James Moody

For over six decades, saxophone master James Moody has serenaded lovers with his signature song Moody's Mood for Love an improvisation on the chord progressions of I'm in the Mood for Love.

Born in Savannah, Georgia on March 26, 1925, and raised in Newark, New Jersey, James Moody took up the alto sax, a gift from his uncle, at the age of 16. Within a few years he fell under the spell of the deeper more full- bodied tenor saxophone after hearing Buddy Tate and Don Byas perform with the Count Basie Band at the Adams Theater in Newark, New Jersey.

In 1946, following service in the United States Air Force, Moody joined the seminal bebop big band of Dizzy Gillespie, beginning an association that - on stage and record, in orchestras and small combos - afforded a young Moody worldwide exposure and ample opportunity to shape his improvisational genius. Upon joining Gillespie, Moody was at first awed, he now admits, by the orchestra's incredible array of talent, which included Milt Jackson, Kenny Clark, Ray Brown, Thelonius Monk. The encouragement of the legendary trumpeter-leader, made his mark on the young saxophonist. His now legendary 16-bar solo on Gillespie's Emanon alerted jazz fans to an emerging world-class soloist.

During his initial stay with Gillespie, Moody also recorded with Milt Jackson for Dial Records in 1947. One year later he made his recording debut as a leader James Moody and His Bop Men for (Blue Note).

In 1949 Moody moved to Europe where in Sweden he recorded the masterpiece of improvisation for which he is renowned, Moody's Mood for Love.

Returning to the States in 1952 with a huge "hit" on his hands, Moody employed vocalist Eddie Jefferson. Also, working with him during that period were Dinah Washington and Brook Benton.

In 1963 he rejoined Gillespie and performed off and on in the trumpeter's quintet for the remainder of the decade.

Moody moved to Las Vegas in 1973 and had a seven year stint in the Las Vegas Hilton Orchestra, doing shows for Bill Cosby, Ann-Margaret, John Davidson, Glen Campbell, Liberace, Elvis Presley, The Osmonds, Milton Berle, Redd Foxx, Charlie Rich, and Lou Rawls to name a few.

Moody returned to the East Coast and put together his own band again - much to the delight of his dedicated fans. In 1985, Moody received a Grammy Award Nomination for Best Jazz Instrumental Performance for his playing on Manhattan Transfer's Vocalese album thus setting the stage for his re-emergence as a major recording artist.

Moody's 1986 (RCA/NOVUS) debut Something Special ended a decade-long major label recording hiatus for the versatile reedman. His follow-up recording, Moving Forward showcased his hearty vocals on What Do You Do and his interpretive woodwind wizardry on such tunes as Giant Steps and Autumn Leaves.

Music is more than a livelihood to Moody, so much so that portions of Sweet and Lovely, dedicated to his wife, Linda, figured prominently in the saxophonist's wedding ceremony on April 3, 1989. As well as being on the album, Gillespie was best man at the wedding for his longtime friend. The bride and groom walked down the aisle to Gillespie's solo on Con Alma then everyone exited the church to the vamp on Melancholy Baby. As their first act of marriage Linda and James Moody took communion accompanied by the groom's recording of Sweet and Lovely. In 1990, Moody and Gillespie received a Grammy Award Nomination for their rendition of Gillespie's Get the Booty, which showcases scatting at its best. Moody returns the soprano sax to his woodwind arsenal on Honey, his nickname for his wife, Linda, and Moody's last recording for (RCA/NOVUS).

On March 26th, 1995 Moody got the surprise of his life with a birthday party in New York. It was an evening of historical significance for Jazz with many guest stars and Bill Cosby as the emcee. It can be heard on Telarc's recording, Moody's Party— James Moody's 70th, Birthday Celebration, Live at the Blue Note.

In 1995 Moody's (Warner Bros.) release of Young at Heart, was a tribute to songs that are associated with Frank Sinatra. With an orchestra and strings many people feel this is among the most beautiful of all James Moody recordings.

