There He Goes, There He Goes, There He Goes, There He Goes... | James Moody Has Died
source: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/11/arts/music/11moody.html?hpw
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December 10, 2010
James Moody, Jazz Saxophonist, Dies at 85
By PETER KEEPNEWS
James Moody, a jazz saxophonist and flutist celebrated for his virtuosity, his versatility and his onstage ebullience, died on Thursday in San Diego. He was 85.
His death, at a hospice, was confirmed by his wife, Linda. Mr. Moody lived in San Diego.
Last month, Mr. Moody disclosed that he had pancreatic cancer and had decided against receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
Mr. Moody, who began his career with the trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie shortly after World War II and maintained it well into the 21st century, developed distinctive and equally fluent styles on both tenor and alto saxophone, a relatively rare accomplishment in jazz. He also played soprano saxophone, and in the mid-1950s he became one of the first significant jazz flutists, impressing the critics if not himself.
“I’m not a flute player,” he told one interviewer. “I’m a flute holder.”
The self-effacing humor of that comment was characteristic of Mr. Moody, who took his music more seriously than he took himself. Musicians admired him for his dexterity, his unbridled imagination and his devotion to his craft, as did critics; reviewing a performance in 1980, Gary Giddins of The Village Voice praised Mr. Moody’s “unqualified directness of expression” and said his improvisations at their best were “mini-epics in which impassioned oracles, comic relief, suspense and song vie for chorus time.” But audiences were equally taken by his ability to entertain.
Defying the stereotype of the modern jazz musician as austere and humorless (and following the example of Gillespie, whom he considered his musical mentor and with whom he worked on and off for almost half a century), Mr. Moody told silly jokes, peppered his repertory with unlikely numbers like “Beer Barrel Polka” and the theme from “The Flintstones,” and often sang. His singing voice was unpolished but enthusiastic — and very distinctive, partly because he spoke and sang with a noticeable lisp, a result of having been born partly deaf.
The song he sang most often had a memorable name and an unusual history. Based on the harmonic structure of “I’m in the Mood for Love,” it began life as an instrumental when Mr. Moody recorded it in Stockholm in 1949, improvising an entirely new melody on a borrowed alto saxophone. Released as “I’m in the Mood for Love” (and credited to that song’s writers) even though his rendition bore only the faintest resemblance to the original tune, it was a modest hit for Mr. Moody in 1951. It became a much bigger hit shortly afterward when the singer Eddie Jefferson wrote lyrics to Mr. Moody’s improvisation and another singer, King Pleasure, recorded it as “Moody’s Mood for Love.”
“Moody’s Mood for Love” (which begins with the memorable lyric “There I go, there I go, there I go, there I go ...”) became a jazz and pop standard, recorded by Aretha Franklin, George Benson, Van Morrison, Amy Winehouse and others. And it was a staple of Mr. Moody’s concert and nightclub performances as sung by Mr. Jefferson, who was a member of his band for many years. Mr. Jefferson was shot to death in 1979; when Mr. Moody, who was in the middle of a long hiatus from jazz at the time, resumed his career a few years later, he began singing the song himself. He never stopped.
James Moody — he was always Moody, never James, Jim or Jimmy, to his friends and colleagues — was born in Savannah, Ga., on March 26, 1925, to James and Ruby Moody, and raised in Newark. Despite being hard of hearing, he gravitated toward music and began playing alto saxophone at 16, later switching to tenor. He played with an all-black Army Air Forces band during World War II. After being discharged in 1946, he auditioned for Gillespie, who led one of the first big bands to play the complex and challenging new form of jazz known as bebop. He failed that audition but passed a second one a few months later, and soon captured the attention of the jazz world with a brief but fiery solo on the band’s recording of the Gillespie composition “Emanon.”
