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James Moody Obituary
Moody's wife, Linda McGowan Moody, says he died Thursday at San Diego Hospice after battling pancreatic cancer for 10 months.
Moody is best known for his 1949 hit "Moody's Mood for Love," an interpretation of the 1935 ballad "I'm in the Mood for Love."
Wynton Marsalis told the San Diego Union-Tribune that Moody was a "titan of our music."
Moody was nominated for four Grammies. He received a 1998 National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters award and a 2007 Kennedy Center Living Jazz Legend Award.
Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press
Memories and Condolences
for James Moody
141 Entries
Marvin Muskat
November 29, 2015
I, also, am a saxophonist graduate of Arts High School, Newark, NJ. I graduated slightly earlier than James, but we all bow to his fame as probably the best that ever attended that school. My prayers to Linda and her family. I treasure the one time I was lucky enough to meet James in person, here in San Diego, a few years ago. I do not play any longer (pinky problems)
but saxophone was my instrument, and I always tried (but never succeeded)to emulate the famous James Moody. He was
sorely needed in Heaven, and that is where they are lucky to hear his melodies.
April 23, 2014
Mr. Moody was one of the greatest musical influences in my life. His flute work was spectacular, and he made a sound/tatoo on all who encountered that musicality....standing in his own truth...it was beautiful. Thank you James Moody for your contribution to the globe.
Becky Friend (voice/flute/jazz)
July 7, 2011
Moody's mood for love, That was my favorite. To the famiy of James, May God keep you in His care and keeping. Ps. 46:1.
Deborah SilverKnight
January 15, 2011
THANKYOU! THANKYOU! THANKYOU,Mr. James Moody...you are a treasure! My heartfelt condolences to his family&friends...You will always be in our hearts&minds...Your wonderful music is eternal! Blessings!
corey DeWaard
December 29, 2010
I have the extra pleasure of having know moody on a personal level for almost
50 years. in the us and europe. he was an extra ordinary person and very funny,besides being the best on his horn.I,ll miss him and will think of him
always.
December 29, 2010
i v knwn moody on a personal bsis since
we firt met at the hotel in L.A. and met
several times in europe and became friends.the last time we met was in granada,spain. boy, will I miss him
corey deWaard, andalusia
Sep Troelstra
December 22, 2010
To Linda & family,
My condolences on your loss, my deepest sympathy goes with you in these difficult times.
Thank you "Moody" for all the beautiful music. May he rest in peace.
Rick Peters
December 20, 2010
To the Moody Family,
James Moody was one of my all time favorites. I loved Moody's Mood from the first time I heard it. I saw him perform live on at least a half dozen occassions. He was an outstanding musician and entertainer. Combining his talents with Diz made for a wonderful evening. He will be missed . . .
December 19, 2010
True Giant,I saw Moody early 90's in Atlanta, a True Treasure
Kim Scriven-Laramore
December 18, 2010
To the Moody Family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. May he rest in peace. Lean on the Lord in your time of sorrow.
Ken Sherman
December 18, 2010
Linda-
My heartfelt condolences. The world has lost a treasure!!
Going back almost 50 years, Moody talked me into playing jazz flute in addition to sax. Since then, believe me, he's been in my soul every time I am onstage or in the studio. In his music and philosophy about life, Moody will live forever.
With best wishes
Ken Sherman
December 18, 2010
Hello: To the family of Mr. MOODY: My thoughts goes out to the family at this difficult time in their lives. Let GOD help this family find peace through the bible scripture: Eccl. 9:10.
Ms. Perkins.
M. Jones
December 18, 2010
James Moody made wonderful Jazz music. May Jehovah comfort all who loved and cared about him during these difficult days. You all are in my prayers.
Marvin Barnes
December 17, 2010
May he rest in peace.
HORACE FULTON,PHD.
December 17, 2010
TO THE MOODY FAMILY:LET IT BE KNOWN THAT JAMES MOODY WAS TRULY ONE OF THE BEST !!!
