James Moody
Tenor Sax
December 9, 2010 (Age 85) died
March 26, 1925 Birthday
Savannah, Georgia, U.S. Birthplace
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About
James Moody was a jazz saxophonist, flutist, and occasional vocalist best known for “Moody’s Mood for Love,” based on the standard “I’m in the Mood for Love.” After serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, Moody joined Dizzy Gillespie’s band in 1946, forging a lifelong friendship with the trumpeter. Following his stint with Gillespie, Moody moved to Paris where he played with musicians such as Miles Davis and Tadd Dameron. In 1949 Moody recorded a celebrated instrumental solo on “I’m in the Mood for Love,” which later became the foundation for “Moody’s Mood for Love” when Eddie Jefferson wrote lyrics to his solo. The vocal version became a major hit in 1952, through King Pleasure’s recording, and Moody himself often sang it at performances. Over his long career, Moody released more than 50 albums as a leader, performed regularly with Dizzy Gillespie, spent several years working in Las Vegas show bands and was named an NEA Jazz Master in 1988. He was also a sought-after educator, providing master classes, workshops, and lectures at universities. James Moody died in 2010 at the age of 85 after a battle with cancer.
Trivia
James Moody was named Best Flutist in the DownBeat Critics’ Poll for eight consecutive years, from 1967 to 1974. James Moody played the porter William Glover in Clint Eastwood’s 1997 film “Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil.” James Moody was a four time Grammy nominee but received his first award posthumously in 2011.
Early Life
James Moody was born in Georgia in 1925, and was raised by his mother in Newark, New Jersey. Despite being born partially deaf, he was always interested in music and received his first saxophone from his uncle at age 16. After graduating from Newark Arts High School, Moody was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1943. It was during his military service—primarily within a segregated army band—that he received his first formal musical instruction, mostly from fellow musicians. Moody happened to meet Dizzy Gillespie when the trumpeter played a gig at his Army base. By the time Moody was discharged in 1946, he had developed into a skilled enough saxophonist to join Gillespie’s band.
James Moody Solos
1969
Tenor Sax solo - Lady Bird - 1969
4/4 swing in C major at 170 BPM