Mr. Moody’s career was twice interrupted by alcoholism. The first time, in 1948, he moved to Paris to live with an uncle while he recovered. He returned to the United States in 1951 to capitalize on the success of “I’m in the Mood for Love,” forming a seven-piece band that mixed elements of modern jazz with rhythm and blues. After a fire at a Philadelphia nightclub destroyed the band’s equipment, uniforms and sheet music in 1958, he began drinking again and checked himself into the Overbrook psychiatric hospital in Cedar Grove, N.J. After a stay of several months, he celebrated his recovery by writing and recording the uptempo blues “Last Train From Overbrook,” which became one of his best-known compositions.
In 1963 he reunited with Gillespie, joining his popular quintet. He was featured as both a soloist and the straight man for Gillespie’s between-songs banter, sharpening his musical and comedic skills at the same time. He left Gillespie in 1969 to try his luck as a bandleader again but met with limited success; four years later he left jazz entirely to work in Las Vegas hotel orchestras.
“The reason I went to Las Vegas,” he told Saxophone Journal in 1998, “was because I was married and had a daughter and I wanted to grow up with my kid. I was married before and I didn’t grow up with the kids. So I said, ‘I’m going to really be a father.’ I did much better with this one because at least I stayed until my daughter was 12 years old. And that’s why I worked Vegas, because I could stay in one spot.”
After seven years of pit-band anonymity, providing accompaniment for everyone from Milton Berle to Ike and Tina Turner to Liberace, Mr. Moody divorced his wife, Margena, and returned to the East Coast to resume his jazz career. His final three decades were productive, with frequent touring and recording (as the leader of his own small group and, on occasion, as a sideman with Gillespie, who died in 1993) and even a brief foray into acting, with a bit part in the 1997 Clint Eastwood film “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” set in Mr. Moody’s birthplace, Savannah.
The National Endowment for the Arts named him a Jazz Master in 1998. His last album, “Moody 4B,” was recorded in 2008 and released this year on the IPO label; it earned a Grammy nomination this month.
Mr. Moody, who was divorced twice, is survived by his wife of 21 years, the former Linda Peterson McGowan; three sons, Patrick, Regan and Danny McGowan; a daughter, Michelle Moody Bagdanove; a brother, Louis Watters; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson.
For all his accomplishments, Mr. Moody always saw his musical education as a work in progress. “I’ve always wanted to be around people who know more than me,” he told The Hartford Courant in 2006, “because that way I keep learning.”
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Jazz saxophonist James Moody plays his alto saxophone as he performs at the 30th annual Playboy Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl in Hollywood, Calfiornia, in this June 14, 2008 file photo. Moody, a master of improvisation who was best known for his "Moody's Mood for Love," died on December 9, 2010, in San Diego after a 10-month battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 85.
(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
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Friday, 10 December 2010 10:44
James MoodyThe saxophonist, flautist and bandleader James Moody, whose 1949 improvisation on the McHugh / Fields’ song ‘I’m In The Mood For Love’, to became immortally known as ‘Moody’s Mood For Love’, died yesterday in San Diego, California at the age of 85.
Moody, as he was universally known by family, friends and fans alike, had been suffered from pancreatic cancer and had been operated on in February remaining in hospital until May before returning home after he and his wife took the decision that he would not undergo chemotherapy or radiography treatment.
Moody’s impact on jazz dates back to the immediate post-Second World War years when his improvisation on the popular song that became a hit more than a decade before when it was sung by Frances Langford in the film Every Night At Eight, made his name.
The popularity of Moody’s improvisation led to a pop hit for King Pleasure later with lyrics by Eddie Jefferson and the creative longevity of ‘Moody’s Mood’ has led to its interpretation by a host of singers from Sarah Vaughan to Van Morrison. The labyrinthine, gentling consoling romantic flourishes of the solo take on an intimacy that contrast with the formality of the original song it was based on.
As Jefferson’s words intuitively interpreted Moody, almost explaining his overall approach: “There’s music all around me, crazy music/ Music that keeps calling me so very close to you/Turns me your slave.”
