Gloria Narramore Moody

While strolling to hear a concert at the open-air Seiji Ozawa Hall at Tanglewood in 2003, I noticed a plaque honoring one of the hall's contributors. It read Gloria N. Moody. It was one of countless ways Gloria contributed to the arts, not only in Birmingham, but well beyond. As the fine arts reporter and music critic for the Birmingham News, I was prompted to request, and was graciously granted, an interview with Gloria the following year, which turned into a 1,200-word profile, a career...

I am so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. So many wonderful childhood memories of her. One memory I have is playing the grand piano in the house near the Tuscaloosa Country Club. (I remember it looked like a castle) I was probably banging on the keys but she was just so patient and said find the middle C. Your mother came to both my grandmother and grandfather's funerals and of course my dad´s. My mother is in the last stages of dementia, otherwise she would definitely be at the...

There are some people who make us smile a little bigger care a little deeper and believe more in the goodness of life...precious memories of Gloria´s kindness to me will live forever in my heart! How we will miss her at Danberry! The brightness of a life well lived continues to shine. Gently, tenderly time heals. God´s grace peace and love to family!!

During the waning years of WW2, my grandmother Mary Otts said she, Ruth Fitts, and Susie Mayfield (and frequently visiting daughter Sara Mayfield) spent many evenings sitting on Mrs. Mayfield's broad antebellum porch, listening to young Gloria Narramore practice the piano at her parent's Country Club Hills home (the windows were open!) only one door away. All four women knew then that she would certainly make an indelible mark in the field of music in Tuscaloosa, but quite obviously Mrs....

I knew Gloria through her patronage of me as a tanglewood music fellow. She sponsored me for two of the most musically meaningful summers of my life. And then of course, through her unflagging support of the Alabama symphony orchestra where i am the principal flutist. I served with Gloria on many committees and her graciousness and insight were remarkable. I wish I was able to attend her services but I will be there in spirit. I´m holding all of her loved ones in the light.

My thoughts are with the Thomas and Moody families during their great loss. Gloria was a wonderful person who was as knowledgeable about music as anyone I´ve ever known. No one can ever know her true impact on the arts in Alabama. She was gracious, kind and beyond generous. The word "lovely" fit Gloria like a glove. In every way. My favorite memory of Gloria concerns a post recital reception at her beautiful home in Birmingham for opera diva Renee Fleming. The setting, food and drink were...