gammond re his book on ragtime

19 Feb 1975

From Rudolph Schramm enclosing piano rag composition with lyrics

27 Feb 1975

From Joel DeMott re proposed film on Eubie; budget attached

28 Feb 1975

From Gloria Hull re Eubie's performance at Univ. of Delaware; clipping attached

24 Mar 1975

From Marion to Eileen Southern expressing frustration at being overwelmed with managing Eubie's correspondence

29 Mar 1975

From Frances Cole to George Wein re permission to make exception to Eubie's contract with Newport Jazz Festival for Harpsichord Festival

1 April 1975

Correspondence with Gunther Schuller re use of TV Ragtime Show by New England Conservatory

9 April 1975

From Marion to Bill Cosby re Eubie's health

23 April 1975

Correspondence from Eubie in Los Angeles to Marion with various instructions and news of his visit

29 April 1975

Correspondence from Marion re Gordon Book Shop's failure to pay for records sent.

8 May 1975

Request from USIA to record for broadcast Eubie's performance at Newport-N.Y. Jazz Festival

20 May 1975

Re award for Eubie from Jazz Heritage Society

28 July 1975

Correspondencere Eubie's honorary degree at Pratt Institute; copy of Eubie's biography attached

9 Sept 1975

From Ethel Sissle re Noble's health and condition

10 Sept 1975

Re Award from New York City Dept. of Recreation

3 Oct 1975

From CBS re proposed documentary

7 Oct 1975

Correspondence from Willie Ruff, Professor Music, Yale University re Eubie's visit as an Ellington Fellow

16 Oct 1975

Correspondence re Keyboard Genius concert with Earl Hines, Eubie and Billy Taylor and other events, Overseas Press Club

5 Dec 1975

From Geoffrey Haydon re BBC program on Eubie

10 Dec 1975

Correspondence re biography of Eubie by Ken Stuart

18 Dec 1975

From Fran Cole expressing sympathy for death of Noble Sissle

Dec. 1975

From Marion to Cynthia Sissle expressing sorrow at death of Noble Sissle

BOX 7

9 Mar 1976

From Carl Seltzer re Eubie's appearance on Johnny Carson Show with recommendations for Bill Cosby's introduction

2 April 1976

Thanks for Eubie's contribution to National Civil Rights Hall of Fame from Mayor Richard Gordon Hatcher, Gary, Indiana

1976

Copy of entry from Who's Who in America

12 May 1976

From New World Records re presentation of Shuffle Along album

31 May 1976

From Marion to John Roak praising his article on Eubie which is attached

4 July 1976

From Morton Gunnar Larsen commenting on Randi's Rag written by Eubie for Randi Hultin

6 July 1976

Correspondence re failure to pay Eubie for Los Angeles performance

5 Sept 1976

From Eva Jessye with accompanying articles

13 Sept 1976

Re Gunther Schuller's arrangement of Charleston Rag

5 Oct 1976

From Norwegian Radio Station stating that Memories of You is played everyday

25 Oct 1976

Correspondence and article re proposed statue of Louis Armstrong in New Orleans

8 Nov 1976

From Larry Melton re Eubie's performance at Josephine Baker gala and article by Max Morath in American Heritage Magazine

15 Jan 1977

From Eva Jessye re Blues and Ragtime with clippings, memorabilia attached.

19 Jan 1977

Correspondence from Harry and Anita Connick with clippings of Eubie's New Orleans visit

9 June 1977

From Avis Boyd's niece about A.B. and the road show of Bubbling Brown Sugar

22 June 1977

From Mike Douglas in Appreciation for Eubie's appearance on his show.

8 Oct 1977

From Alf E. Werolin re Eubie's performance at AMICA convention and Marion's hospitalization

1978

Press tape re Jimmy Carter singing Salt Peanuts at White House and Eubie's performance there. Note attached with Eubie's comments.

21 Dec 1978

Re: Eubie's honorary doctorate and performance at University of Maryland.

22 Feb 1979

Column recounting trip to Baltimore for opening of Eubie

4 April 1979

From E. Johnson ex-admirer with many derogatory comments.

11 July 1979

From Craig Henderson thanking Eubie for Wolf Trap performance.

