Big Chief Russell Moore facts for kids

"Big Chief" Russell Moore (August 13, 1912 – December 15, 1983) was an American jazz trombonist. Moore was a member of the Pima tribe. He grew up on a Native American reservation. Later, he moved to Chicago and then Los Angeles. He learned to play many instruments. He finally chose the trombone.

Throughout his career, Moore worked with many famous artists. These included Frank Sinatra, Lionel Hampton, and Alberta Hunter. He also made recordings under his own name. He is best remembered for playing in Louis Armstrong's famous band.

Russell Moore's Life and Music Career

Growing Up: Early Life and Music

Russell Moore was born in Gila Crossing, Arizona in 1912. This was on the Gila River Indian Community reservation. He was a member of the Pima tribe. Music was a very important part of life on the reservation. People didn't have many record players or radios.

Moore heard music from local school bands. He also heard traditional Pima music. This made him interested in music from a young age. After his father died in 1924, Moore moved to Illinois. He lived with his uncle and aunt. His uncle was a bandleader. He taught Russell many instruments. These included trumpet, French horn, and trombone.

In 1929, Moore moved to Chicago's South Side. He worked different jobs there. One day, he heard Louis Armstrong play for the first time. This happened outside the Savoy Ballroom. Moore later went back to school. He played trombone in his high school band. In 1933, he graduated. He was even called "up and coming jazz man of the year."

Becoming a Professional Musician

After graduating, Moore moved to Los Angeles. He worked as a freelance musician. This means he played trombone with different artists. His career really took off in 1935. He joined Lionel Hampton’s band. He left Hampton's group when they moved to New York City.

Moore stayed in Los Angeles for a while. Then he returned to the Gila River reservation. After touring with another band, he joined Papa Celestin's band in Louisiana. He moved to New Orleans. There, he played with many different groups.

In the early 1940s, Moore played with Alberta Hunter and Noble Sissle. In 1944, musicians from Louis Armstrong's orchestra saw Moore play. They asked him to meet Armstrong in New York. After this meeting, Moore became the lead trombonist. He played with Armstrong's last big band for three years.

Touring the World with Jazz Legends

After Armstrong's big band broke up, Moore joined Sidney Bechet's quartet. He toured Europe with them. Moore continued to tour a lot in the 1950s. He played with many famous musicians. These included Pee Wee Russell, Eddie Condon, and Frank Sinatra.

In 1964, Moore rejoined Louis Armstrong's band, the All Stars. He took Trummy Young's place. With this group, Moore played on famous Armstrong recordings. One of these was Hello Dolly. Moore toured across Europe, Asia, and the Pacific with the All Stars.

After leaving the All Stars, Moore played with Lester Lanin’s Society Orchestra. He played at important events. These included the first presidential balls for John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, and Richard Nixon. He also played at events in the United Kingdom. He even met the Duke and Duchess of Windsor once.

In the 1970s, Moore released two albums under his own name. These were Russell “Big Chief” Moore’s Pow Wow Jazz Band and Russell Moore Volume II. These albums were printed in very small numbers. In the early 1980s, Moore led a Dixieland band. He toured Canada and England. Poor health stopped him from touring more.

Later Life and Legacy

One of Moore's last performances was in 1982. It was a televised show called "Night of the First Americans." This took place at the Kennedy Centre. He played his own song, "Chant for Wounded Knee."

Russell Moore died in Nyack, New York in December 1983. He had been sick for a long time with diabetes. His funeral had a six-piece jazz band. Moore was buried at Oak Hill Cemetery.

The New York Times published an obituary for Moore. This made him the only member of the Pima tribe to receive one. In 1998, the Russell Moore Music Fest was started. It takes place at the Gila River Reservation.

Personal Life

Moore met Ida Powless in the 1950s. She was a member of the Oneida Nation and a schoolteacher. They married in 1956 and adopted two children.

Moore was very proud of his Native American heritage. He was also proud of his "Big Chief" nickname. He often took part in events for the Native American community. He encouraged young Native Americans to be proud of their background.

Discography

• Russell "Big Chief" Moore's Powwow Jazz Band (Jazz Art, 1973)
• Russell "Big Chief" Moore, Vol. 2 (Jazz Art, 1975)