After a lingering illness, Lionel “Billy” Moore made his final transition on November 16, 2021. This is now a time for us to pause and experience peace and personal reflections. His wife of 55 years and his family extends their heartfelt thanks to each one for your prayers and memorable thoughts. Billy Moore has “Lived his dash” for 87 God given years. He can now rest in peace. 

Mr. Billy Moore began his teaching career at Dunbar Elementary-Junior-Senior High School in Green Cove Springs, Florida. From 1955 to 1956 he taught History, Band and Choir. He went on to teach Marching Band and Symphonic Band at Northwestern Junior-Senior High School from 1957 to 1963.

 Dr. Billy Moore later became the consummate professional percussionist, having played in almost all venues open to percussionists: symphony orchestras, philharmonic orchestras, Broadway shows, big bands, jazz groups of all sizes, concert bands, film and recording studio orchestras and more. He has performed all over the U.S. and many other countries. 

The list of top artists with whom he has performed is a veritable Who’s Who of the entertainment industry: Count Basie, Ray Charles, Lena Horne, Bob Hope, Sammy Davis Jr., Nellie Lutcher, Stevie Wonder, Dakota Staton, Redd Foxx, Oscar Brown Jr., Earl Grant, Billy Taylor, Percy Mayfield, The Four Tops, The New Christy Minstrels, Billy Daniels, Diana Ross, George Kirby, Maxine Weldon, and many, many more! 

After graduating from Stanton Senior High School in Jacksonville, Florida, Billy Moore enrolled at Florida A&M University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and Music Education from FAMU (Marching “100” and Gallery of Distinction). Dr. Moore continued his studies by receiving a Master’s degree in Music and Music Education from Teachers College-Columbia University and the Doctorate in in Music and Music History from Columbia State University. 

Dr. Moore studies mallet percussion under the great master teacher Earl Hatch (Marimbas Unlimited-N. Hollywood). He is a Life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. (Grand Polemarch’s Certificate of Appreciation/Operating Assistant0, Sigma Alpha Iota (Distinguished Music Educator0, and Life Member of Hollywood Local #47- American Federation of Musicians. Furthermore, he is also an inductee into (Jacksonville, Florida) Durkeeville Historical Society, Ritz Theatre, and La Villa Museum. 

While pursuing his professional goals in Los Angeles, he founded the Billy Moore Studio of Percussion. For 25 years he trained the best of the best. He retired from Clark Atlanta University (Atlanta, GA) after teaching for 13 years as Instructor of Percussion. 

To those who had the opportunity of knowing Dr. Billy Moore, he truly was a uniquely talented individual who touched the lives of so many with his outgoing personality, his teaching, and musical talents. His legacy shall live on. He may be gone but not forgotten.