Dorothy Moore
Dorothy Moore is an acclaimed American soul and R&B singer best known for her 1976 hit "Misty Blue." Born on October 13, 1946, in Jackson, Mississippi, she rose to prominence with her powerful, emotive vocals rooted in gospel traditions.
Moore was raised by her great-grandmother after being born to parents J.B. Mance and Mary Mance. Her mother discovered her vocal vibrato at age three, and by five, she sang in the church choir at New Strangers’ Home Baptist Church, later becoming a soloist. She attended Smith Robinson Elementary, Mary C. Jones Elementary, and Lanier High School, frequently winning talent shows at the Alamo Theater.
She started professionally in the 1960s with the girl group The Poppies, signing with Epic Records in 1966. She shifted to background vocals in the early 1970s before launching a solo career with Malaco Records in 1976, where "Misty Blue" hit #2 on R&B charts and #3 on Billboard Hot 100. Follow-ups like "Funny How Time Slips Away" and "I Believe You" (a #1 R&B hit) solidified her success; she has released over 16 albums, many featuring country songwriters.
After a 1978 hiatus, Moore returned in 1982, releasing gospel album Giving It Straight to You in 1986 and touring Japan in 1989. She founded Farish Street Records in 2002 and continued recording, including I'm Doing Alright in 2005. Nominated for four Grammys, she won an Image Award, NATRA Female R&B Vocalist of the Year, Billboard Magazine Award, and Governor's Award for Excellence in the Arts; she also served on the Blues Foundation board.
Moore is a mother of two—a son and a daughter—and remains active in music and volunteering as of recent years.
Misty Blue
Written-By – Phillip Mitchell
3:31
A2 Dark End Of The Street
Written-By – C. Moman, D. Penn
2:50
A3 Funny How Time Slips Away
Written-By – Willie Nelson
3:48
A4 Laugh It Off
Written-By – Carson Whitsett
3:08
A5 Misty Blue
Written-By – B. Montgomery
3:38
B1 Enough Woman Left (To Be Your Lady)
Written-By – Carson Whitsett
3:02
B2 I Don't Want To Be With Nobody But You
Written-By – Eddie Floyd
4:12
B3 Ain't That A Mother's Luck
Written-By – D. Zimmerman, J. Strickland
3:17
B4 Too Much Love
Written-By – Carson Whitsett, Eddie Floyd
3:22
B5 It's So Good
Written-By – Eddie Floyd
2:28h
Label: Malaco Records – M 6351
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1976
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Southern Soul
Dorothy Moore's Misty Blue album, especially the classic 1976 release, is lauded for her stunning, soulful voice, particularly on the iconic title track, a massive crossover hit showcasing her powerful, yet smooth, delivery that blends classic soul with R&B, making it a beloved staple for soul fans despite disco's rise.
Critics and fans praise its enduring relevance, emotional depth, and Moore's ability to convey deep feeling, though some find later tracks lean towards bland proto-disco, making compilations or the expanded editions popular for comprehensive collections.
Moore's voice is consistently described as beautiful, strong, silky, and velvety, allowing her to deliver heartfelt ballads and soulful tunes.
Title Track "Misty Blue": This song is the album's centerpiece, a massive hit that defined her career, known for its emotional depth and crossover appeal.
A blend of classic soul, R&B, and blues, often seen as a throwback to the 60s, providing nostalgia and genuine feeling. Even decades later, listeners find the music relevant, with some albums being "miles ahead" of standard compilations.
While the title track and first few songs are often called "killer," some tracks drift towards blandness, with standout moments on bonus tracks or other soul-funk numbers like "Ain't That a Mother's Luck".
In essence: Misty Blue is celebrated for Dorothy Moore's exceptional voice and the timeless quality of its best tracks, making it a must-have for soul music lovers, especially for the iconic single and the rich emotional journey it offers.