12 July 1979

From Bob Kimball re Eubie's TV appearance

1 Aug 1979

Eubie's hand printed letter to his lawyer, Elliot Hoffman requesting trust to be established for James Edward Myers of 2316 Ivy Ave, Baltimore. [This person is still listed at this address in 1992 telephone book]

16 Sept 1979

From John W. Jenkins

18 Sept 1979

Composition: Mini-concerto based on I'm Just Wild about Harry by Rudolf Schramm with accompanying letter

27 Sept 1979

From Marver H. Bernstein, President Brandeis University thanking Eubie for his participation in Louis Armstrong concert

22 Oct 1979

Re Eubie's soundtrack work for The Fish that Saved Pittsburgh

27 Dec 1979

Gene Fernett letter re new biography [Al Rose and Eubie Blake] with references to performers and music

BOX 8

17 March 1980

From Al Rose re royalties, Smithsonian exhibit, TV appearances and proposed visits and appearances

18 April 1980

Correspondence re honors at Quinnipiac College Jazz Festival

29 June 1980

Correspondence From Rudolph Schramm re Eubie's health and other matters

22 Sept 1980

From Cynthia Sissle enclosing her publicity

25 Nov 1980

From Marian McPartland thanking Eubie for book

22 Jan 1981

From Elliot Hoffman re Eubie's Carnegie Hall concert and royalties

9 Feb 1982

From Songwriters Hall of Fame; Mary Campbell press release, re 99th birthday celebration

9 Feb 1982

Golden Social Security Card from Commissioner

12 April 1982

Card from Barney and Joe Johnson and signed by old friends with drawing by Bernie Johnson

10 June 1982

From Governor Hugh Carey

11 July 1982

Condolences for Marion's death

May 1983

Correspondence re Senate of Maryland Resolution

17 March 1983

To Elliottt Hoffman re enclosure [msg] of Baltimore City Council Resolution

23 April 1983

Concert in Memory of Eubie Blake, Maryland Historical Society

n.d.

Eubie's handwritten telegram to Olive Jones re her concert recital

n.d.

Eubie Blake's Dance Tour Schedule with salary noted

n.d.

Handwritten note from Billy Rose

n.d.

Prompt card for Eubie's broadcast or White House performance

n.d.

Eubie's handwritten anecdotes about F.E. Miller

n.d.

Note from Leonard Feather

n.d.

From Browning, full of shop talk

n.d.

From Eubie to John S. Wilson suggesting meeting

n.d.

From Cienega Elementary School thanking Eubie for performance

n.d.

Story Eubie went to tell at Yale handwritten on back of envelope

n.d.

Copy of War Dept Bible

n.d.

From Eubie to Marion

n.d.

From Ada May Potter

n.d.

Marion's handwritten letter to Romaine Johns

n.d.

From Eubie to editor of Music to Read by offering list of negro composers

FAN MAIL

1955-1970

1970

Letters from African American Music Class, Hampton Institute

1971-1972

1973-1974

1975-1979

BOX 9

1980 January to June

1980 July to December

1981 January to June

1981 July to December

1982 January to March and n.d.

CORRESPONDENCE FROM SELECTED INDIVIDUALS

ARRANGED ALPHABETICALLY

BOX 10

KURT ANDERSEN 1973-81

18 Oct 1975

Refers to Eubie's 92nd birthday in Boston and Saunders Theater concert

Feb 1976

Visit to New York; Eubie on Danish TV playing Memories of You

1977

Correspondence planning Eubie's visit to Copenhagen

1978

Correspondence re Andersen visit to New York

1978

List of Eubie's and Andersen's contacts

24 June 1980

Andersens acquire an original folio of Eubie's There's a Million Little Cupids in the Sky

12 March 1981

Andersens visit to New York

LOUIS ARMSTRONG 1970

15 MARCH 1970

Handwritten letter: I received the album saying Eighty Years of Eubie Blake and man it's Beautiful. Written on back of Satchmo Diet Sheet

PEARL BAILEY 1982

13 July 1982

Telegram to Eubie in hospital

JOSEPHINE BAKER 1973

12 Dec 1973

Correspondence with Eubie and Marion re meeting at Baker's show in New York

AVIS BLAKE

EMMA BLAKE 1928-32

1928-32

Re sale of property belonging to Eubie's mother

MRS. H.S.BLAKE 1972

Correspondence insisting she is married to Eubie's brother

JOHN BLAKE

GRACE BOURET (lyricist for Eubie) 1942

1942

Correspondence with references to Just We Two; Lovely Butterfly; Never Heard a Word; her meeting with J. J. Schubert and the difficulty of selling songs

13 Aug 1942

Music for Blackbirds Schubert murdered `Utterly Lovely' and `Never Knew'

RALPH BUNCHE 1967

8 May 1967

Regret inability to attend presentation of Eubie's bust to the theatre collection

BOB DARCH (Regtime Bob) 1958-71

12 Feb 1959

Commissioned Eubie to Arrange Flicker Red Rag

20 April 1959

Requests changes to Entertainers Rag

9 May 1959

Requests changed to That Da-Da Strain and the Virginia City Rag

30 July 1959

References to Scott Joplin's rags in Darch's possession

1959

Yellow Dog Blues and the Black Hand Rag

27 Aug 1959

Re Eubie's arranging Scott Joplin's music

31 Dec 1960

Re music for Blind Boone Memorial Concert

7 Nov 1961

Request for help getting Arthur Marshall who worked with Joplin into ASCAP; photos attached.

