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Auction: 322 - The Numismatic Collector's Series Sale
Lot: 468

Blake, James Hubert "Eubie" (1887-1983). Legendary composer, lyricist and ragtime and jazz pianist; along with Noble Sissle, wrote "Shuffle Along," the first hit Broadway musical to be written and directed by, and about, African-Americans; his hits include "Charleston Rag" (the melody of which he composed at age 12), "I'm Just Wild About Harry," and "Memories of You;" in his later years, Blake was a frequent guest on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and Merv Griffin; awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1981. Autograph Letter Signed "Eubie Blake" in blue ink. On "Eubie Blake Music, Brooklyn, NY" letterhead (8 ½ x 11"), Nov. 22nd 1979, Blake writes to autograph collector Michael Gerstley: "I know by now must said to yourself that Guy - be dead. You were almost right if you think so. I've been very ill. I thank you for thinking enough of my work to put me in your collection: At present I am two weeks out of the Hospital. I was ill (unto?) death, But Pulled through." The letter is accompanied by Blake's Autograph Signature across a 5 Cent U.S. Postage stamp, appropriately an "American Music" commemorative; and the letter's envelope addressed in Eubie's hand. Very Fine. [2]

Estimate
$250 to $350