Born in Jackson, Mississippi, on October 13, 1946, Dorothy Moore began singing in church as a youngster and was still a student at Jackson State University when she joined the female vocal group. The trio scored a modest national hit in 1966 with “Lullaby of Love.” Moore subsequently worked as a solo artist and background singer around Jackson, eventually becoming part of the musical family surrounding the fledgling Malaco Records.
Then came the record that changed everything.
Written by Bob Montgomery and previously recorded in the country field, “Misty Blue” proved to be a perfect vehicle for Moore’s husky, emotionally direct delivery. Released nationally in 1976, her version rose to #2 on Billboard’s R&B chart and #3 on the Hot 100, while also becoming an international hit. It earned Moore a Grammy nomination for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and established her as one of the defining voices of Southern soul.
Moore proved to be more than a one-song success. She followed with her soulful interpretation of Willie Nelson’s “Funny How Time Slips Away,” a Top 10 R&B hit, and with “I Believe You,” which reached #5 R&B and brought her another Grammy nomination. Over the decades she continued recording R&B, blues and gospel, returning to Malaco for several albums and later taking greater control of her work by founding her own Farish Street Records label in 2002.
And through all of those years, “Misty Blue” never left her. It remains a favorite on classic soul and blues radio and an essential part of her live shows.