22 April 1971

Ragtime Party Program

1917

James Reese Europe Souvenir Program

JAMES REESE EUROPE

1917

Souvenir Program

ERNIE FORD 1944-71

12 July 1944

To Eubie with lyrics attached

(Aug 1946

To Eubie requesting collaboration and enclosing lyrics

16 Oct 1946

Re Eubie writing score for Bill Robinson's show

12 Dec 1946

Music on letter head: Time Drags Along by Eubie and Ford

4 Feb 1947

Biographical material on Ernie Ford.

9 April 1947

Correspondence re lyrics and music with Sweet Elizabeth attached

15 May 1947

To Elizabeth Arden requesting consideration of Sweet Elizabeth for its radio program

15 May 1947

From Eubie with short biographical sketch

20 May 1947

Musical notation of Eubie's on back of letter

20 May 1947

From Betty Grable giving permission to use her picture on the title page of `Sweet Elizabeth'

7 Oct 1947

List of songs and numbers of copies sold to date. e.g. 2,500,000 of I'm Just Wild about Harry.

3 Dec 1947

Musical notations by Eubie on back of letter

26 March 1948

Re Sweet Talk and Revlon advertising

2 April 1948

Telegram re introduction of Sweet Talk by Bob McGrew orchestra

6 Sept 1949

From Eubie re completion of Schillinger course

8 Oct 1952

Re publishing contract on Sweet Talk and Sweet Elizabeth

24 Oct 1952

Angry letter re Ernie's expenses in song promotion

6 April 1953

Re Victor album of Eubie's songs

12 April 1954

: Sweet Talk changed to Fast Talk

8 July 1960

Renewal of collaboration; several lyrics attached

22 Oct 1961

End of collaboration. Never succeeded after ten years in getting three songs published or recorded.

4 April 1971

Complaint that Eubie never performed songs

GERALD R. FORD 1975

31 Jan 1975

Ninety-second birthday greetings

BOX 11

A. RAYMOND GALLO 1941-76

13 April 1948

From Eubie with attached lists of Negro newspapers and publishers

5 May 1948

From Gallo to Bishop with precis of Cairo Girl

4 Aril 1951

Letter to Reddie and Blake re changes for Cairo Girl

17 May 1951

John Larson's comments on musical Cairo Girl' and recommendations for presentation

5 July 1951

Evaluation of Cleo Steps Out for Gallo.

18 July 1951

Evaluation of music in musical Cleo Steps Out

31 July 1951

Re script with P.S. about Eubie's use of I'm Just Wild about Harry as letterhead for Reddie and Blake

Gallo Musical Production Budget and Contract for Cleo Steps Out

W.C. HANDY 1938-1956

19 April 1938

Invites Eubie to serve as chair of subcommittee of piano presentations of the Harlem World's Fair Committee; brief biography of J. Rosamond Johnson.

27 Jan 1956

Response to Eubie's writing a symphony based on Memphis Blues

March 1958

Tributes at Handy's death

EARL HINES 1930-1976

13 Feb 1930

Requests that Eubie give his band a trial and asks if he could use Kathryn Perry in his review. On verso note in Eubie's hand that he can use Miss Perry not sure about band.

Postcard from Russia I am using `Memories of You' constantly.

26 Aug 1972

Invitation to wedding of daughter

LANGSTON HUGHES 1948-1957

1 Aug 1948

Correspondence re Eubie's compositions for Hughes poem Life is Fine

RANDI hULTIN 1968-1982

WILLIAM HYDER 1972

1972

Correspondence re Eubie Blake story for Sunday magazine of the Baltimore Sun and copy of the draft.

LOUISE AND FREDDY JOHNSON 1960-61

1960-61

Personal correspondence re Shuffle Along; appreciation for generosity and help

JOE LOUIS 1948

12 Feb 1948

Telegram requesting Eubie's participation in Interracial Leap Year Jubilee with group of leaders and celebrities

PETER LUNDBERG 1970-73

1970

Proposal to tape Eubie for a TV documentary on Ragtime.

1971-73

Correspondence by Elliot Hoffman to arrange an appearance by Eubie at Molde Jazz Festival in Norway

F.E. MILLER n.d. c.1948-60 (arranged in order by M.T. BLAKE) Correspondence re Shuffle Along; Script and Changes to Script

1 Feb 1956

Re flop of Shuffle Along in New York. If we had followed you--things would have been different

17 Oct 1956

Nite Club version of Shuffle Along

6 Oct 1957

Seems like LA is about to get the Dodgers. With Jackie gone I guess you don't care

11 Oct 1960

Re poor publicity for Negro shows by Negro press

MAX MORATH [n.d.]