BILLIE LACEY
December 17, 2010
My thoughts and prayers go out to the "MOODY" family!
Marilyn Darby
December 17, 2010
My thoughts and prayers go out to Linda and her family on the passing of her beloved Moody. I suffered the same loss when my beloved Brock Peters died with that dreaded Pancreatic Cancer. Linda and James came to the Memorial Services to show their love for my loss. God will help you endure your loss. I am praying for you. Love you, Marilyn Darby
M B
December 16, 2010
To the Family and Friends of Mr. James Moody.
I am sorry for your great loss. May you also treasure great memories of Mr. James Moody and always listen to the beuatiful Jazz that he has left behind. Just know that your suffering has not gone unnotice by our Heavenly father because "He is healing the brokenhearted one and is binding up their painful spots." Psalm 147:3
December 16, 2010
To the Moody Family,
Please accept our heart felt condolences on the loss of James Moody.
“May the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort” be with you during this difficult time. The McKnight Family of NJ
Michael Lanier
December 16, 2010
Another jazz legend has joined the heavenly jam session. May God bless the family. He will always be remembered as one of the greats.
briana varner
December 16, 2010
-James moody might be gone but he will never be forgotten.He touched a lot of people with his music.Thanks James Moody!
ida stocks
December 16, 2010
so sorry moody is gone to a better place i saw him in neworlean doing the jazz fest in 2005so i say R I P MOODY GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY
Brenda Adams
December 16, 2010
I am so sorry for your loss. Although I didn't know him personally, Mr. Moody was one of my favorite entertainers. I have a thing for saxophonists. I will always remember him from his "Moody's Mood for Love." May he rest in peace.
Marilyn Darby
December 16, 2010
My thoughts and prayers go out to Linda and her family on the passing of her beloved Moody. I suffered the same loss when my beloved Brock Peters died with that dreaded Pancreatic Cancer. Linda and James came to the Memorial Services to show their love for my loss. God will help you endure your loss. I am praying for you. Love you, Marilyn Darby
Marilyn Darby
December 16, 2010
My thoughts and prayers go out to Linda and her family on the passing of her beloved Moody. I suffered the same loss when my beloved Brock Peters died with that dreaded Pancreatic Cancer. Linda and James came to the Memorial Services to show their love for my loss. God will help you endure your loss. I am praying for you. Love you, Marilyn Darby
December 16, 2010
One of the best jazz musicians of our time.
Sharon Downing
December 15, 2010
There you go, there you go, there you go...There you go...Mr. Moody your jazz is the one who snaps my control...Just a funny thing but every time I hear you I cannot walk away...I hear your jazz and then I'm wrapped up in your music... Muuuuusic all around me, crazy music, music that keeps calling me so very close to you...Blow me away…Come and play anything that you want to..Anything James just let me hear you… I'm not ashamed I really do hear, heaven in your horn...bright as stars that shine up above you an Angel is born...I don't worry about not livin without you, your music stays here..Don't have no fear...Oh, oh is there wonder why? I'm always in the mood for jazz...
Mrs. Dean Royal
December 15, 2010
To the James Moody family, our Thoughts and Prayers are with you during this difficult time. James and Haskell Royal was friends and was on many Jazz cruises together, they would talk about the good old days. Haskell passed May 2007. I am so sorry for your loss, I know you all had some good years together. I look back over the 44 years Haskell and I was together. Mrs. Moody you will miss him, but look at all of the wonderful people he has touched. Just know I am praying for you and family.
December 15, 2010
I am truly sorry for your loss. I didnt know Mr Moody, but he sounded like a wonderful,talented man, and sure he will be greatly missed. Continue to rely on our Heavenly Father for strength to endure.