Moody was also closely associated with Dizzy Gillespie for much of his life. “Playing with Moody is like playing with a continuation of myself,” Gillespie once said to which Moody later responded “I felt the same way with him. He was my mentor, my teacher, my best friend, and my brother.” His close affinity with the bebop avatar began when he auditioned for Gillespie and played with the 1946 version of Gillespie’s celebrated big band at the Spotlite on 52nd St in York City, “Swing Street” alongside Thelonious Monk, Milt Jackson, Kenny Clarke and Ray Brown.
After Dizzy’s death in 1993 Moody took his place in the Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band conducted by Slide Hampton. I had the pleasure of hearing him stand out among the many virtuosos in the band, that included much younger guns such as Antonio Hart, in front of tens of thousands of people at the Pori Jazz Festival in Finland just four years ago.
A regular and popular visitor to Ronnie Scott’s club in London for many successful residencies Moody had the cool demeanour of jazzmen of his generation who oozed effortless control on the bandstand of the best jazz clubs they found themselves performing in. Moody brought a strong personality to the saxophone and when he took the microphone to sing as well it all added to a direct connection with the listener that fewe could hope to achieve.
Moody as well as working with the big band also continued to record until very late in his career. Moody 4B, featuring longtime musical partners Kenny Barron, Todd Coolman and Lewis Nash was nominated for a Grammy just last week in the best jazz instrumental album category, his fourth such nomination over the years.
Born partially deaf in Savannah, Georgia on 25 March 1925 and raised in Newark in New Jersey, Moody was brought up by his mother who worked in a local insurance company. His father was a musician but Moody did not meet him until he was a grown man. As a result of his childhood disability Moody attended a school for the deaf before moving on to Arts High in Newark and was later drafted by the Air Force in 1943 where in a segregated training centre in North Carolina he joined the “unofficial Negro band” for three years, but understandably felt the injustice of segregation acutely. He could fight for his country but not eat in the same restaurants as his fellow airmen.
Moody had an attractively melodic approach to the tenor saxophone more so than some other bebop players and partly because of this, his growing name achieved through his work with Dizzy, and also his overt bluesiness he quickly became a name on the circuit. Soon he recorded his first album as a leader, featuring Art Blakey and Chano Pozo, but in 1949, facing down an incipient drink problem, he left the States to live in Paris staying there for three years. He performed with Miles Davis and Tadd Dameron at the Paris International Festival de Jazz during the year of his arrival and crucially later in Sweden with some local musicians, also in 1949, took part in an unlikely recording session for Metronome that saw him stand out playing alto on ‘I’m In The Mood For Love’ the interpretation that would make his name. Three years later after Eddie Jefferson unbeknownst to Moody had put lyrics to the solo, singer King Pleasure turned it into a major pop hit, becoming known of course as ‘Moody’s Mood for Love.’
Back in the States Moody’s star was in the ascendant and his group, now a septet, toured in a revue with Dinah Washington that featured arrangements by the then young trumpeter and arranger Quincy Jones. In the 1960s Moody rejoined Gillespie but the following decade he took a pit job for more than seven years with the Las Vegas Hilton Orchestra forsaking the road for some stability while he helped raise his daughter, playing in shows headlined by stars such as Bill Cosby and Elvis Presley.
After divorcing in 1979, Moody kickstarted his jazz career and recorded for RCA Novus in the mid-1980s also marrying San Diego real estate agent Linda McGowan in 1988, with Dizzy Gillespie his best man. More albums for Novus followed and the fourth one Honey was named for Linda just one small indication of the new love he had found relatively late in life.
The latter part of Moody’s career from the 90s on was again with Gillespie and his United Nation Orchestra, but Moody continued to bring out his own records and did film work including an appearance on Clint Eastwood's 1997 film, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. He received many awards during his lifetime including the prestigious 1998 Jazz Masters Fellowship Award granted by the National Endowment for The Arts and a decade ago an Honorary Doctorate of Music from Berklee College of Music. Moody also liked to give back and he and Linda founded a James Moody Scholarship Fund for Newark Youth in Moody’s hometown to help “talented youth where the idea of going to college wasn’t even on their radar.”