BOX 12

RICHARD NIXON 1973

COLE PORTER 1933-55

A. PHILIP RANDOLPH 1969

ANDY RAZAF 1935-1975

24 Oct 1935

To Marty Forkins documenting Blake and Razaf work

2 Feb 1944

Contract for orchestration of Tan Town Divorce

24 Feb 1949

Forwarded song to Rochester Since I have not heard from him, I suppose like most `Big Darkies' he is too busy or lacking in courtesy to thank me or even answer you

18 Dec 1949

Re My Freedom Song

21 May 1951

Re Robeson and Anderson: too busy or too big to think of own people; a race to really get anywhere as a group must cooperate

9 Sept 1953

Re Dollar for a Dime with music attached

7 June 1956

Re We Are Americans Too

10 Feb 1957

Re Memories of You.

RONALD REAGAN 1982-83

1982-83

Birthday greetings on Eubie's 99th and 100th

MILTON REDDIE 1941-81

26 May 1941

To Reddie from Eubie re We Are Americans Too

8 Aug 1945

Shuffle Along in Bagnoli Italy, town south of Naples

11 Jan 1946

Congratulations to Eubie on his marriage to Marion and second letter to Marion

15 Oct 1946

Re struggle to get compositions published. You cannot imagine how depressing it is to read of Duke Ellington and a number of others doing things on Broadway while seasoned showmen such as these my friends are nowhere being blessed.

28 Nov 1946

To Marion You are perfectly right about the necessity of resorting to some other medium in addition to soliciting publishers to listen. Too long has Eubie manifested a defeatist attitude re Negro artists.

25 Feb 1947

To Ethel Waters accompanying Men are Not Gods

16 May 1953

Re vanity of W.C. Handy; Joe Louis is as dead as an upright log.

3 Sept 1953

Discusses prejudice against women for the world Negro market and possibility of Porgy and Bess.

29 Oct 1953

Lyric of It's All Over Now attached

3 Nov 1953

Reference to Ill Remember April

30 Nov. 1953

Reference to Because of You, Lucky to Me, Born to be Loved.

18 May 1954

Re problem of Negro assimilation in Mexico

23 June 1954

Reception of Reddie's daughter by children at school

1954-55

Descriptions of Mexico and his life there

11 Feb 1955

Letter from Eubie declining to finance Reddie at $48.00 a month

6 April 1955

Eubie plays the Palace

21 Aug 1957

Permission granted to Eubie to do whatever with Reddie and Eubie collaborations

7 May 1961

Re Shuffle Along in London

20 Sept 1972

Lyric for Americans Abroad for McGovern

10 Jan 1981

Offer to write something for Eubie's birthday.

NELSON A. ROCKEFELLER 1972

ROBERT RUSCH

Text of Rusch on Rhythm for Jazz Journal' no 67 Reference to Eubie's record Eubie Blake featuring Ivan Harold Browing

NOBLE SISSLE 1940-52

Lyrics for You'll Never Find a Change in Me with handwritten note to Eubie: reference to Walking the Dog; discussion of Eubie's philandering: Please reform from drink and scandal.

24 April 1952

Letter from Josephine [Baker?]

23 Dec 1975

Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Noble Sissle

WILLIAM GRANT STILL 1950-1970

30 July 1951

We need organization to fight the `boys' who keep you off Broadway... with accompanying article from The Courier 11 Nov 1950 on racism

1951

Phylon biographical article with references to Eubie.p.110

HARRY S. TRUMAN 1967

1967

Correspondence re I'm Just Wild About Harry

JOHN VANDERLEE

1961

Ann Vanderlee writing book on Ragtime Correspondence requests information from Eubie

INSTITUTIONAL CORRESPONDENCE

(Selected Items Noted)

BOX 13

ACTORS EQUITY ASSOCIATION 1973-1974

AMAS REPERTORY THEATRE, INC

7 Feb 1976

Celebration if Eubie's 93rd birthday

16 April 1977

Benefit for the AMAS Eubie Blake Children's Theatre Scholarship Fund

AMERICAN FEDERATION OF MUSICIANS LOCAL 802. 1929-1975

1930

List of royalties due

30 June 1931

Re claim against Lew Leslie for Blackbirds

6 Jan 1932

Correspondence re claim against Reese DuPree

7 Aug 1942

Roger T. Boyd claim against Eubie

AMERICAN FEDERATION OF MUSICIANS LOCAL 802 ALLEGRO (newsletter) 1971-1976

AMERICAN FEDERATION OF TELEVISION AND RADIO ARTISTS AFTRA 1970-81

Contracts and financial statements

AMERICAN GUILD OF AUTHORS AND COMPOSERS (AGAC) 1959-1975, 1976-82

Oct 1959

Several letters re Ragtime Rag

15 June 1970

Congratulations on receipt of James P. Johnson award

29 Oct 1971

No copyright for won't Be Long Now and Have a Good Time Everybody.

BOX 14

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF COMPOSERS, AUTHORS AND PUBLISHERS (ASCAP) 1921-40, 1941-1960; 1961-1972; 1975-1979; 1980-1982.

