History


Winfield Scott Moore III
Photo courtesy Lee Moore

Born Winfield Scott Moore III on December 27, 1931 at home on a farm 5 miles from Gadsden and 5 miles from Humboldt Tennessee the youngest by 14 years of a family of 4 boys.


Ralph, Edwin, Carney and Scotty with their parents at their Gadsden home
Photo courtesy Lee Moore

Began playing guitar at the age of 8 learning from family and friends.


brothers Ralph, Edwin, Carney and Scotty
Photo courtesy Lee Moore

Enlisted in the Navy in 1948 at the age of 16 (below the minimum age), serving in China aboard the USS LST-855 and Korea aboard the USS Valley Forge.  Discharged in January of 1952.


Scotty Moore, Bobby Clifton and Durwood Ramsey on the USS Valley Forge (1950)
Photo © courtesy R. Sowell

By 1954 while living and working in Memphis formed a country band, "The Starlite Wranglers", with bassist Bill Black and began working with Sam Phillips at Sun Records.


The Starlite Wranglers

In July of 1954 at the request of Sam Phillips auditioned a young singer, Elvis Presley, recommended by Sam’s secretary Marion Keisker.  This audition yielded the recording "That’s Alright Mama" and began a 14 year career as Elvis Presley’s guitarist, his first manager and a lifelong friendship (not to mention ushered in an era that would forever change the face of American popular music).


Elvis Presley, Bill Black, Scotty Moore and Sam Phillips


Scotty, Elvis, Bill and Frank Page at the Louisiana Hayride Oct. 16, 1954
Photo © courtesy of Louisiana Hayride Archives - J. Kent

The Blue Moon Boys
Scotty, Elvis and Bill - The Blue Moon Boys
Photo courtesy EPE, Inc.©1996


Scotty backstage in Omaha, NE - May 20, 1956
Photo © J. Kent


Bill, D.J. and Scotty backstage in Omaha, NE - May 20, 1956
Photo © J. Kent

click to hear Scotty and DJ interviewed (real media required)

Toured and recorded throughout the country with the Blue Moon Boys (Elvis, Bill and eventually drummer DJ Fontana) appearing on record, Television and Motion pictures until 1958.


Scotty at Elvis' Audubon Dr. home (c.1956)
Photo courtesy Saralyn Epstein Singer©


Scotty, Elvis and DJ first time in Vegas, 1956

Scotty and Elvis rehearse for Milton Berle Show
Scotty and Elvis rehearse for the Milton Berle show - June 5, 1956

from the Movie "Loving you"
Scotty Moore and Elvis Presley in "Loving You",  Paramount - 1957
Photo by MPTV - Image courtesy MPTV.net

In the studio
Hoyt Hawkins, George Klein, Elvis, D. J. Fontana, Scotty and ?
Jailhouse Rock Sessions at MGM, Hollywood, CA - May 1957

Promoting Jailhouse Rock
Scotty, D.J and Elvis in Pan Pacific Auditorium - Oct 28, 1957

In 1958 bought interests in and became V.P. of Fernwood records and produced a hit record, "Tragedy", for Thomas Wayne Perkins, brother of Johnny Cash guitarist, Luther Perkins.

In 1960 commenced recording sessions with Elvis at RCA and also served as production manager at Sam Phillips Recording Service which involved supervising all aspects of studio operation. 


Elvis Scotty and D.J. on the Frank Sinatra Special Mar 26, 1960

In 1964 released a record of instrumentals called "The Guitar that Changed the World" and relocated to Nashville to start Music City Recorders, a studio on 19th avenue just off Music Row, and started Belle Meade Records.

In 1968 appeared and recorded with Elvis for the last time for the NBC TV special at NBC’s Burbank studios in California.


Elvis, Charlie Hodge, Scotty, Alan Fortas and D.J. at NBC-TV Studios 1968
Photo courtesy Doug Ferich

In 1970 engineered Ringo Star’s album "Beaucoups of Blues" at Music City Recorders becoming the only person to work for the two most influential independent labels in record history: Sun Records and Apple Records.

In 1973 sold Music City Recorders and began freelance engineering primarily out of Monument Studios.

In 1975 played and recorded with longtime friend Carl Perkins for the first time on Carl’s "EP Express" for Mercury Records.

In 1976 bought the building where Monument studios was housed and opened Independent Producers Corporation, a tape-duplication business, but continued to do freelance engineering.


