William Moore--Tidewater Musician

Essex County · dedicated 2005 · Church Lane between Parker Pl. and Marsh St.

William "Bill" Moore was born in Georgia in 1893. Nearby stood his home and barbershop. Paramount recorded Moore in Chicago in 1928 and released eight songs, some of the earliest by an African American folk performer from Virginia. They are still valued and performed by musicians. "Old Country Rock," a dance tune, refers to the Rappahannock River and the town of Tappahannock, while "Barbershop Rag" testifies to his fine ragtime guitar style and his profession. Moore also performed blues for his customers and dance audiences as well as popular songs such as "Ragtime Millionaire." He died in Fauquier County in 1951 and is buried in the Warrenton Cemetery.

David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries

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William Moore--Tidewater Musician

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