16 Aug 1960

Re The Dream Rag

21 Nov 1961

Eubie's performance on Mike Wallace Show

15 June 1970

Congratulations on receipt of James P. Johnson award

24 Feb 1971

Songwriters' Hall of Fame dinner

23 July 1971

Eubie's Boogie

27 March 1972

Marion's complaint to editor of ASCAP Today re no mention of Eubie

29 March 1972

Reply from editor

BEDFORD-STUYVESANT YOUTH IN ACTION 1969

BOX 15

DETROIT HOT JAZZ SOCIETY 1971-73

DRAMATISTS' GUILD OF THE AUTHORS' LEAGUE OF AMERICAN, INC. 1945-1955

HERBERT M. FRISBY HISTORICAL SOCIETY 1973-1974

GLASS AND LYNCH 1947-1952

1947-1952

Eubie performed annually at their office party

GRAND STREET BOYS ASSOCIATION 1951-1967

HIRAM LODGE NO.4 F.; A.M PRINCE HALL MASONIC TEMPLE 1938-1963

Payment of dues, notices

4 Feb 1957

Eubie voted Life Member

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF NEGRO MUSICIANS 1973

NATIONAL PUBLIC RADIO

Contract

NEGRO ACTORS GUILD OF AMERICA (NAG) 1961-1976

14 July 1973

To Eubie offering award

NEGRO SONGWRITERS PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATION 1938

Lists of Negro songwriters and performers

List of bandleaders

25 Mar 1938

Campaign correspondence

6 April 1938

From Simon Feinstein

14 June 1938

From Eubie to Southernaires

NEW ORLEANS JAZZ FESTIVAL (JAZZFEST) 1969

14 March 1969

From Willis Conover and contract S

Clippings and publicity

REDDIE AND BLAKE 1937-1938

Correspondence reflects company's mission to write music for lyrics or lyrics for music

30 Aug 1938

From H.A. Stuckey re difficulty of getting Negro music published

SCREEN ACTORS GUILD 1976-1981

SONGWRITERS' PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATION (SPA) 1938-1957

USO CAMP SHOWS 1942-46

19 Nov 1942

Contract

19 MAY 1945

Telegram from Noble Sissle

11 July 1945

Permission to use music of Shuffle Along for USO

9 Jan 1946

Request for raise in salary

15 July 1946

Request for leave after appendectomy

UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON (Ellensburg) 1971

8 Jan 1971

Filming of Eubie and Joe Jordan at Ellensburg

25 Jan 1971

Letter from Cadia Los

MARION TYLER BLAKE CORRESPONDENCE

(selected items noted)

BOX 16

1934-1970

6 Nov 1942

Marion turns down Garland Kennedy

8 Nov 1942

Garland's reply

4 Jan 1943

Garland's final letter

6 Mar 1945

Correspondence from W.C. Handy

11 April 1946

Marion's letter to Musicians Union, Local 802 re Eubie's insurance policy

13 Sept 1948

Letter to Vivian Alleyn re Negro artist, William Rivers, exhibit at Baltimore Museum of Art

17 Oct 1970

From Helen A. Johnson re proposed interview with Marion for book and article The Musical Stage During the Harlem Renaissance

LETTERS TO EUBIE 1944

1944 April 21

Marion's quasi-proposal

May 7

Again pursues Eubie

May 9

You are sweeping mee off my feet... May 11 Clothing sizes

May 22

two unmarried people growing old.would have the same outlook

May 31

Eubie has requested picture

June 26

maybe you had reconsidered and married the girl in Chicago

July 1

Flourney Miller tells Marion Eubie is going to be married and she offers congratulations and asks for perfume.

July 27

Thanks for stockings

Aug 7

Reference to William Grant Still; Count Basie

Sept 21

Possibility of joining Eubie for a weekend

Oct 20

only time will tell what the future hollds in store for us no date

Tentatively planning return home to Brooklyn

ACCOUNT BOOKS

BIRTH CERTIFICATE and MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE

CONTRACT FOR TOWN TOPICS 1925

EDUCATION/EMPLOYMENT 1908-1952

25 April 1929

Re claim against Keep Shufflin' Company

21 Dec 1933

From W. C. Handy accompanying Christmas check

1935

Rhodes School records

1940-42

Civil Service records

1941-42

Federal job offers

18 Jan 1945

Civil Service rating

2 May 1945

Correspondence with North American Aviation, Inglewood, Calif.

INSURANCE, TAXES

13 Mar 1941

Crucible Steel insurance claim for Marion's father

Miscellaneous health insurance

Federal Income taxes

LISTS, NOTES, MISCELLANEOUS

POLITICAL ACTIVITIES 1933-1945

n.d.

