Gregory R. Moore

Gregory R. Moore, 60, of Newburgh, well-respected educator, author, musician, husband, father, son, and brother, died suddenly, but peacefully on Thursday, August 28th, surrounded by his loving family. One of life's true gentlemen, he will be sadly missed by all whose lives he touched.

Born on St. Patrick's Day 1948, he was a 1966 North High School graduate.

Music was his life. Teaching was his passion. By the age of 13, he was an accomplished guitar player and, along with his younger brother Pat on drums and friend Don Lee on bass, played the most popular night clubs in Evansville. Their exquisite costumes were lovingly sewn by their mother; big sister Mary was their biggest fan. The Moore boys still continued to captivate audiences with their musical prowess every time they had the opportunity to play on stage together.

While completing a Bachelor of Musical Science degree in Los Angeles, Greg apprenticed with one of the most respected producers in the history of music, R.A. 'Bumps' Blackwell. He had the opportunity to co-produce Bob Dylan, Thelma Houston, and many other artists. At Bumps' funeral, he was honored to be a pallbearer alongside Quincy Jones, Casey Kasem and Lou Rawls, with Little Richard officiating the Memorial Service.

Greg played guitar with the best in the Music Industry, including Frank Sinatra, Louis Prima, and The Diamonds. He traveled the world, met presidents and dignitaries, and even played for the Queen of England. Returning to his hometown in the late 1980s, he rented space in Newburgh and hung his sign advertising 'Greg Moore School Of Guitar.' It wasn't long before he had quite a roster of future guitar players. It was at this time he began work on his lifelong dream of writing an instructional book, geared to the 'serious' player. He completed Guitar Played Moore Effectively, augmented with completely original music scores, written and recorded by him. The General Manager of WNIN Public Broadcasting contacted him about formulating a prospective television series focusing on his unique guitar method, which encompasses the educational aspect of learning to play the guitar by teaching students to actually read music. In addition, a video series from this production was distributed all over the world in conjunction with the book.

The Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation, in association with Governor O'Bannon's office, launched the Safehaven Reachout Program, initially geared to provide activities for 'latchkey kids.' Guitar being the 'World's Most Popular Instrument,' Greg's method was a natural fit for the program. Every year for the 7-year duration, thirty-five children each received a guitar, case, book, and 32-weeks of instruction, free of charge. An entrepreneur, familiar with the success of the program in Evansville, contracted him to provide a similar program for his Alma Mater in Marshall, Illinois, which continued for the past ten years.

Greg's ultimate goals were to complete another book and as a mentor, continue to strive to positively impact all aspects of life through his private teaching. He dedicated himself to a lifelong commitment... to be the best he could be through the love of God, his family, and his friends. An inner peace that had taken a lifetime to acquire was with him over the past few months. He truly had come to believe "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

He was preceded in death by his father Raymond Bud Moore and stepfather Gilbert Cook.

Greg is survived by his wife of eight years, Bobbi Warren-Moore; son, Matthew Moore of Nashville, TN; mother, Geneva Cook of Evansville; sister, Mary Scheller and her husband, David, of Evansville; brother, Pat Moore and his wife, Sharon, of Newburgh; stepchildren; stepgrandchildren; nieces; and nephews.

In lieu of a funeral, a Memorial Service in celebration of Greg's life will be held on Sunday, August 31 at 7 p.m. at Alexander Newburgh Chapel, officiated by Pastor Randy Hopkins. Friends may visit from 4 p.m. until the service begins. Greg's wish is to be cremated, his ashes scattered on a mountaintop over his beloved Emerald Bay in Lake Tahoe where he and Bobbi were married.

Condolences may be made online at www.mem.com. Arrangements be Alexander Newburgh Chapel, 5333 State Road 261.