Scotty engineering in the '70s

From the mid 70’s to early 80’s engineered many television shows for Opryland Productions with and for entertainers such as Dolly Parton, Carol Burnett, Ann-Margret, Bob Hope, Perry Como, Minnie Pearl, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Joey Heatherton and others.

In 1989 served as a consultant for a weekly ABC-TV series titled "Elvis" focusing on the early years.

In 1992 returned to Sun Studio in Memphis to begin an album with Carl Perkins titled "706 ReUnion: A sentimental Journey" released on Belle Meade Records.  In August performed live again for the first time since the 68 Comeback special with Carl at Ellis Auditorium as part of the "Good Rockin’ Tonight" show featuring the Sun Rhythm section, James Burton, D.J. Fontana, Ronnie McDowell and the Jordanaires followed by a small tour in England.


Scotty and Carl Perkins in Memphis
Photo © courtesy Alan Clark


Advertisement for a show during the 1993 European tour
courtesy Peter J. Dijkema


The Jordanaires, Scotty and Pete Pritchard at Wembley Conference Ctr., London

(photo courtesy P. Pritchard)

In 1993, with D.J., appeared in a Telethon in Jackson, Tennessee with Carl Perkins.  Later that year in response to a letter from Mike Eldred, guitarist for Lee Rocker’s band Big Blue, traveled to Memphis to meet and record with them.


Mike Eldred, Scotty, Henree DeBaun and Lee Rocker - Big Blue

In 1994 played on a session at the request of and produced by Gary Tallent, bass player for Bruce Springsteen’s E St. Band with Sonny Burgess and in October appeared in a pay-per-view Elvis Tribute at the Pyramid Arena in Memphis (click for pictures).  On October 16 appeared agin with Carl and Ronnie in Shreveport to commemorate the 40th anniversary of their first Louisiana Hayride appearance.


Scotty and Keith Richards at Levon Helm's studio in NY
Photo by Jim Harrington

In 1997 reunited with D.J. Fontana to record the tribute album "All the King's Men" which featured several guest artists including The Bill Black Combo, Keith Richards, Ron Wood, Jeff Beck, Levon Helm, Jim Weider, Rick Neilson and others (see Goin Back To Memphis, Unsung Heroes and Duece and a Quarter for more pics).


Chet Atkins and Scotty cast hand prints for Guitar Center
Photo © Gibson

On September 26, 1997 is inducted into Guitar Center's Rockwalk in Hollywood and Nashville along with Chet Atkins, James Burton, Duane Eddy, and Hank Garland. (click for more pics)


Scotty, D.J. with Robert Plant on May 1, 1999 and George Harrison on April 28, 1999

In April of 1999 toured again in the UK with DJ. and met George Harrison and Robert Plant while there.  That July was honored by a gathering of UK guitar legends in Sir George Martins studio while Gibson Guitars unveils the limited production Scotty Moore signature ES-295.


Scotty and Sir George Martin

In 2000 Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at the fifteenth annual induction dinner. Mike Leiber and Jerry Stoller are the presenters.  In April while in NY recorded segments for the "Good Rockin' Tonight: The Legacy of Sun Records" documentary/album with DJ and Paul McCartney (see additional footage ).


Scotty in the studio April 4, 2000


Paul McCartney, DJ and Scotty

In 2002 wins and is presented with the Orville H. Gibson Lifetime Achievement Award along with U2 and Earl Scruggs.  Also a major featured performer at many of the festivities surrounding the 25th anniversary of Elvis week in and around Memphis Tennessee.


Earl Scruggs and Scotty each presented with a special instrument,
a Gibson Tal Farlow for Scotty
(photo courtesy Gibson©)

Until 2007 was busy recording and engineering at Belle Meade Records and periodically touring and performing with Lee Rocker, Ronnie McDowell and The Mike Eldred Trio among others.


Lee Rocker and Scotty Moore
photo © courtesy L. Drucker

In early April of 2003 records an album in Nashville with Alvin Lee of "Ten Years After" along with D.J. Fontana on drums, Pete Pritchard on bass and Willie Rainsford on keyboards.  The album was be mixed at Alvin's Space Studios in England and released in May of 2004.

In December of 2003 is honored "inabstentia" by Gibson for his 50th anniversary of playing Gibson guitars with a co-celebration party for his 71st birthday at the Baldwin showcase in Nashville.


Scotty and D.J. Fontana April 13, 2004
Photo © courtesy Ella Shepherd

In April of 2004 was one of the first recipients of N.A.R.A.S. Memphis Music Heroes Awards along with bandmates Bill Black and DJ Fontana.  On July 5th of 2004 participated in the "Global Moment in Time" at Sun Studio in Memphis as part of the 50th Anniversary of Rock and Roll Celebration.