Plans for organization of Harlem Young Women Political League

Lists of voters

27 April 1933

Algonquin F.D. Roosevelt Club for which Marion was corresponding secretary

6 Nov 1934

Certificate of appointment as challenger

21 Aug 1935

Nominated as member of County committee from 19 Assembly District

17 Sept 1935

Certificate of appointment as Watcher

15 Sept 1953

Certificate of appointment

RECEIPTED BILLS

1949

Dental bills

BIRTHDAY CARDS

MEMORABILIA

EUBIE FINANCIAL RECORDS

(selected items noted)

BOX 17

BANK BOOKS 1955-1976

COPYRIGHT 1935m 1965

EMMA BLAKE: TAXES, RENTS EXPENSES 1914-1932

BUSINESS, HOUSEHOLD, PERSONAL 1923-1976

CENSUS RECORDS, EDUCATION RECORDS, HEALTH CERTIFICATE

HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL EXPENSES MARION AND EUBIE 1945-1982

INSURANCE POLICIES AND PREMIUMS 1919-1945

METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE: PREMIUMS AND CORRESPONDENCE 1914-1939

PASSPORTS AVIS AND EUBIE BLAKE

SOCIAL SECURITY 1960-1978

STOCK CERTIFICATES AND OTHER INVESTMENTS 1921-33

CONTRACTS, COPYRIGHT AND ROYALTY STATEMENTS

BOX 18

AGENTS, MANAGERS

AMERICAN FEDERATION OF MUSICIANS LOCAL 802

1932-1951

1952-1961

AMERICAN GUILD OF AUTHORS AND COMPOSERS (AGAC)

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF COMPOSERS, AUTHORS AND PUBLISHERS (ASCAP)

IRVING BERLIN

BLAKE, MILLER, MILLER, RAZAF 1941

JOE DAVIS, INC

DRAMATISTS GUILD

MONROE M GOLDSTEIN

BOX 19

HANDY BROS MUSIC CO.

HERALD PICTURES

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

MILLS MUSIC

MUSIC PUBLISHERS (MISCELLANEOUS)

A-M

15 Dec 1917

Aristo Company

20 Feb 1947

Blasco Music Co.

14 June 1951

Bourne Inc

2 June 1931

Campbell Connelly

14 Sept 1937

Chappelle Co.

1914

Cosmopolitan Music Pub. Co.

27 Dec 1949

Ben Cutler Music

1 Nov 1946

Duchess Music Corp.

29 April 1948

Fred Fisher Music Co., Inc

2 April 1974

Harry Fox Agency, Inc.

26 Feb 1948

Francis, Day and Hunter Ltd.

1943

Jewel Music Pub. Co.

24 May 1961

Kennebek Music Co.

2 March 1949

King Records, Inc.

5 Feb 1947

Leeds Music Corporation

31 Aug 1970

MCA Music

7 Sept 1948

MGM Records

28 Feb 1948

E.B. Marks Music Corporation

13 April 1945

Miller and Miller

24 July 1927

William Morris

N-Z

1917

Pathe Freres

23 Sept 1938

Theodore Presser Music Publishing Co.

26 Feb 1948

Keith Prowse and Co., Ltd

13 Aug 1953

RCA Victor

21 June 1927

Robbins Music Corporation

July 195

Rosenstein Piano Co.

20 April 1962

Harry Sacoder

6 June 1962

Fletcher Smith Studios

6 June 1962

Stereodities

22 Sept 1941

Stirling Music

26 Feb 1948

Triangle Music Corporation

7 April 1960

Twentieth Century Fox Wintergarden Co

3 July 1936

Words ; Music

PERFORMANCE BILLS (misc) 1921-1937

PICKWICK MUSIC CORP

HARRY A. ROMM

RECORDINGS

BOX 20

JOSEPH B. STERN

VAUDEVILLE BOOKINGS

WARNER BROS.

