JUDY MOORE was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. She began taking piano lessons at the age of four and continued studying privately at the CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC there from age 13 to 19. She studied the pipe organ during this time; and held a full church organist’s position at the age of 15.
During teenage summer vacations, she entertained on excursion and party boats on the Ohio River. At age 16 she was guest soloist with the CINCINNATI SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA; and, at 17, was flown to Hollywood for a guest appearance on the LAWRENCE WELK TELEVISION SHOW. That same year, she returned to Cincinnati for a guest appearance with the Cincinnati Civic Orchestra.
At the age of 18, Judy began composing while continuing to entertain in the Ohio area until her move to Dallas in 1965. There she continued writing and playing for various clubs and hotels while raising her young children. From 1970 through 1976 she enjoyed a six year contract at the DALLAS HILTON HOTEL, where fans from all over the world came for her versatility—playing classics, pop, authentic ragtime and special inventive tributes to various composers and entertainers. This popularity continued as she began building her own business as a pianist for private parties in the finest country clubs and residences of Dallas.
Concern for the Viet Nam Prisoners of War and their wives led Judy to volunteer work with ROSS PEROT’S “United We Stand” organization in 1971. She wrote patriotic musical narratives and performed them for civic groups, inspiring them to help Perot’s efforts to get the POWs released.
Her deep love for America prompted the idea for a choral anthem entitled STAND UP! YOU’RE AN AMERICAN! which was performed at THE WHITE HOUSE in 1971 for President Nixon by the Ohio State Fair Youth Choir. This song has been sung all over the world. On July 4th, 1976, it was featured (with additional songs written by Judy) in concert at THE LIBERTY BELL in Philadelphia — and in concerts for the following three weeks that summer in the major halls and cathedrals in London, Paris, Germany and Austria by a Bicentennial Youth Choir, which she accompanied.
Her faith In God grew to a strong commitment as a Christian and she began sharing her faith through church concerts nationwide. She won a FREEDOMS FOUNDATION AWARD from Valley Forge during 1976 for her musical contributions; and she traveled again, in 1978, for a tour to Budapest, Warsaw, Lenningrad, Moscow and Rome.
Judy Moore’s compositions and songs (close to 1,000) range from religious, pop, ballads, patriotic and children’s material to “special material” tributes for individuals such as Bob Hope, Henry Kissinger, Red Skelton, Gene Kelly, John Wayne, Vic Damone and others. Her song, YA GOTTA HAVE HOPE was written for Bob Hope when he hosted the 1976 Miss Teenage America Contest In Tulsa, Oklahoma. It was again used during his appearance the following year in Dallas at the Convention Center, where she presented another tribute song she wrote for him, THANK YOU FOR YOUR LOVE.
Following the summer tour behind the Iron Curtain in 1978, Ms. Moore continued accepting concert dates and special programs spotlighting her unique musical ability and folksy humor. She produced and promoted a record album, and sought to establish her talents as a writer in television and films with trips to Los Angeles. During these jaunts to the West Coast, her music was reviewed and praised by various major studios, television and film producers and well known personalities. Many of them urged her to move to Los Angeles “where the contacts and deals were made” but Judy believed that Dallas would one day become a communications center and she wanted to establish her career at home while her children were young.
She formed JM PRODUCTIONS, INC. In 1978, which has served mainly as an umbrella for her copyrighted music – as well as her performing contractor. She continued entertaining at major hotels: THE ANATOLE, 1980-1982; THE LINCOLN, 1983; cruise ships out of Los Angeles and THE WYNDHAM, 1984; BENT TREE COUNTRY CLUB, 1985; Judy appeared weekends at NORTHWOOD COUNTRY CLUB, 1986 thru 1994.
Nationally, on Ootober 29, 1990, in Hershey, Pennsylvania, the RELIGIOUS HERITAGE OF AMERICA organization honored Judy Moore with a special Music Award at the 40th Annual Awards Ceremony. Believing that the application of Judeo-Christian principles which made America great, will keep America strong, RHA selected Ms. Moore for this, their first music award, because of her sincere devotion to God and Country through her talents in composition and performance. Since receiving the medal, she has been invited, each year, to perform at the Awards Dinner. In 1993 she was voted to the National Board of Directors, Chaired the ’94 Atlanta, Georgia Event and, again, in October 1995, chaired the National Awards Weekend in San Antonio.
Because of her attention to detail Dallas’ high-profile residents and corporations rely on Judy Moore as a consultant for weddings and special events requiring exceptional music and entertainment. She’s a charter member of The Association of Wedding Professionals and contributes music to charity and fundraising events honoring the Arts. Judy has performed frequently for President George W. Bush and many other national celebrities. The Meyerson Symphony Center was the setting for a concert featuring the Judy Moore Trio and a segment included the performance of her patriotic anthem, STAND UP! YOU’RE AN AMERICAN!. For the 150th Anniversary of The Buckner Children’s Home, Judy wrote a musical honoring its history called “Home At Last.” Judy’s Trio has performed annually for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra musicians at a luncheon in their honor at the Meyerson Symphony Center.
As Dallas’ premiere society pianist, Judy Moore has entered her 29th year at the Dallas Petroleum Club and continues weekly appearances at Brook Hollow Golf Club. Judy often leads larger bands for Ballroom Dances at Dallas Country Club, Bent Tree Country Club, Northwood Club and Lakewood Country Club. Matching music to menus and themes is an important ingredient in Judy’s success. JM Productions, Inc. is dedicated to Excellence and represents a variety of entertainment professionals listed on the Programs page.
If your organization is looking for an entertaining program, you will be thrilled by the incredible keyboard artistry—and enjoy the stories and songs shared in Judy’s personal appearances.