DM
Joye Atkinson
December 15, 2010
My prayer is that these words God gave me will comfort you. They are MESSAGE FROM A LOVED ONE. I know your hearts are heavy & you miss having me there but I'm with God in heaven where no one has a care. I just shook hands with Moses I met Job and Daniel too. Now I am enjoying a body that's brand new. It really was amazing when I walked through the gate I saw the beauty of this place and I could hardly wait. To see the many wondrous things I'd heard about for years. A place where all is joy and peace; a place that's free from tears. Peter said "Now come with me I'll take you to your guide". Soon I was standing with Jesus by my side. He took me by the hand and said "I'm so glad you came! Your place is reserved in heaven's choir; sing praises to My name". You should see my mansion it's a sight to see. Jesus had it custom built espsecially for me. I'm having the best time up here so don't be sad and blue. I'm looking forward to the day when I can usher you into this very special place where we'll live forever more. Please live for God so you won't miss the things He has in store.
-Joye Atkinson (Gallatin TN)
Stan T
December 15, 2010
He taught every jazz player how to improvise.
Ernest Joseph, Jr.
December 15, 2010
My deepest sympathy to the Moody family: I was fortunate enough to see Mr. Moody four times in my lifetime, twice at the Montreaux Jazz Festival in Downtown Detroit, and twice at the Max Fisher in Detroit, Michigan. Thanks for the memories!
A fan, Ernest Joseph, Jr.
Reed Family
December 15, 2010
God see your tears and pain of heart, He is near to those that are broken at heart;
And those who are crushed in spirit he saves.
John Bankston
December 15, 2010
You set the Mood in us all thanks for the memories.You'll never be forgotten,ever.
The Goo Baby 1965
J. Rhines
December 14, 2010
My deepest sympathy to the Family. May the God of all comfort grant you peace in your hour of sorrow. 1Cor. 1:3
Sandy Crawford
December 14, 2010
An all time Jazz great & a wonderful personality.Heard him a few times when he visited Scotland and he always played superbly & put his life & soul into his performances. A sad loss. RIP
Howard Hudson
December 14, 2010
I Hope you Live forever Mr. Moody
Sandy Crawford
December 14, 2010
One of the all time greats.Heard him several times in Scotland, including The Black Bull hotel in Milngavie.Amazing musician & all round entertainer.
R.I.P
Phyllis Wilson
December 14, 2010
My deepest sympathies to the Moody family. How I love the Sax and Jazz-so did he. But this is not the end and better times are ahead. Rev. 21:3+4. His music will live on in our minds and hearts.
Norwood Russell
December 14, 2010
May he enter the garden of happiness, be cleansed with the most pure water, and granted to behold Thy splenders on the loftiest mount.Peace and Blessings to you Linda and the rest of the family.
Norwood Russell
December 14, 2010
May he enter the garden of happiness, be cleansed with the most pure water, and be granted to behold Thy spendors on the loftiest mount. Peace and Blessings to you Linda and the rest of the family.
Llillian Crosby
December 14, 2010
Hello ! Moody 's ! I would like to send my fellow feeling to you all .Lossing a dear love one breaks the circle of life. Mr. Moody loved Jazz from the many remarks and so many enjoyed listening to him also. Music is great for the soul. We all are affected by death and know the feeling and want to let you all know we cares and long for better times, Ps.145:16. May your journel of life be filled with all the many cherish memories with Mr. Moody and knowing that your heavenly father is there with all the comfort needed.
Tim Hunt
December 14, 2010
Ahh.. James Moody. One of the greats. RIP
edward george
December 14, 2010
James played at the Tangier in Akron many times with Dizzy--we were honored to have him on our stage--our deepest sympathies--
December 14, 2010
James Moody have touched the lives of so many people and will truly be missed by all. May Our Heavenly Father comfort the family, friends, fans and grant you peace to help you to cope during these difficult days. I offer my sincere condolences to you all. Phil 4:6,7
Micheal L. Nesbitt
December 14, 2010
My Sincere Condolences..
Micheal L. Nesbitt
Burbank,CA.
Edwina Wilson
December 14, 2010
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Mary Ann C Golden
December 13, 2010
You are one of my favorite Jazz players, up there with Ahmad Jamal.
