Interview with Bob Moore, July 8, 2005

Interview Summary

Bob Moore, a notable bass player, begins the interview by discussing his childhood and interest in music. Moore explains why he started to play the bass and describes his music career during high school. Moore's time spent at the Grand Ole Opry as a child is also mentioned. Moore's first professional music gig when he was a teenager is described. Additionally, Moore chronicles his career in country music, beginning with his time spent playing with Paul Howard and His Arkansas Cotton Pickers. Moore lists some of the bass players that have influenced his playing style. Moore recalls when he played with Little Jimmy Dickens early in Moore's career. Moore then discusses some technical aspects of playing the bass, including techniques, tone, and bass configurations. Issues between orchestra players and the bluegrass string instrument community are explored. Moore details some essential bass maintenance practices. Moore highlights his career in radio in the Nashville area, working with notable musicians such as Flatt and Scruggs. The role of beats in bluegrass music is considered. Moore then discusses at length his time spent in the music recording industry, playing the bass in many different music genres. Moore reveals his favorite recording sessions from his career. Moore assesses the differences between studio musicians and road musicians. The role of technology in country music editing is also mentioned. Moore discusses Benny Martin's music and personality traits. Moore lists who he considers to be the best bass players in his generation. Moore evaluates the impact of the electric bass on country music. Moore also discusses a musical lick he brought to country music, influential bluegrass musicians, and his retirement from studio work. Moore provides advice to bass players and considers the widespread recognition of his work in country music. Moore talks of his future plans to travel and discusses the overall significance of his career. Moore describes his upright bass and demonstrates some bass-playing techniques. Moore concludes the interview with a brief reflection on his desired musical legacy.

Interview Keyword

Bass players Bass Upright bass Bassists Jam-Up and Honey (Artist) Paul Howard (Artist) Paul Howard and His Arkansas Cotton Pickers (Artist) Little Jimmy Dickens (Artist) Radio programs Flatt and Scruggs (Artist) Earl Scruggs (Artist) Lester Flatt (Artist) Jim & Jesse (Artist) Owen Bradley (Artist) Red Foley (Artist) Recording studios Recording sessions Benny Martin (Artist) Electric bass Licks (Music) Techniques Technology

Interview LC Subject

Childhood Nashville (Tenn.) High schools Grand ole opry (Radio program) Western swing (Music) Jazz Big bands Radio stations Record labels Columbia Records, Inc. Decca Records (Firm) RCA Records Capitol Records, Inc. Sound engineers Bluegrass music. Bluegrass musicians Bands (Music) Country music. Musical groups. Musical instruments. Musical performance Musicians Music--Performance. Sound--Recording and reproducing

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may only be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.