It’s fitting that the last track on the double album 4B on IPO records recorded two years ago and just released is called ‘The Farewell’. An optimistic sounding swinger full of fun and that certain bounce the tune represents the essence of what Moody was all about and it was his way of communicating via bebop, the blues and a belief in the romance of life through music, that made Moody one of the most popular figures in jazz and why he will be so fondly remembered.
James Moody is survived by his wife, Linda, daughter Michelle Bagdanove, a brother Lou Watters, sons Patrick, Regan, and Danny McGowan, four grandchildren, and a great-grandson.
– Stephen Graham
Photo: Tim Dickeson
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RIP, my condolences to his family and friends.
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RIP, Mr Moody.....I'm in the mood for love is an all time favorite of mine..We have lost two greats this week.. .........................Excellent post....
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http://www.billboard.com/photos/stylus/502653-james_moody_617_409.jpg
http://www.villagevoice.com/2010-06-15/voice-choices/get-boppin/
James Moody's 85th Birthday Celebration - 15 June 2010
GET BOPPIN'
Where jazz superstars meet the new bloodBy Jim Macnie Tuesday, Jun 15 2010
2010 might become known as the year George Wein woke up and smelled the freebop. The octogenarian impresario has had his moments of being asleep at the switch programming-wise, but last winter, he hit a handful of Brooklyn jazz joints and came away refreshed by their intimacy and the music's impact. That means up-and-comers have a seat at the table with the superstars at this year's 10-day CareFusion Jazz Festival. So, today, when the Keith Jarrett Trio rings their final note at Carnegie, audience members can hustle to W'burg to hear Mostly Other People Do the Killing at Zebulon. Barbès, the Flushing Town Hall, and the Jazz Gallery are all falling under the CareFusion umbrella for a few days as well. From a club gig by the superb young trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire to the 85th birthday bash of saxophonist James Moody, a refreshing aesthetic breath will be in the air. Placing a bet on the future is something jazz needs right now. June 17-26, 2010
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James Moody's official website...
A Giant Passes Today
Linda and Moody
James Moody RIPMarch 26, 1925 - December 9th 2010
85 Years Young!!Gone too soon and the Love of Linda's Life
The World has Lost a very Special Person - We will all miss and love you forever Sweet Moody - The Heavens needed another Star today...
The family suggests a donation to Moody's Foundation
In lieu of flowersCFNJ James Moody Jazz Scholarship Fund for Newark Youth
Post Office Box 338
Morristown, New Jersey 07963-0338 - 2 years ago
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http://jamesmoody.com/linda_love.html
Linda Moody's official statement on the death of her husband...
December 9th 2010
Dear Friends,
My sweet, darling, precious husband died today at 1:07 PM after a 10 month fight with Pancreatic Cancer. Because my greatest wish was to ensure that Moody transitioned peacefully and quietly we have been at San Diego Hospice and Institute for Palliative Medicine since last Monday. With their help my wish was granted. I feel so grateful for the privilege of being this amazing man’s wife for almost 22 years. I learned so much from this beautiful gracious, kind person. The most important lesson being how to participate unconditionally in the most amazing love affair one could possibly imagine. Moody had two goals. One, to go to a special friend’s wedding on 10/10/10, and two, to see his great-grandson born on October 22nd. He made both of those goals and even came to Thanksgiving dinner long enough to tell the family how much he loved all of them. We have a very close, very loving family and Moody has made such a difference in our lives.
God has put people in our lives that have presented amazing gifts to us medically and personally. Moody and I have felt love all around us since we started this journey last February. I want to thank Moody’s internationally acclaimed surgeon, Dr. Babs Moossa, who has been our Angel and stood by us constantly since Moody was released from the hospital last May. Dr. Moossa has always given us the best advice and been there for all of Moody’s needs.