December 13, 2010
Simply because his spiritual rhythms will always be near us.
Blow baby!
William Council, Camden, NJ
Bill Swoopes
December 13, 2010
Mr Moody...what a great musician....what a great individual. You will be missed.Please rest in peace!
December 13, 2010
Sorry about your lost. Debra Front Chicageo
Denisha
December 13, 2010
My deepest condolences to you all for your precious loss. When tragedy happens the pain, the grief, and the feelings of helplessness can be unbearable. But, it's times like this we need to go to God's Word for Comfort, Hope & Strength. Isaiah 41:13
Autumn Streat
December 13, 2010
I first heard "Moody's Mood For Love" in 1969 when I was 14...it has and shall remain the theme song for my life..how precious the man and words...if there's a cloud up above go on and let it rain I'm sure our love together will endure a hurricane....is there a cloud up above? Yes, and he is swinging on it...God Bless, I will miss you...
Rena
December 13, 2010
My deepest sympathy to the family for a jazz legend that will be missed by many. May you always remember, "God is healing the brokenhearted ones and binding up their painful spots" -Psalms 147:3.
John Earl
December 13, 2010
There I go, There I go, There I go again,
I will miss you James.
george cuneo
December 13, 2010
"James Moody you can come in and blow now if you want to. We're through."
December 13, 2010
Linda and family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Sincerely,
Diane Phillips-Locke
Darya Flagg-Moore
December 13, 2010
My deepest sympathies for the passing of the Legendary innovative, totally Unique Beloved James Moody. His music touched my heart as a mere child. It moved me even at the age of 6 when I didn't even know what jazz was. Music truly is Universal and so was he. What a precious gift he has left us in his Music. His memory will always be honored and cherished and his music will be enjoyed for all time.
James & Juanita Grant Jr.
December 13, 2010
The Los Aficiandos Jazz Society along with James & Juanita Grant and Gail Brown would like to extend there deepest sympathy in the passing of the greatest saxophonist that ever lived James Moody.
James & Juanita Grant Jr.
December 13, 2010
The Los Aficiandos Jazz Society as well as James and Juanita Grant and Gail sends their deepest sympathy for the loss of the greatest saxophonist that ever lived.
Anthony Champion
December 13, 2010
There I go,there I go, Brother you will
be missed.
Harold Abdullah
December 13, 2010
Mr. Moody's body may be gone, but his spirit is in our heart forever. The story of his intelligent creation of Moody's Mood for Love, has inspired musicians all over the world for crearive innovation. I thank Higher Power and his family for permitting his presence among us. May his living legacy stay with us forever. (H. Karriem Abdullah, French horn)
SMFX
December 13, 2010
There I go, There I go. In memory of JG.
Leslie Garrison
December 13, 2010
As a child, my father, who played sax, and my mother, who sang, would delight me with their rendition of Mr. Moody's version of "I'm in the Mood for Love." I grew up on that song, and it's still one of my favorites. They're both gone now, but when I hear it, I think of them. Now I'll also think of you.
May God Bless You for your music, Mr. Moody,
A Fan
Arlene Webster
December 13, 2010
I saw Mr. Moody 8or 9 years ago at the Cape May, NJ Jazz Festival. Of course, he sang "Moody's Mood for Love"...and the whole room sang along with him. What a nice and personable man.(Oscar Brown, Jr. was there also, and now they are both gone.) I extend my sympathy to his famuly.....thanks for sharing him with us.
Arlene Webster
Ken Cooper
December 13, 2010
I met James on the Playboy Jazz Cruise in 2007. Not only an amazing musician, but a super nice guy. Sorry to see him go.
Steve Hinds
December 13, 2010
I was sorry to hear of Mr. Moody's passing. I have many of his early albums, and felt his playing was truly inspirational. He will be missed, but his music will live on.
Steve Hinds
Seminole, Fl.