Moody's last recording for Warner Bros. is Moody Plays Mancini which showcases Moody on all of his horns and flute. A tribute to the American icon Henry Mancini.

Moody's 2004 release of Homage on the Savoy Label has been a great cause for celebration. His first new studio album in 6 years, the aptly named Homage is a tribute to Moody featuring new tunes specially written for him by the likes of Joe Zawinul, Chick Corea, Kenny Barron, Horace Silver, Herbie Hancock, David Hazeltine and Marc Copland. Bob Belden produced the project.

Whether Moody is playing the soprano, alto, tenor, or flute, he does so with deep resonance and wit. Moody has a healthy respect for tradition, but takes great delight in discovering new musical paths, which makes him one of the most consistently expressive and enduring figures in modern jazz today. To quote Peter Watrous of the New York Times, "As a musical explorer, performer, collaborator and composer he has made an indelible contribution to the rise of American music as the dominant musical force of the twentieth century."
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James Moody: 80 Years Young: Live at the Blue Note, March 26, 2005

Read "80 Years Young: Live at the Blue Note, March 26, 2005" reviewed by Jack Bowers

by Jack Bowers
May 22, 2025

When it comes to having fun, few events can compete with a birthday party. Fun is clearly at the summit of the agenda on 80 Years Young: Live at the Blue Note, recorded at the famed New York City nightspot on March 26, 2005, to celebrate saxophonist James Moody's eightieth birthday, and released on the same date in 2025 to honor the centenary of his birth. Moody, who with trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie comprised one of the most humorous and fun-loving ...

Radio & Podcasts

In the Mood for Moody Plus Horace Tapscott and the Pan Afrikan People's Arkestra, New Music from Jasper Hoiby, Jane Ira Bloom and Bela Fleck

by Hobart Taylor
May 22, 2025

Swing with James Moody, engage with Jasper Hoiby, reflect with Amina Claudine Myers and hold onto your hat with Jane Ira Bloom.Playlist Sofi Tukker “Veneno (with Mari Merenda & Sophia Ardessore)" from Butter (Self Produced) 0:00 Tarun Balani “The Laburnum Blooms" from Kadahin Milandaasin (Berthold) 2:24 Rita Donte “Zunzun Baba" from Ritual (Ansonia) 9:22 Host Speaks 14:39 Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra Led by Horace Tapscott “Herbert Baker Medley" from Live at Widney High December 26th, 1971 (The Village) ...

Liner Notes

James Moody: 80 Years Young - Live at the Blue Note, March 26, 2005

by Todd Coolman
May 21, 2025

It's an absolute thrill to share the memories of an unforgettable night--James Moody's 80th birthday celebration at the legendary Blue Note in New York City in 2005. This was the grand finale of a weeklong celebration that had already featured amazing performances from jazz giants like Jimmy Heath, Ray Barretto, Mike Longo, and George Wein. This live recording featuring Jon Faddis, Paquito D'Rivera, Slide Hampton, Randy Brecker, Roberta Gambarini and Cedar Walton is a true tribute to the extraordinary talent ...

Radio & Podcasts

Jazz International: Part 2

by Monk Rowe
September 19, 2023

Season 3 wraps up with powerful stories of aspiring jazz players who were willing to follow their passion even if it meant leaving their homeland. Joe Temperley, James Moody, Pierre Boussaguett, Ada Rovatti, Arturo Sandoval and Rossano Sportiello help us understand the jazz calling. ...

Album Review

Roberta Gambarini: Easy To Love

Read "Easy To Love" reviewed by Richard J Salvucci

by Richard J Salvucci
June 27, 2023

In 2007, All About Jazz reviewer Michael Caratti wrote: “This debut outing from Roberta Gambarini sees the Italian-born jazz vocalist pair up with two star-studded rhythm sections and legendary tenor saxophonist James Moody, to present what has to be one of the best vocal jazz albums of the decade. Opening with Cole Porter's classic title track Gambarini's exquisite tone and masterful rhythmic phrasing are immediately on display in the first a capella section. The gradual addition of bass and brushes ...

