Introduction
Melvin "Mel" Moore (June 15, 1923—February 26, 1989) was an American trumpeter, violinist, and singer of the swing and bebop. He played with several famed musicians of the time, including Jimmie Lunceford, Lucky Millinder, Charles Mingus, Gil Fuller, and Thelonious Monk.
Life and work
Mel Moore June 1923 15, in Chicago, Illinois.
In the 1940s, Moore sang "The Right Kind Of Lovin'" (with Annisteen Allen and Brother John Sellers) and "It's Been A Long Long Time" for Lucky Millinder And His Orchestra.
In 1948/50, he worked with the Duke Ellington Orchestra (1948/50) and in rhythm and blues bands. In 1951, Moore played on "Love Me Pretty Baby" and "Nobody Knows" (Dee Gee Records – 3609) for Dizzy Gillespie Sextet with Budd Johnson (tenor saxophone), J. J. Johnson (trombone), Milt Jackson (piano), Percy Heath (bass), Art Blakey(drums). At the end of 1951, Moore also recorded some vocal titles for King with Terry Gibbs, Billy Taylor, Mundell Lowe, and Charles Mingus.
In 1957, he was a member of the Don Redman orchestra. In 1958, he recorded with the formation of John Pisano and Billy Bean.
Between 1964 and 1966, Moore worked with Gerald Wilson. In 1964, he played at the Monterey Jazz Festivals in Monterey, California, with Charles Mingus (The Mingus at Monterey) and Thelonious Monk, and in 1965, Dizzy Gillespie's Monterey Festival Jazz Orchestra.
In 1966, he accompanied Johnny Hartman. He has also worked on the Rhythm & Blues segment, playing in B. B. King (1967), Esther Phillips, T-Bone Walker, Don Sugarcane Harris, Johnny Otis (1970), Jerry Garcia (1972), Shuggie Otis and Ted Hawkins (1981).
Death
Moore died in New York City, New York, on February 26, 1989, at age 65.