DIANE WILSON
December 13, 2010
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
December 13, 2010
As a child my Mother would sing Moody's mood for love to me. That was and is my favorite all time song and i would sing it to my children . Sorry for your lost. Phyllis (Toledo Ohio)
Gloria Thomas
December 13, 2010
I'm so glad that music is timeless. Rest in peace
Joseph Metoyer
December 13, 2010
I grew up listening to James Moody in the 50"s. My first album was " Last Train from Overbrook" I still have it 52 years later. May the soul of James Moody rest in peace and long live the music of Mr. Moody.
Shirley Griffin
December 13, 2010
I am so sorry for your loss, may the God of all comfort and tender mercies be with you in your time of grief.
william martin
December 13, 2010
Sorry for your lost. Mr' Moody was a great musician and I'm sure a wonderful guy. He will be missed.
Linda
December 13, 2010
A soul such as Moody only comes this way but once. He was one in a million and will be missed by all of us. May his music live on forever and ever.
Janice Hopkins
December 12, 2010
May GOD bless your family members and may you rest in peace.
Theresa Atwood
December 12, 2010
My condolences to the entire Moody family. May the Holy Spirit comfort you at this time. People from around the world will share in the loss of your beloved one whose music touched our souls. Moody's Mood For Love will always be my favorite James Moody tune. It is my hope that in time, listening to the wonderful music James Moody recorded will bring a smile to your heart once again.
Victoria&Andrew VZj
December 12, 2010
Condolences to the
Moody Family..
more of a memo
inside a Jazznote
A classic performer..
may your rest in peaceful
Universe upon a star..
thank you so long 'JAMES'
December 12, 2010
Best Jazz Saxophonist I ever heard.
May he be in God's memory.
December 12, 2010
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Joanne Gray
December 12, 2010
May He Rest In Peace...He Was One Of My Late Father's Favorite...
Will Hargrove
December 12, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Margaret Forte
December 12, 2010
many many years ago I met James, he was a lovely person and wonderful musician...my sympathy to his family
Taylor H Martin
December 12, 2010
To The Moody Family
May God Be With You In This Time Of Sorrow
Taylor H Martin
Twinsburg OH
raul guerra
December 12, 2010
mr moody, god bless you, i grew up with your music,which i still have and enjoy, the world will miss you, rest in peace, till we meet again,
Patricia Barbee
December 12, 2010
Thanks for the years of making our ears and spirits happy.
With Gabriel, I know you are not blowing the "blues". Celebrate and keep Heaven's residents toes tapping.
EDWIN CROOMS
December 12, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Jerry Jeffries
December 11, 2010
Thanks Mr.Moody for your Beautiful Spirit in "Music and Life".You'll be missed.say Hi to Diz,Trane,Bird.God Bless!
Jerry Jeffries
December 11, 2010
James Moody Will See Trane,Bird,Diz,And All The Greats Such As HE>God Bless
December 11, 2010
Hello: To the family of Mr.MOODY: My thoughts goes out to the family at this difficult time in their lives. Let GOD help this family find peace and comfort through the bible scripture: Ps. 146:4.
Ms. Perkins.
S Walker
December 11, 2010
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Lezeria Marsh
December 11, 2010
We will miss you..with much love in our hearts and the love of the Lord.
December 11, 2010
Please accept my sincere condolences during this time of your loss. May you find comfort in knowing that God "is near to those broken at heart and those crushed in spirit he saves." (Psalm 34:18)
LOUIS ,S. WEBB,SR.
December 11, 2010
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
virgil Varner
December 11, 2010
The Mood is a little somber today, but happy is the thought that to revive James Moody, I can play his Music and reflect on what a treasure his life was and his Legacy is. Thanks James.
debra
December 11, 2010
so sorry for your loss may God watch over you .
A grateful mom
December 11, 2010
RIP Mr. Moody...an inspiration and the epitomy of sax players everywhere, including my 16 year old son, who will be playing sax today in an Honors Jazz Band Concert in Mr. Moody's memory/honor!
How lucky Heaven is to have your cool jazz sounds now...
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