George Klein, Isaac Hayes, Scotty, Justin Timberlake and "Sam the Sham"- July 5, 2004

In December of 2004 is honored by a collection of Britain's top recording artists that included Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler, Ron Wood, David Gilmour, Bill Wyman and Albert Lee that gathered at Abbey Road Studios in London.  He participated and the the event was filmed and recorded and eventually released on DVD.


Scotty and Eric Clapton at Abbey Road - December 2004
Photo © Universal Music 2004

In August of 2005 Scotty did a small tour of Norway and the UK and performed what he considered to be his swan song in Europe on August 15 at the London Jazz Cafe.


Scotty at the Notodden Blues Festival
Photo© courtesy Bucky Barrett


Scotty with Bucky Barrett and the Grundy - Pritchard Band at the London Jazz Cafe
Photo © courtesy Clayton Ball

In the spring of 2007 Scotty produced 2 CDs in a collaboration of friends called "The Mighty Handul" Volumes One and Two.  The first volume's release coincided with what Scotty has decided was his final public performance on August 15 at the "Last Man Standing" show during the 30th Anniversary of Elvis week in Memphis, TN.  It came 2 years to the day after his last public performance (not appearance).


Scotty Moore leaves the stage after the 1st of 2 farewell performances - August 15, 2007
Photo © courtesy
Phil Arnold

On November 26, 2007, as a member of the Blue Moon Boys, was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville along with the Nashville A team, The Tennessee Two, The Wrecking Crew, the Funk Brothers and the Memphis Boys. 


The Blue Moon Boys (induction by Vince Gill) at the MHOFM
Photo ©

On April 4, 2009, Scotty attended the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Cleveland as D.J. and Bill were inducted into the sideman category.  Accepting for Bill were his daughter Nancy (Black) Shockley and his son Louis Black.  They were inducted E. St. band members Gary Tallent and Max Weinberg.  Also inducted at this time were long time friend Wanda Jackson and Jeff Beck.


Ron Wood, Jimmy Page, Scotty and Jerry Townsend at the HOF - April 4, 2009
Photo courtesy Angela Justice


Scotty applauds as Bill and DJ are inducted - April 4, 2009
scan courtesy Fuse TV


Louis, Nancy and DJ  accept the awards - April 4, 2009
scan courtesy Fuse TV


Scotty at the RnR HOF induction ceremony - April 4, 2009
scan courtesy Fuse TV

On December 27th, 2011, Scotty had his 80th birthday.  He celebrated several weeks earlier in Memphis with a party thrown by his good friend Kevin Kane.


Priscilla, Scotty, K. Kane and Gail at 80th birthday celebration - Dec. 10, 2011
Photo by Andrew Vaughan © Gibson

In August of 2013 Gibson sponsored a party for Scotty Moore in honor of the the release of his new book and the completion and release of the first batch of 81 Limited Edition Scotty Moore ES295 tribute guitars.


Mike Voltz, Scotty and David Winters - Aug. 3, 2013
Photo © James V. Roy

In January of 2014 Scotty was back in Memphis for an interview with the BBC for an upcoming celebration of the 60th anniversary of the recording of That's Alright Mama.


Scotty interviewed at Sun - Jan 28, 2014
Photo © Geoff Barker

On October 17, 2015 Scotty was inducted into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame.  Though not in attendance, Keith Richards accepted the award on his behalf.


Scotty's award - Oct. 17, 2015
Photo © Stephen Shepherd

In November of 2015, Scotty lost his long-time companion and partner, Gail Pollock.  On the morning of June 28th, 2016, Scotty died, at home. His health had been failing for several months. He was buried June 30th with his parents in Humboldt, TN after a brief and private ceremony (see Funeral home obit and online guestbook).  D.J. and his wife Karen were in attendance. In addition to several family members he left behind many devoted friends and fans and a great legacy.


Winfield Scott Moore III  (December 27, 1931 - June 28, 2016)
Though we mourn his death, we celebrate his life.
Photo courtesy Jacques Vroom

For more biography:

picture of book
That's Alright, Elvis: The Untold Story of Elvis' First Guitarist and Manager, Scotty Moore

by Scotty Moore, James L. Dickerson (Contributor) Available now on Kindle

picture of book
Last Train to Memphis: The Rise of Elvis Presley

by Peter Guralnick

 

 
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