African-American songwriter and performer (1883–1983) best known for the 1921 Broadway musical Shuffle Along, which included the song hit “I’m Just Wild About Harry.” ALS, one page, 8.5 x 11, personal letterhead, October 7, 1976. Blake writes to Mrs. Stern in New York City. In part [his spellings and punctuation retained]: “You should see my working desk, ful of music that I haven’t fenished writing[.] Yes I did hear about the copyright affair…. I was down to Washington to that Meeting, and spoke three minutes… I won’t tell you what happened because it will sound like bragang. So you’ll never know… But call Mr. Drake, and he’ll tell you…. Like Geo. M. Cohan used to sat after each show [the following in red ink]: ‘My Mother thanks you, my Father thanks you, My sister thanks you … and I thank you….” In fine condition, with mild handling wear. R&R COA.
