VERONICA OLAYINKA ADESINA
The full house, candle lit tables, dimmed lights with a reddish hue and beautiful chandeliers created an ambience of intimacy while emitting a special feeling that everyone there was a special friend. It was a birthday celebration for Moore at the Cutting Room in NYC with family, friends and staunch loyal fans. Michael S. Robinson, the author of One Hundred Pennies and host of ‘Michael S. Robinson show’ at AM970 (Miss Moore occasionally co-hosts with him), referred to her in his introduction as ‘a living legend and an extraordinary songstress with a beautiful spirit.’
With her 97 year old step-father Clement Moorman in the audience (she jokingly says this is where the ‘Moore’ comes from. Her original name is Beatrice Hill and her father was Teddy Hill, a saxophonist). Other family members present include her step-mother, her ‘white brother’ Randy, and her beautiful 
daughter Charli. Melba Moore, a four time Grammy nominee and winner of a Tony Award entered the stage in a strapless trumpet gold and black lace appliqué gown designed by Bill Bowlings, who was also in the audience. The audience called out her name as she made her entrance. The wide smiles on their faces showing their deep appreciation for the legendary singer. The mid tempo beats and melodious bass strumming from the live band was an indication of what’s to come. Friends like Me’lisa Morgan, an RnB powerhouse in her own right with hits like ‘Do me Baby’, Alyson Williams, a former backup singer for Melba, Debi Jackson from WBLS and many others were also there to help Moore celebrate.
In her opening introduction, her face lit with joy and anticipation, she declared, ‘I will sing a lot of upbeat and dance songs tonight instead of the usual ballads because it’s my birthday celebration.’ She opened with ‘This is It.’ Throughout the course of the night she sang more dance hits like ‘You stepped into my life’ ‘Love’s coming at ya’ ‘Standing right here and Pick me up I’ll dance.’ Not showing any sign of slowing down she worked the crowd, talking to them and cracking jokes.
Melba’s petite frame may be mistaken for weakness by the passerby, that is, until she opens her mouth to release those commanding high notes that has become her trademark. Her big voice proves to the new and seasoned fan alike why she continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment
industry. Her magnetic performance draws in the audience; enthralled, the listener is careful to not miss a note and watches in awe as she skillfully displays restraint and control of her mighty voice.
Melba Moore is inspired by her mom, Bonnie Davis, who was a professional singer. After singing in the choir for one year, Melba branched into the world of Broadway. She jokingly points out that all her parents remember in her first Broadway show, ‘Hair’ where she played the role of Dionne was her nudity. She was the first African American to replace a white woman for a leading role. She reminisces on how she had no agent or manager when she auditioned and secured the role of LutieBelle in the Broadway musical, ‘Purlie,’ or as she puts it ‘Broadway country style.’. A few people yelled thank you in the audience when she began to sing ‘Purlie.’
Moore credits the success of her dance songs to great writing giants John Whitehead and Gene Mcfadden whose son, Dominic, was also in the audience. Dominic appears to have followed in the tradition and legacy of his father. He wrote a song off of Melba’s new album Forever Moore; ‘What can I do to survive.’ Melba called him her protégé saying, ‘Though all I have done is still relevant, it is time to celebrate the new generation.’ From dance songs, she and her ensemble led by musical director Eric Swin, transitioned into Broadway songs and a few ballads.
Alyson Williams, her former backup singer attested to Melba’s resilience when she joined her on stage for a brief stint. She told the listeners that Melba has come full circle in her entertainment journey.
Me’lisa Morgan also joined Melba on stage briefly and thanked her for helping her in her career.
Melba paid tribute to the legendary singer and actress Lena Horne who died in 2010. She gave an electrifying rendition of ‘Stormy Weather.’ She also paid tribute to her own mother. In the spirit of
celebration and good wishes, Melba poured more pink drink into her wine glass amidst jokes directed at her step-dad, then proceeded to toast to the abundant wealth and happiness of everyone that attended her celebratory show. I also raised my glass of Clausthaler beer.
She closed with a beautiful song which she said is special to her. She discovered the song off the B side of Aretha Franklin’s ‘Spanish Harlem’ vinyl record. Ms. Melba Moore calls it her signature song. ‘It’s like taking the crumbs from the queen’s table,’ she jokingly admitted. Her gospel roots came shining through when she sang ‘Lean on me.’ An apt way to end the show at the Cutting Room where the likes of Sting, David Bowie, John Mayer and host of others have performed.
In a very special moment, her step-dad a pianist, was escorted to the stage to play happy birthday song to Melba. Thereafter, she blew the candles off her birthday cake. A very emotional but happy and joyous occasion for the diva surrounded with friends, families and loyal fans.
Larry, one of the fans sitting at my table talked about Ms. Moore’s friendly attitude when it comes to her fans; liking comments and even sending thank you messages via inbox. Larry came all the way from Connecticut to see and show support for Miss Melba and he was not going to miss the meet and greet opportunity even though there was a long line. I concurred with Larry’s sentiment and informed him of how Miss Moore would make time out of her busy schedule to interact with fans.
Miss Moore’s birthdate is October 29, 1945.
