Wise advice

James Hubert Blake was born on 7 February 1883 in Baltimore, Maryland, to John Sumner Blake, a stevedore, and Emily Johnston Blake, a laundress. Both his parents had been slaves. Eubie, jazz pianist, song writer and composer, is best remembered for “I'm Just Wild About Harry,” President Harry Truman's campaign song, and the still popular “Memories of You.” Eubie pioneered the first black show on Broadway, New York, in 1921. He played at the White House in 1978 for President Jimmy Carter to mark the 25th anniversary of the Newport Jazz Festival.

Submitted by Fred Charatan, retired geriatric psychiatrist, Florida