Many of you have met Dr. Jerome Robinson and his wife, Pamela on the Jazz cruises. They have been the reason Moody’s heart has kept ticking for the last 15 years. I wish to thank them for their wonderful friendship and going above and beyond for Moody’s care. Pam and Jerome are very special people.
Thank you to Dr. Charles Kossman, Moody’s oncologist, who has seen us through this last [phase] of my husband’s life. Dr. Kossman is a very kind, loving man and completely supported Moody’s decision not to have treatment and enjoy the time he had left.
I want to acknowledge Moody’s wonderful, caring Hospice Team; Yvonne, Al, Jack and Mindy, who were always there when we needed them.
Thank you to all the friends and Moody fans who have sent thousands of well wishes on Facebook, e-mail and cards to my precious husband. He was astonished at the outpouring of love.
A public service will be held on Saturday, December 18th. There will be a morning viewing at Greenwood Memorial Park, 4300 Imperial Avenue, San Diego, 92113 and graveside service at 12:30 PM. Then at 2 PM, there will be a celebration of Moody’s life at Faith Chapel, 9400 Campo Rd in Spring Valley, 91977, officiated by Pastor Charlie Gregg, who married us almost 22 years ago.
Thank you so much for your love and concern,
Mrs. James Moody (Linda)
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http://www.downbeat.com/default.asp?sect=news&subsect=news_detail&nid=16...
Downbeat...
James Moody Radiated Upbeat, Generous Warmth
Posted 12/10/2010
Saxophonist/flutist James Moody, who was renowned for his dazzling instrumental flights, warmth and irrepressible sense of humor, died on Thursday, Dec. 9, in San Diego, Calif., of pancreatic cancer. He was 85.
Moody recorded an instrumental hit in 1949 with “I’m In The Mood For Love,” although when singer Eddie Jefferson added words to the saxophonist’s solo on the song, it became a much bigger hit five years later as “Moody’s Mood For Love.” Although such iconic vocalists as Aretha Franklin have recorded it, Moody himself always sounded like he had the most fun when he sang the song himself.
Born in Savannah, Ga., on March 26, 1925, Moody grew up in Newark, N.J., although he returned to his southern birthplace for a cameo appearance in the 1997 film Midnight In The Garden Of Good And Evil. He began playing saxophone as a teenager, originally the alto, but then switched to tenor. After serving in the Army Air Forces during World War II, he joined Dizzy Gillespie’s band in 1946. While Moody brought his direct melodic sense to his bandleader’s bebop innovations at the time, it’s also clear that Gillespie’s eccentric onstage jokes and banter rubbed off on the younger saxophonist.
After living in Paris during the late ’40s and early ’50s, Moody led a small jazz group on the East Coast that sought to capitalize on his hit record and also brought elements of r&b into their repertoire. The group had another hit with “Last Train From Overbrook.” Moody reunited with Gillespie in 1963, staying with him for six years. He went on to work in Las Vegas pit orchestras before returning to jazz in 1973 to considerable critical acclaim.
“I have a little bit of a name now, but when people hear me some will say, ‘You don’t sound like you used to sound,’” Moody told Herb Nolan in the Feb. 28, 1974, issue of DownBeat. “Well, I’m glad of that because I’d like to improve, too. If I didn’t, I’d still be living in Newark, N.J., or in a log cabin with an oil lamp and driving a horse and buggy.”
Moody went on to receive numerous other accolades as his sound continued changing up to the end of his life. He was named a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master in 1998 and released his last album, Moody 4B (IP), earlier this year. He and his wife, Linda, also advocated for music education and have established the James Moody Scholarship Fund.
For info on how to donate to the Moody Scholarship Fund go to: jamesmoody.com
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http://www.theroot.com/views/love-and-farewell-james-moody
Love and Farewell to James Moody
He is best remembered for a stunning saxophone solo that became Eddie Jefferson's signature song -- and the sound track to a million romances. But he was more than that.* By: Martin Johnson | Posted: December 11, 2010 at 12:08 AM
A Tribute to James Moody
He is best remembered for a stunning saxophone solo that became Eddie Jefferson's signature song -- and the sound track to a million romances. But he was more than that.
martin.johnson12/11/2010 00:08
Late one evening about 15 years ago, I was hanging out in the back of a Manhattan jazz club when the great reedman James Moody walked in the door. I extended my hand and said, "James Moody, jazz greatness in the house."
