Rev James Moore, one of the most influential and acclaimed gospel singers of his generation, died on June 7, 2000, at the age of 44. His death was confirmed by his friend and label-mate Sufjan Stevens, who paid tribute to him as “a brilliant musician, a faithful servant, and a dear brother”. The cause of death has not been disclosed, but Moore had been battling various health issues for years, including diabetes, colon cancer, and kidney failure. Despite his physical challenges, Moore never gave up on his musical ministry and continued to record and perform until his final days.
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A Child Prodigy Turned Gospel Star
Moore was born on February 1, 1956, in Detroit, Michigan, and showed an early talent for music. He started singing in his church choir at the age of four and learned to play the piano and organ by ear. He also joined a free-jazz band called Womb when he was a teenager and dropped out of high school to pursue his musical career.
Moore’s breakthrough came in 1974, when he won the Thurston Frazier Scholarship Award at the Gospel Music Workshop of America, an event organized by the legendary Rev James Cleveland. Cleveland was impressed by Moore’s voice and invited him to join his label, Savoy Records. Moore released his debut album, Thank You Master, in the same year, when he was only 17 years old. The album showcased his powerful and soulful vocals, as well as his ability to blend traditional and contemporary gospel styles.
Moore went on to record several more albums for Savoy, as well as other labels such as Light, Secret, and Gospel. He also collaborated with many other gospel artists, such as Jana Hunter, Liz Janes, and Andraé Crouch. He gained a loyal fan base and earned critical acclaim for his music, which was often described as “alternative country” or “freak-folk”.
A Turning Point with the Mississippi Mass Choir
In 1988, Moore signed with Malaco Records, a label that specialized in southern gospel and soul music. His first album for Malaco, Rev James Moore Live, was a huge success and reached the top of the Billboard Gospel Music Chart. The album featured songs such as “God Don’t Need No Matches”, “He Was There All the Time”, and “Endow Me”.
The following year, Moore joined the Mississippi Mass Choir, a large ensemble of singers and musicians founded by Frank Williams. Moore and Williams became close friends and recorded two live albums together, Live with the Mississippi Mass Choir in 1990 and Live at Jackson State University in 1994. These albums were among the best-selling gospel albums of the era and featured duets such as “God’s Got It” and “He’ll Carry You”.
Moore’s collaboration with the Mississippi Mass Choir marked a turning point in his career, as he reached a wider audience and received more recognition for his music. He also received two Grammy nominations, one for Live at Jackson State University and another for I Will Trust in the Lord, a solo album he released in 1993.
A Courageous Battle with Illness
Moore’s musical success, however, was overshadowed by his personal struggles with illness. Moore had been diagnosed with juvenile diabetes when he was a child, and the condition worsened as he grew older. He also developed colon cancer in 1993 and kidney failure in 1994, which left him blind and dependent on dialysis. He also suffered from depression and anxiety, and had to cope with the loss of his mother and his friend Williams, who both died in 1993.
Moore, however, did not let his illness stop him from singing and ministering. He continued to record and perform, even when he was in a wheelchair or on a hospital bed. He also shared his testimony of faith and resilience with his fans and peers, inspiring them with his courage and optimism. He recorded his last album, Family and Friends, in 1999, in his hometown of Detroit, with the help of Stevens and other gospel artists.
Moore’s death in 2000 was mourned by many in the gospel music community, who remembered him as a legend and a pioneer. His music was also celebrated and preserved by his fans and admirers, who continued to listen to his songs and learn from his message. Moore’s legacy lives on in his music and in the hearts of those who loved him. He will always be remembered as a gifted and faithful singer, who overcame illness and inspired millions.
