Mississippi News
Photo essay: Mississippi music legend Dorothy Moore
Photo essay: Mississippi music legend Dorothy Moore
Imagine you're a young teenager living with your grandmother in the 1960s, in the Georgetown neighborhood of Jackson. It's 10 o'clock at night and quiet. Suddenly, there'sa knock at the door.
A peek through the curtains reveals a white man standing there, waiting.Â
“My grandmother asked out loud and nearly simultaneously, ‘What in the world? What could this white man possibly want?'” said Dorothy Moore with a chuckle at the memory. “You know, those times back then … it was the Civil Rights era and all. So yeah, we were wondering.”Â
The man was record producer Bob McRee of Epic Records. He had gotten wind of this young singer who'd caused a stir singing at the Alamo Theater on Farish Street in Jackson.
The emcee that night at the Alamo had been local radio talent Jobie Martin.
McRee searched high and low for young Dorothy, and it had taken him all day and into the night to find her. Hewanted to sign Dorothy to a record deal.
After he explained himself, her grandmother, Minnie Mitchell, co-signed the deal.
The ensuing record deal put Dorothy into the all-girl trio, The Poppies, an R&B/pop group consisting of Dorothy, Petsye McCune and Rosemary Taylor. They had a hit in the mid 1960s called “Lullaby of Love,” which reached the middle of the Billboard Hot 100.
After a couple of years, Rosemary and Petsye went back to school. Later, Dorothy left school and became an unintentional star.
“For me, it was just exciting and fun,” said Moore. “I just loved to sing and really wasn't thinking about being famous, let alone becoming a star.”
Even as a backup singer, her sultry voice got her noticed and gave her solo opportunities to sing for the label. Her voice allowed her to see the world, first as a back-up singer for renowned vocalists and groups of that era, and then, as a solo singer.
Eventually, she signed with Malaco Records in Jackson.
It was at Malaco that the song “Misty Blue” found its way to Dorothy. It was written by Bob Montgomery in Nashville and first recorded by country artist Wilma Burgess.
“I recorded that song in one take,” said Moore with pride. “Oh, and there it sat on a shelf for two years. But you know what, my friend Eddie Floyd, who was an artist at the time with Malaco too, heard it and told Malaco to release it. He told them that song was a hit.”Â
Floyd was right.
Moore was working on Mill Street in Jackson when she got word that the song had, indeed, become a hit.Â
“Misty Blue” catapulted Moore into the music stratosphere, garnering her fans around the world and a Grammy Award nomination. The song has been a part of soundtracks for many popular movies.Â
Since that first Grammy nod, Moore has been awarded three other Grammy nominations. In 2015, she was inducted into the National Rhythm & Blues Music Hall of Fame, located in Marks.
After many albums for other labels, and a respite from the music business, nowadays, Moore produces herself.
“The music biz didn't control me,” said Moore. “I found out that I actually love producing. And there are great musicians right here close to home that I use.”
Her latest drop, “I'm Happy with the One I've Got Now,” produced on her Farish Street Records of Mississippi label that she founded in 2002, is a rousing homage to her gospel and blues roots.
Help us feature businesses in Mississippi owned by women:
View photo galleries of businesses owned by people of color.
This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.biloxinewsevents.com/?p=224048
Mississippi News
Local sheriff informs drivers to celebrate Cinco de Mayo responsibly
SUMMARY: Cinco de Mayo is a day to celebrate Mexican heritage and culture, but law enforcement reminds people to drink responsibly to avoid alcohol poisoning. The day commemorates the Mexican army's victory over France in 1862, but in the US, it is often celebrated with Mexican food and drinks. Clay County Sheriff Eddie Scott emphasizes the importance of knowing one's limitations when drinking, especially during events like Cinco de Mayo. He urges people to have a designated driver, watch out for friends, or call a cab to prevent accidents and DUIs. Alcohol poisoning is a real danger, and Scott's officers are actively monitoring the roads for excessive drinking.
The post Local sheriff informs drivers to celebrate Cinco de Mayo responsibly appeared first on www.wcbi.com
Mississippi News
Starkville-MSU Symphony Association provides musical outlet
SUMMARY: The Starkville-MSU Symphony and community chorus have been a part of the community for over 50 years, hosting multiple free concerts in various genres. The orchestra and chorus were established out of a need for a musical outlet, providing musicians with a platform to continue playing and performing music. The association aims to give individuals a chance to continue their musical experiences beyond high school, fostering a sense of community and enjoyment of music. The recent “On Broadway!” event marked the end of the season, with the next season scheduled to start in early fall.
The post Starkville-MSU Symphony Association provides musical outlet appeared first on www.wcbi.com
Mississippi News
Partial human remains found in Flowood pond
SUMMARY: Authorities in Flowood, Mississippi are investigating the discovery of partial human remains in a pond after a fisherman reported finding them on Sunday evening. The remains were found near Mangum Road and were confirmed by police. The Rankin County coroner took possession of the remains, and a further search of the pond is planned for the next day. The investigation is ongoing, and details about the identity of the remains and the circumstances surrounding their discovery have not been released.
The post Partial human remains found in Flowood pond appeared first on www.wjtv.com
-
SuperTalk FM4 days ago
Driver’s education set to become mandatory in Mississippi as bill passes
-
SuperTalk FM2 days ago
State approves $160M to expand Highway 7 to four lanes in Lafayette County
-
SuperTalk FM6 days ago
Festival merger in Leland sets up one major event for Mississippi Delta
-
Mississippi Business5 days ago
Geartek expanding operations in Alcorn County
-
SuperTalk FM7 days ago
PERS bill set to phase in employer rate increase heads to governor’s desk
-
Mississippi News6 days ago
Two women accused of shoplifting across southeast captured in Mississippi
-
Mississippi News4 days ago
Altercation at Mississippi police department leads to officer-involved shooting
-
Mississippi Today7 days ago
Podcast: The contentious final days of the 2024 legislative session