Radio & Podcasts

Records And Record Dates: Part 2

by Monk Rowe
March 22, 2023

A second spin on the recording business with stories from James Moody, Alicia Olatuja, Bela Fleck and Steve Allen. ...

Album Review

Miles Davis: Miles Davis With Tadd Dameron Revisited

Read "Miles Davis With Tadd Dameron Revisited" reviewed by Chris May

by Chris May
February 18, 2023

1949 was a year of massive change for Miles Davis, and not in a good way. It began, in January, with him fronting the first of the recording sessions, made with a nonet, that became generically known as The Birth Of The Cool and which, if he had achieved nothing else of note, would have secured him a lasting place in jazz history. It ended with him strung out on heroin, a habit that reversed his ascent and which took ...

Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: James Moody

Source: Michael Ricci
March 26, 2023

All About Jazz is celebrating James Moody's birthday today!

For over six decades, saxophone master James Moody has serenaded lovers with his signature song Moody's Mood for Love an improvisation on the chord progressions of I'm in the Mood for Love. Born in Savannah, Georgia on March 26, 1925, and raised in Newark, New Jersey, James Moody took up the alto sax, a gift from his uncle, at the age of 16. Within a few years he fell under the ...
read more

Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: James Moody

Source: Michael Ricci
March 26, 2022

All About Jazz is celebrating James Moody's birthday today!

Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: James Moody

Source: Michael Ricci
March 26, 2021

All About Jazz is celebrating James Moody's birthday today!

Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: James Moody

Source: Michael Ricci
March 26, 2020

All About Jazz is celebrating James Moody's birthday today!

Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: James Moody

Source: Michael Ricci
March 26, 2019

All About Jazz is celebrating James Moody's birthday today!

For over six decades, saxophone master James Moody has serenaded lovers with his signature song Moody\'s Mood for Love an improvisation on the chord progressions of I\'m in the Mood for Love. Born in Savannah, Georgia on March 26, 1925, and raised in Newark, New Jersey, James Moody took up the alto sax, a gift from his uncle, at the age of 16... Read more.

Place our Musician of the Day ...
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Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: James Moody

Source: Michael Ricci
March 26, 2018

All About Jazz is celebrating James Moody's birthday today!

Place our Musician of the Day ...
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Video / DVD

James Moody: Overbrook

Source: JazzWax by Marc Myers
December 26, 2017

James Moody remains one of jazz's most soulful saxophonists and flutists. He had a huge, friendly personality and an ear for taking standards and re-inventing original melodies as a much brighter and hipper renditions. He also was a dynamic songwriter in his own right. But in 1957, at age 32, he enduring a near-catastrophic life-changing turning point. First, let's back up for a bit of context. During World War II, Moody played in the segregated Army band, and upon his ...
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Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: James Moody

Source: Michael Ricci
March 26, 2017

All About Jazz is celebrating James Moody's birthday today!

Place our Musician of the Day ...
read more

Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: James Moody

Source: Michael Ricci
March 26, 2016

All About Jazz is celebrating James Moody's birthday today!

Place our Musician of the Day ...
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Video / DVD

Weekend Extra: James Moody, Flutist

Source: Rifftides by Doug Ramsey
June 20, 2015

One of the pre-eminent alto and tenor saxophonists of his time, James Moody (1925-2010) was also a flutist of extraordinary technique and imagination. Dozens of saxophonists have doubled on flute and a few—Sam Most, Eric Dolphy and Paul Horn, among them—have become as well-known for their flute playing as for their saxophone work. Moody was celebrated equally for both. For eight years in the 1960s and 1970s he was the other horn in Dizzy Gillespie’s quintet. From the mid-forties they ...
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