CLARENCE WILLIAMS

WITMARK, HARMS, BEMICK

1918-1950

1951-1958

PERFORMANCE RECORDS

BOX 21

IN BAMVILLE AND CHOCOLATE DANDIES: ACCOUNTS 1924-25

CHOCOLATE DANDIES PROGRAM 1924-25

EUBIE: PRESS RELEASES, PUBLICITY

BOX 22

SHUFFLE ALONG

1921-23

Accounts 1921-23

1932

Cast lists 1932

1932. 1949

Contracts

1933

Accounts

Flyers

1931

Lawsuit

1932

Lyrics and Programs

1921, 1932, 1952

Programs

Publications

1932

Telegrams

LEGAL CORRESPONDENCE

BOX 23

BELDOCK, LEVINE AND HOFFMAN

1969-74

1975-1976

1977

1978

BOX 24

1979

1980

1981

1982

BOX 25

1969-1980

RE Disposition of Eubie's Memorabilia

Eubie

The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh

Hot Feet

Ruth Leon Productions

Marks Music

BOX 26

Ogilvy ; Mather

Hank O'Neal: Chiaroscuro Records

Andy Razaf 1978-1982

Al Rose book

Warner Bros Music

You Got to Get the Getting

SCRIPTS, BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES

BOX 27

BIOGRAPHICAL DATA

THE BLACK HOUR 1921

THE GREAT BRAIN ROBBERY

SCOTT JOPLIN by Christopher Knopf

INTRODUCTION BY EUBIE TO TERRY WALDO'S BOOK ON RAGTIME

LUNDGREN: WASHINGTON, D.C. SCRIPT

PENTHOUSE INTERVIEW 1973

RESEARCH CENTER FOR THE FEDERAL THEATER PROJECT INTERVIES Tape and Script 1977

STORIES TO TELL MR. CARTER: handwritten by Eubie and other handwritten material

TV SHOW FOR JEAN CHRISTOPHE AVERTY 1974

JELLIFFE BANQUET SCRIPT

SCRIPT: JAM SESSION (PARTIAL) 1979

TRAVEL EPHEMERA

BOX 28

COPENHAGEN

KUNGSHOLM CRUISE 1962

M. S. BERLIN TO BERMUDA 1965

NICE

QE 2 TO WEST INDIES 1970

ITINERARIES

BOX 29

NEW HAMPSHIRE AND VERMONT 1972-73

CALIFORNIA 1974-75

NEW ORLEANS 1977

PALM SPRINGS 1977

MISCELLANEOUS TRAVEL

PROGRAMS

BOX 30

EUBIE PROGRAMS

1949

1920-1969

1976-1979

1980-1983

BOX 31

OTHER PROGRAMS

1920-1964

1965-1975

BOX 32

PROGRAMS (miscellaneous)

Josephine Baker

Salute to Cole Porter

AL ROSE BIOGRAPHY OF EUBIE

BOX 33

Typescript

Galleys

Early version with Marion's corrections

PRINTED EPHEMERA

BOX 34

AMICA

1971-81

Correspondence Amica (Automated Musical Instruments Collectors Association)

1972-73

Amica (News Bulletin of the Association)

1974-75

Amica

1976-77

Amica

BOX 35

1978-79

Amica

Miscellaneous Player Piano Catalogs

1980

1981-82

BOX 36

Bulletin Hot Club de France

Jazzologist

Miscellaneous Ragtime Publications

1973-74

Mississippi Rag

1975

1976-1977

BOX 37

1978-1979

Mississippi Rag

1980-1982

Ragtime Festival

1968-1974

The Ragtimer

1969-1974

Rag Times

1959-1971

Record Research

PUBLIC PRESS

BOX 38

EUBIE CLIPPINGS 1924-1972

BOX 39

EUBIE CLIPPINGS 1973-1977

BOX 40

EUBIE CLIPPINGS 1978-1983

BOX 41

CLIPPINGS OTHER MUSICIANS AND CELEBRITIES

Louis Armstrong

Josephine Baker

Bill Cosby

Bob Darch

Duke Ellington

Earl Hines

Alberta Hunter

Eva Jessye

Scott Joplin

Joe Jordan

Joe Louis

Andy Razaf

Paul Robeson

Al Rose

Noble Sissle

William Grant Still

Fats Waller

Ethel Waters

Celebrities (miscellaneous)

Musicians (miscellaneous)

BOX 42

CLIPPINGS SPECIAL PERFORMANCES AND INSTITUTIONS ASCAP

Baltimore Jazz Festival

1978-79

Eubie

1980

Newport Jazz Festival

Quinnipiac College Jazz Festival

Sedalia Ragtime Festival

1921; 1932

Shuffle Along

BOX 43

AFRICAN AMERICAN ISSUES

Culture

Black Artists: Response from the White House

Black Education Flack educational Center

Black Music

Black Religion

BOX 44

Carver Foundation

Drawings of West Africans by Elton Fax

Harlem Branch YMCA Brotherhood Program

Karamu House

New York Urban League Frederic Douglas Awards

Dinner

Poem by Paul Lawrence Dunbar

President Lyndon Johnson's Voting Rights

Message

Race Relations

1923-1925

The Tatler

MUSIC RELATED DOCUMENTS

BOX 45

Eubie Blake orchestra: names and addresses

Lists of Eubie's music

Lists of Eubie's music for performance

Lists of musicians playing at performances

Lyrics

Music of other composers

MISCELLANEOUS MEMORABILIA

BOX 46

Drawings of Eubie by Randi Hultin

First Day Covers

Franklin D. Roosevelt Birthday Memorial

Graphics

1934-81

Invitations

BOX 47

Memorabilia (miscellaneous)

Ragtime Society Honorary book

Records

Testimonial Book Ambassador Restaurant

Uptown Poker Club

World War I Memorabilia

BOX 48

Addresses from files

BOX 49

Address books and lists

BOX 50

Diaries, Dictionaries, Directories

BOX 51

Baseball Scrapbook

GREETING CARDS

BOX 52

CHRISTMAS CARDS

1939 and n.d.

