*For 55 years – and counting – Melba Moore has been a shining star in the field of entertainment. As a singer and recording artist with a five-octave range, Moore has mesmerized music lovers across broad genres. And as an accomplished actress, she has been lauded for her brilliant work in stage productions, on television, and on the silver screen.
On Thursday, August 10, at 11:30 a.m. PST, “the star” will get “a star” when Moore receives the 2,760th star on the storied Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles. The exact location of this honor is at 1645 Vine Street, near the famed corner of Hollywood and Vine. Her star will be awarded in the category of “Live Theatre/Live Performance.”
Guest speakers for the occasion will include Emmy winner actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, comedian Katt Williams, and R&B and jazz diva Freda Payne.
“It’s amazing, and it’s something that is extraordinary because everyone doesn’t get to have this opportunity and honor,” Moore told EURweb.com. “It wasn’t something that I strove for because I didn’t know how this worked until the process just happened, but I’m honored to receive this star.”
“We are very proud to honor Melba Moore…Not only is she an entertainer, but she is an activist, a trailblazer, and so much more,” said Walk of Fame Producer Ana Martinez. “We know that many of her long-time fans will be lining up the day of her ceremony to see this musical gem as she is honored with her well-deserved Walk of Fame star.”
For Moore, the journey to reach “The Star” began in 1968, when she was cast as Dionne, a leading role in the iconic Broadway production “Hair.” Moore later appeared in “Purlie” and earned a Tony Award. She went on to perform in other Broadway classic stage productions, including “Inacent Black,” Ain’t Misbehavin,” “Chicago,” and “Les Miserables.”
“I’m always asked about being in the original cast of ‘Hair’ because the production was very relevant,” Moore said. “Hair” was huge both as a theater and film piece. I still perform songs from the musical production.”
Moore said “Purlie” was equally remarkable.
“I will always remember my role as Luttie Belle Gussie Mae Jenkins,” Moore said with a laugh. “My husband and I, at the time, convinced the owners of ‘Purlie’ to put it on tape. Now, it’s still relevant because people can still see it. And I still have to sing my signature song from that show like it is my latest hit record.”
While much of Moore’s early success is attributed to her acting acumen, she has been equally prolific in music. Moore said she has recorded just over 30 albums since the 1970s. A four-time Grammy-nominated recording artist, Moore hit No. 1 with her single “A Little Bit More (with Freddie Jackson).” Other top-10 singles have included “Falling,” “Love’s Comin’ at Ya,” “Livin’ for Your Love,” “Love the One I’m With,” “It’s Been So Long,” “Do You Really Want My Love?” and “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” recorded with Bebe and CeCe Winans, Stevie Wonder, Dionne Warwick, and others.
Last year, Moore released an album titled, “Imagine.” It’s available on popular music streaming platforms.
“I have been continually putting independent songs out by different songwriters and producers, but this is my first album in probably 15 years,” Moore said. “The album contains ‘It Seems to Hang on,’ a cover of the ‘Ashford & Simpson’ classic hit. And the first single from the album is the ballad “So in Love.”
Moore credits her daughter, Charli, with producing the album recorded during the pandemic.
“My daughter brought each and every one of these songs to me,” said Moore. “I had never worked with her, but she had worked with various record companies. We had just been mother and daughter. Now, because of my daughter, I’m surrounded by a new set of musicians, songwriters, and producers, and it puts me in the ‘now community.’ It’s wonderful because, in a way, the music and songs have re-invented me.”
When asked if she could name five songs that are a part of the soundtrack of her life, Moore, who has conquered music rooted in Broadway tunes and contemporary R&B, Pop, Jazz, Gospel, and Classical compositions, answered.
“I’m not sure if I can think of five songs, but I can definitely tell you one because it’s so outstanding. The song is ‘Lean on Me,’ but not Bill Withers’ “Lean on Me,” Moore explained. “This is the one that Aretha Franklin recorded.”
Moore, who was born in New York City but raised in Newark, New Jersey, continued. “When I was just starting in the industry and traveling, I had a band. After hearing Aretha Franklin sing ‘Lean on Me,’ I stayed with that style of singing until my own style started to come in. Now ‘Lean on Me’ has become my signature song, and I close all my shows with it. The song gives me a chance to be acrobatic with my voice.”
When asked to name five female singers who have most influenced her, Moore again referenced Franklin.
“I love Aretha more than any singer on the whole planet. I love her so much I wanted to be her,” Moore said with laughter. “She had such an impact on me and so many other singers. Everything that she sang was incredible. Of course, she was a woman of God, which was another aspect of her that I really appreciated. And to be rooted in Gospel and see all the other songs of other people that she covered, along with her originals, Aretha was an anointed artist, singer, and person.”
Other female vocalists Moore selected as artists who have greatly impacted her singing career, include Ella Fitzgerald, Whitney Houston, Patti LaBelle, and Shirley Murdock.
“Ella Fitzgerald – ‘Ms. Ella’ – could sing anything,” Moore explained. “Her voice was an instrument that could play faster than people could listen. And when I go see Patti LaBelle in concert, I can’t help myself; I start screaming when she’s singing. I love Shirley Murdock. I learned from her how to articulate (when) singing gospel.”
As Moore looks to the future, she is excited about what she envisions. She is preparing to take her one-woman stage production of “Still Sanding – The Melba Moore Story” on tour. In September, the City of Newark, New Jersey will name a street in her honor. And Moore and her representatives are in current discussions about television, stage, and film projects.
While Moore has had many peaks of success in her life and career, she has equally met times of dark despair and setbacks. Yet, she is still standing!
“Fortunately, I’m a born-again Christian, so He is doing it,” she said. “I thank Him because I wouldn’t have had the stamina to keep getting up from depression and all the things that happened if not for an anointing that shields you. A lot of things that happened to me, and happened to so many people, literally destroyed me and my career, but to come back from those things and still be here today is because of God.”
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB: Legend Melba Moore: From Homelessness, Heartbreak, Losing Her Daughter to Finally Getting Hollywood Star | EURexclusiveWATCH
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