Wild Bill Moore

by Michael ErlewineTexas tenor saxman Wild Bill Moore was a big-toned (somewhat lavish) tenor player. Moore was born William M. Moore on June 13, 1918. While originally an alto player, Moore switched to tenor in the early '40s, influenced by the great Chu Berry. He was first noticed in Chicago in 1944, the year he made his first recording with Christine Chatman (Decca). During this period he played with several major names, including Red Allen. He relocated to Los Angeles, where he really began to build a name for himself from about 1945 to 1947, recording with Jack McVea, Big Joe Turner, Duke Henderson, Shifty Henry, Dexter Gordon, and Wardell Gray. Late in 1947, Moore relocated to Detroit, working there with, among others, Paul Williams and King Porter. He remained in the Detroit area until the mid-'70s, made two albums on Jazzland as a leader, and worked in the music scene there, especially with Motown artists like Marvin Gaye. He returned to the Los Angeles area, working some with Big Joe Turner. He died in August of 1983.