After suffering for years from severe diabetes and complications, Malaco/Savoy recording artist Rev. James Moore was received by his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ early on June 7th, 2000 in Memphis, at the age of 44. GospelFlava.com was blessed by this man of God, and by the immense musical talent that he was gifted with, and which God allowed him to share. We give him tribute, and offer thanks to God for his life here on earth.

Rev. James Moore was noted not only for his incredible vocal talent, but for his ability to put into song his love, adoration and praise for his Lord. Powerfully-voiced with a talent for improvisation that knew no bounds, listening to him sing was simply awe-inspiring. His love for the traditional sounds of the church was legendary, yet he also appreciated contemporary talent.

Moore’s recording career began with Savoy Records in 1974, but he had loved the Gospel and Gospel music from his early days in Detroit, where he learned much from Mattie Moss Clark, Elma Hendricks, James Cleveland, Richard White and others. He also gave considerable credit to the Gospel Music Workshop of America for his training (the GMWA awarded him a scholarship in 1974). James Moore made it a habit to attend workshop each year, and could often be seen in the crowds, stopping, testifying, talking and yes, singing to everyone he met.

It didn’t take long for the Gospel nation to sit up and take notice of this great talent. Not long after his debut I Thank You Master, Moore became in great demand, and soon began appearing on other artists’ projects, including Rev. Gerald Thompson and Michael Fletcher. It was through his friendship with the great Frank Williams that Moore began a long and close relationship with The Mississippi Mass Choir, appearing on their debut project, and in many subsequent joint recordings.

In the late 80’s, Moore’s recording frequency drastically picked up its pace, with numerous albums garning acclaim from both grassroots and critics alike. Included in these were Live in Detroit, I Will Trust In The Lord and Live At Jackson State. Stellar Awards, top Billboard chartings and Grammy nominations were soon to follow.

After suffering from and surviving a bout with colon cancer in the mid-90’s, James Moore was then diagnosed with diabetes, and soon after the debilitating effects of this disease left him blind, wheelchair-bound and requiring frequent dialysis. Undeterred, Moore kept on performing and recording, and even appeared in Gospel stage plays. His most recent project was recorded in the summer of 1999, released in spring 2000, and was a return to home for him, Family and Friends, Live in Detroit, where he joined with Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Darius Twyman and his longtime collaborator, Rudolph Stanfield. (See album review)

Below are some tributes to Rev. James Moore by some in the Gospel music industry. Feel free to drop your own tribute on our dedicated message forum.