Johnny “Dizzy” Moore
October 5, 1938 – August 16, 2008
Johnny “Dizzy” Moore is best remembered as a founding member of reggae’s the Skatalites, with whom he played the trumpet. Formed in 1964, the Skatalites were one of ska’s pioneers. Moore died of colon cancer at the age of 69.
Rudy Lewis
August 23, 1936 – May 20, 1964
After a run singing with the Clara Ward Singers, Rudy Lewis joined the Drifters as part of the group’s second generation that followed Clyde McPhatter. In the group alongside Ben E. King, Lewis sang lead on such classic recordings as “Some Kind Of Wonderful,” “On Broadway,” and “Up On The Roof.” He also sang most of King’s songs in concert since King was not permitted to tour with the group. On May 21, 1964, Lewis was scheduled to go into the studio to record their future hit, “Under The Boardwalk,” but his body was found in his bed, dead from the night before. Cause of death was never determined, as some accounts claimed he overdosed, while others said he choked to death in his sleep, likely due to binge eating. Johnny Moore went on to record the song.
Johnny Moore
December 14, 1934 – December 30, 1998
Johnny Moore is best remembered as the lead singer for famed doo-wop vocal group, the Drifters. He was asked to join the group in 1951 but was soon drafted and had to leave the group. In 1964, he rejoined after the group’s singer, Rudy Lewis had recently died. Moore recorded the lead vocal of what would become the Drifters’ biggest hit, “Under the Boardwalk.” He also sang on such records as “Come on Over to My Place” and “Saturday Night at the Movies.” Johnny Moore stayed with the group until he passed away in 1998.
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