During the 1920s the genre of blues music quickly gained popularity, especially in the south. In Virginia and in neighboring southern states, blues music took on a specific style that earned the title “Piedmont Blues.” Piedmont Blues was defined primarily by the fingerpicking style of guitar playing. The artists and the songs that were produced during this movement laid the groundwork for modern styles of music and contributed greatly to the rich history of African American music.
William Bill Moore, resided in Tappahannock for much of his life and earned the honor of being the only Virginian bluesman to record for the Paramount label. He was described as being “a facile, brilliant, and unusual guitarist.” He was also said to be highly skilled in many other instruments. It is unclear how he was discovered by Paramount.
Being a musician in the 20’s and 30’s was much different than it is today. Working with a prominent label like Paramount did not necessarily guarantee fame and fortune. Though William Moore had many popular songs that proved influential to future artists, he made little to no money for his contributions.
After producing 16 sides for the label, he returned to a quiet life in Virginia and worked as a barber. His interests eventually shifted as he became involved with the church and his musical style took on a more spiritual tone.
Moore eventually left Tappahannock and spent his final days residing near Warrenton, Virginia.
In 2005, The Lynchburg-based James River Blues Society and members of the Middle Peninsula African-American Genealogical and Historical Society of Virginia unveiled a historical marker commemorating Moore on U.S. 17 across for the Essex County Public Library.
It reads: William “Bill” Moore was born in Georgia in 1893. Nearby stood his home and barbershop. Paramount recorded Moore in Chicago in 1928 and released eight songs, some of the earliest by an African American folk performer from Virginia. They are still valued and performed by musicians. “Old Country Rock,” a dance tune refers to the Rappahannock River and the town of Tappahannock, while “Barbershop Rag” testifies to his fine ragtime guitar style and his profession. Moore also performed blues for his customers and dance audiences as well as popular songs such as “Ragtime Millionaire.” He died in Fauquier County in 1951 and is buried in the Warrenton Cemetery.
Information sourced from
soozebluesjazz.weebly.com
libertypost.org
hmdb.org
