Ragtime's Eubie is a reference to the American composer, pianist, and lyricist Eubie BLAKE (1883-1983). He was a major figure in the development of ragtime music, a style of jazz popular in the early 20th century. His compositions include 'Charleston Rag' and 'Love Will Find a Way'. He also wrote the musical Shuffle Along, which was one of the first Broadway musicals written and performed by African Americans.