Moody smiled, but as he shook my hand, he quickly looked over his left shoulder as if to see who was behind him (he'd entered alone). When he saw that I went for his head fake, he let out a loud belly laugh. He gave me an "I gotcha" point, winked and moved into the room to meet and chat with his peers.
The move was vintage Moody. He was one of the greatest saxophonists in jazz history, but he never let his self-importance diminish his sense of humor. To him, self-effacement was as much of an art as music.
Moody passed away Thursday night from pancreatic cancer. Last month he announced that he had the disease and had chosen not to undergo chemotherapy or radiation treatment. He was 85.
The world of music is poorer without him. Moody -- and all of his friends and colleagues knew him simply by his last name -- was a virtuoso horn player and a master of the flute (though in typical jest, he'd tell people he wasn't a flute player; he was a flute holder).
Born in Savannah, Ga., in 1926, Moody was raised in Newark, N.J. He was born partially deaf, which caused him to lisp, yet this obstacle never diminished his musical skills. He served in a segregated Air Force unit during World War II. After his discharge in 1946, he joined Dizzy Gillespie's big band. Diz was a profound mentor for Moody both in music and in temperament.
Moody navigated the tricky harmonics of bebop with ease, but with his ebullient stage presence, he wasn't afraid to move the crowd. He took the standard "I'm in the Mood for Love" and changed it into a completely different tune that became known as "Moody's Mood for Love."
When jazz singer Eddie Jefferson added lyrics to it, including the memorable "There I go, there I go, there I go, there I go ... ," it became a standard. It has been covered by everyone from Aretha Franklin to George Benson to Amy Winehouse and Take 6. Moody and Nancy Wilson sang it as a duet on an episode of The Cosby Show. Cosby called the tune "a national anthem."
Moody often played with Gillespie and led his own bands. For several years he played in the pit band at a hotel in Las Vegas so that he could raise a family without being on the road all the time.
Tributes are pouring in today. Wynton Marsalis called Moody "a titan of our music." NPR has gathered decades of pieces on Moody here. WKCR-FM in New York is pre-empting other programming to run a marathon broadcast featuring his music through noon Saturday.
He was in great form till the end. His last recording, Moody 4B, was nominated for a 2011 Grammy Award. Moody was such a warm, lasting presence, it will be hard to believe that he's gone. He's probably just gone to his next gig.
Martin Johnson is a frequent contributor to The Root.
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Enjoy this most unusual performance... and smile... then cry...
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http://www.npr.org/2010/12/10/131968314/remembering-james-moody-s-humble-gift-fo...
Remembering James Moody's Humble Gift For Music
by Walter Ray Watson
December 10, 2010
James MoodyJames Moody is known for soulful improvisations on the jazz flute and saxophone.
James Moody
Courtesy of the artistJames Moody is known for soulful improvisations on the jazz flute and saxophone.
James Moody
A Blog SupremeFive Great James Moody Songs WBGO
December 10, 2010
Saxophonist James Moody died Thursday after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 85.
Moody's name and career are forever linked to "Moody's Mood for Love," the minor hit single that inspired singer Eddie Jefferson to set Moody's improvisation to lyrics. Van Morrison, George Benson and Queen Latifah are among at least a dozen artists who have covered the song.
The jazz great was also known for his skillful, soulful improvisations on flute and various saxophones. Moody kept performing and touring until recently, when his illness made it impossible.
Moody's life began with interesting challenges. In 1996, he told Terry Gross, host of WHYY's Fresh Air, that he was born partially deaf.
