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Ironing Board Sam
Whimsical, creative, a true genius, Ironing Board Sam played in hot-air balloons and underwater in his own giant aquarium, all the while amassing a staggering repertoire of both originals and classic blues and R&B songs.
To say that Sammie Moore — better known to his fans as Ironing Board Sam — is inventive just doesn’t cut it. The word lacks the depth to capture his genius, his whimsy and his creativity.
He became legendary in the early 1960s for inventing the first portable, electronic keyboard. He called it the “button board.” It was made from upholstery tacks wired to 64 radio tubes and was mounted on a 2×4 that sat on an ironing board.
In his longtime hometown of New Orleans, he played while floating above Jackson Square in a hot-air balloon, played underwater in his homemade giant aquarium, and rode around in a Cadillac he had fitted with crystal chandeliers. One of his spangled keyboards now sits in the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville, donated by Music Maker.
. A truly gifted and engaging performer, Sam’s voice was powerful and soulful, and his piano prowess was remarkable. After Sam joined the Music Maker family in 2010, he relocated to Hillsborough, North Carolina. We booked gigs for him — on the legendary Blues Cruise and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, as well as performances throughout North Carolina — until he retired from playing.
In his heyday, Ironing Board Sam was nearly a total obscurity — working primarily in local scenes around the South. He toured minimally and recorded infrequently. But those who got to see him, whether in person or on the groundbreaking R&B television program “Night Train,” remember him well, for Sam could put on a show.
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Capitol Blues Night 2015! Ironing Board Sam, Cool John Ferguson, Sol Roots In Washington DC
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9th Floor Music
Capitol Blues Night returns Thursday March 12 2015 at Clydes of Gallery Place in Washington D.C.! It’s not often you get to see Ironing Board Sam, Cool John Ferguson, Sol Roots, all on one ticket! This fantastic show will only have 100 tickets available, so get yours now! Music Maker Relief Foundation founder Tim Duffy said, “This is a classic drink-house lineup performing in downtown Washington DC. Ironing Board Sam filled the Blues Tent to capacity at Jazzfest all by ...
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Music Maker Relief Foundation 20th Anniversary Homecoming
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9th Floor Music
Once in a Lifetime concert on Saturday October 4! Music Maker Relief Foundation's Homecoming Celebration will be the largest gathering of Music Maker artists ever! There will be over 50 artists including: Big Ron Hunter, Boo Hanks, Captain Luke, Cool John Ferguson, Ironing Board Sam, John Dee Holeman, Pat Mother Blues Cohen, Pura Fé, Shelton Powe, Tim and Susan Wells, The Branchettes, Beverly Watkins, Sweet Betty, Drink Small The Blues Doctor", Eddie Tigner, Robert Lee Coleman, Sol Roots, Dr Dixon, ...
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Capitol Blues Night 2012! Ironing Board Sam, Cool John Ferguson, Sol Roots, Big Ron Hunter, Captain Luke!
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9th Floor Music
Capitol Blues Night Wednesday October 24 at The Hamilton in Washington D.C.! Don’t miss this- it’s not often you get to see Ironing Board Sam, Cool John Ferguson, Big Ron Hunter, Sol Roots, Captain Luke, Ardie Dean all on one ticket! A full Music Maker Blues Revue will be performing and tickets will be $25. The Hamilton has hosted the Blues Revue previously on New Years Eve 2011. Music Maker Relief Foundation founder Tim Duffy said, “This classic drink-house lineup ...
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