1971-1974

1973

Duke Ellington

1975

BOX 53

1976

BOX 54

1977

BOX 55

1978

BOX 57

1980

BOX 58

1981-1982

1983

BOX 59

CARDS (Miscellaneous) Easter, Thanksgiving, Bon Voyage

BOX 60

GET WELL CARDS

1978-1983

BOX 61

CARDS TO MARION TYLER BLAKE

1972-1977

Birthday

1978-1979

1980-1982

1978; 1982

Get well

1982

Sympathy cards to Eubie upon Marion's death

BOX 62

BIRTHDAY CARDS

N.D., 1964, 1966

1972

1973

1974

BOX 63

1975

1976

1977

BOX 64

1978

1979

BOX 65

1979

From school children

1980

Penrose Elementary School

1980

BOX 66

1981

BOX 67

1982

1982

Elementary School Students

BOX 68

1983

Hundredth birthday

BOX 69

1983

Hundredth birthday

PHOTOS AND EMPHEMERA

BOX 70

PHOTOS

Shuffle Along: photos of scenes, performers and orchestra

BOX 71

Sissle and Blake in Chocolate Dandies photo mounted on glass

Sam Patterson orchestra mounted on glass

BOX 72

Chocolate Dandies Performances and performers

James Reese Europe and his bands

Other performers: Scenes; Noble Sissle and Andy Razaf; Eubie and William Grant Still; Williams ; Walker Dahomey Company, Florence Mills, Louis Armstrong

BOX 73

Betty Ford

Eubie at Reagan's White House

Eubie performing for Clifford Alexander

U.S. Army band performance; early performers: Fats Waller; Verlinda Nelson; autographed photos of performers; Randi Hultin, Kris Anderson, Eubie

BOX 74

LARGE SIZE PHOTOS

Mounted or large photos of Eubie

Color photo by Walt Gower

Newsprint photostat

3 mounted photos by Johnny Donnel

BOX 75

Large or Mounted photos of Eubie with others: with Bill Cosby; Billy Taylor, Herbie Mann, Dave Brubeck; Clifford Alexander; Billy Cowan and E. Miller; Sissle, Blake, Miller, Lyles

BOX 76

AWARDS

Cities, States, and other government citations: New York, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Los Angeles

Maryland, Baltimore

Academic

Afro-American Artists

Music

Miscellaneous

BOX 77

LARGE SIZE PHOTOS AND EMPHEMERA

1982;

U.S. Army Band; Songwriter's Protective Association; record covers; mounted first ASCAP check; mounted newsclips; Program in honor of General Gourand, W.W.I; oversize birthday card

BOX 78

OVERSIZE EPHEMERA

Eubie poster; 97th birthday greeting from children (photos); New York Times Anniversary page; R. Schamm musical instrument chart

BOX 79

PRINTED EPHEMERA

Flyers and publicity of other performers Pratt Institute

BOX 80

Eubie flyers and publicity

Testimonial dinners: seating lists

Mounted flyer

Posters

Eubie's business cards

BOX 81

EPHEMERA

Awards, Resolutions, Certificates: Avis Blake high school diploma

Eubie and Avis marriage certificate

Schillinger School

Photo of Shuffle Along billboard

Gunther Schuller award

Award for photo collection of Negro performers

Resolutions at time of Eubie's death

BOX 82

EPHEMERA AND PHOTOS

1925-82

African American performers and programs

Arena Players

Brotherhood Creed

National Black Music Symposium

Photos: Langston Hughes, Arnal Bontemps and others

BOX 83

PHOTOS

Eubie's family and friends (not performers): Avis Blake: Emma Blake; Eubie's father; Idamay MacInnes and others

BOX 84

Eubie with others (not performers)

BOX 85

Snapshots from albums including some early photos of Eubie and other performers

BOX 86

4 × 8 photos including Marion and Eubie on QE2; Eubie and others; Marian McPartland; and others

BOX 87

Snapshots from albums including later photos, travel subjects

BOX 88

Snapshots from albums mostly early photos

BOX 89

Sissle and Blake: In performance

Publicity (some early)

With other celebrities

BOX 90

Photos from albums arranged according to subject

Eubie

Colleagues and friends

BOX 91

Eubie alone, usually performing

BOX 92

Eubie with other performers: Ella Fitzgerald, Earl Hines, Milton Reddie, F.E. Miller and many others

BOX 93

Portraits of Eubie, formal and informal

BOX 93-A

EARLY PHOTOS OF EUBIE AND FRIENDS

BOX 94

Other performers: Duke Ellington; Noble Sissle; Broadway Jones; and many others.

#95

OVERSIZE POSTER

New York Wins mounted poster of New York celebrities including Eubie