"It doesn't mean that I have a speech impediment," Moody says. "It's just that I don't hear S's. Because my wife always tells me when I'm singing '[Moody's] Mood for Love,' I'd say, 'You give me a smile,' and it sounds like 'You give me a mile.' "
Moody couldn't hear certain high notes as a child, but it didn't dampen his love for music. He listened to big bands — especially the saxophonists — on the radio.
Coveting The Saxophone
Moody told NPR in 1997 that he used to spend a lot of time standing outside the windows of his neighborhood music store in Newark, N.J.
"I used to look at the saxophones every day," Moody said. "I'd just look at 'em, you know. And when I first got my first saxophone, I put it in bed by me and just used to sleep with it, man. Just looking at it."
His uncle bought him a secondhand alto saxophone when he was 16.
James Moody at the 2006 NEA Jazz Masters Gala.
Music InterviewsFresh Air Remembers Saxophonist James Moody
Moody mostly taught himself how to play the sax. His first real musical training came as a member of the Negro Air Force Band, an unofficial group formed in his segregated unit during World War II.
Bebop legend Dizzy Gillespie heard him on a military base in North Carolina and hired him for his bebop big band after Moody was discharged. He played three years with Gillespie, but an early addiction problem sent him to recover at his uncle's home in Paris. Moody says a two-week trip to Paris turned into a three-year stay.
'Moody's Mood For Love'
During that time, Moody recorded an album in Sweden and experienced a minor hit in 1949. He used a borrowed alto saxophone and improvised over the chord changes to the pop song "I'm in the Mood for Love." His improvisation never stated the melody and was released as "Moody's Mood for Love." It inspired a couple of jukebox hits based on his performance, as he explained to Marian McPartland on NPR's Piano Jazz in 1997.
Singer Eddie Jefferson turned Moody's improvisation into words, and King Pleasure's version of the tune became an even bigger hit in 1952.
Moody wasn't the singer heard on the records by Jefferson or King Pleasure, but "Moody's Mood for Love" became his calling card. He returned from Europe to the U.S. to capitalize on the popularity of the songs.
Moody would lead his own groups and albums in the decades that followed. For the better part of the 1970s, he played in Las Vegas show bands and watched his daughter grow into a teenager. He would continue to work in jazz ensembles led by his lifelong friend and mentor Dizzy Gillespie, and he became known for sophisticated, soulful solos on flute, alto and tenor saxophones.
He was respected by jazz musicians for constantly practicing and striving to improve himself as an artist. Trumpeter and educator Jon Faddis says he first met Moody when Faddis was a skinny teenager cracking corny knock-knock jokes around Oakland, Calif. Some 30 years later, Moody presided over Faddis' wedding in 2001 in a B'hai ceremony. Faddis says he's long admired both the artist and the man.
"Younger musicians like Antonio Hart and myself will look at Moody and see someone who is always searching and learning more about music and life, and is always willing to share what he knows about music and life with others," Faddis says.
The Humble Genius
Faddis says Moody's curiosity and nature were always childlike, and that Moody was both talented and humble about his gift.
"He'll play a solo," Faddis says. "You're sitting there listening to it. You'll say, 'Wow,' and then Moody will come over to you on the side of the stage and say, 'Was that all right?' "
Moody, a showman in concert, made his audiences laugh with his self-deprecating honesty.
"And the thing about it, ladies and gentlemen, is this is the way I am," Moody told a crowd at the Kennedy Center in 1995. "If I make a mistake, like, that's me, because, you see, making mistakes is being perfect. I'm serious, because I'm perfectly me."
The Los Angeles Times reported that Moody's survivors include his wife of 21 years, Linda; a brother, Lou Watters; a daughter, Michelle Bagdanove; sons Patrick, Regan and Danny McGowan; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson.
Moody played at the White House for three different sitting presidents and was nominated for four Grammy awards, including one for his most recent album, Moody 4B.
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"People later said to me: 'You must have been very inspired when you recorded that.' And I said: 'Yeah I was inspired to find the right notes!'"
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