Whistlin Alex Moore
Whistlin' Alex Moore was born on 22/11/1899 in Dallas, Texas. His full birth name was Alexander Herman Moore. When his father died, Moore dropped out of school to help support his mother and two siblings. He learnt to play the piano.In 1916, Moore joined the US army.
During the 1920s, Moore would gain his Whistlin' nickname for the whistle he made whilst playing the piano. His style was a combination of blues, ragtime, barrelhouse boogie and stride. His musical style has been considered to be unique and quite eccentric.
In 1929, he made his first recordings for Columbia Records. The recordings did not sell well and Moore would not record again for years.
In 1937, Moore recorded a few sides for Decca Records.
In the 1940s and 1950s, Moore would perform in clubs in Dallas and also in Texas occasionally.
In 1951, Moore recorded with RPM Records/Kent.
In 1960, he signed with Arhoolie Records. He would gain nationwide recognition with Arhoolie.
In the 1960s, Moore played throughout the US as a few festivals in Europe.
In 1969, Moore toured with the American Folk Blues Festival. Other artists on the tour included Earl Hooker and Magic Sam. Also in 1969, Moore recorded in a session in Stuttgart, Germany. The recording was released as the album "Alex Moore in Europe".
In the 1970s and 1980s, Moore would focus more on performing.
In 1987, Moore was granted a National Heritage Fellowship by the National Endowment for the Arts. He was the first African-American Texan to receive the honour.
In 1988, Moore recorded the album "Wiggle Tail" for Rounder Records. On his birthday that year, Texas designated the day "Alex Moore Day".
In January 1989, Moore died of a heart attack in Dallas, Texas.