General Information

Title:

Scotty Moore Papers

Dates:

Inclusive, 1950-2008, undated

Extent:

6.54 Linear feet (4 records cartons, 1 Hollinger box, 1 half Hollinger box, 1 shared oversize box) 

Language:

English

Processing Information:

Processed by Rachel Somerville, Project Archivist. Completed February 11, 2011. Revised by Justin Seidler, Volunteer. Completed January 31, 2013. Descriptive sources and standards used to create this inventory: DACS and local processing manual.

Preferred Citation:

[Identification of item], Scotty Moore Papers, Library and Archives, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.

Collection Overview

The Scotty Moore Papers span the years 1950 to 2008 and include some undated materials. The papers contain Moore's personal files, photographic material, clippings, and publications. Both Moore's personal and professional life is documented through the files and photographic material; the correspondence and contracts being of particular note. The clippings in the collection shed additional light on Moore's career, particularly his relationship with Elvis Presley. Overall, the Papers showcase Moore's career from his early days at Sun Records to the present, providing rich insight to the life of a rock and roll guitar legend.

Biographical Note

1931

Winfield Scott Moore is born in Gadsden, Tenn.

1954

Sun releases "That's All Right" and "Blue Moon of Kentucky."

1954

Becomes Elvis Presley's first manager.

1958

Leaves Presley in a dispute over money.

1965

Releases only solo album, "The Guitar That Changed the World," on Epic Records.

1968

Reunites onstage with Presley for an informal sit-down jam session, as part of a comeback special.

2000

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Scotty Moore was a participant in the historic early sessions at Sun Records that mark the birth of rock and roll. Moore led a group called the Starlite Wranglers before Sun founder Sam Phillips teamed him up with Elvis Presley--a relationship that would continue from 1954 to 1958. Moore’s early background was in jazz and country, and he put these influences to use by counterpointing Presley’s vocals with melodic solos that helped launch the rockabilly revolution. In addition to working as an engineer and session musician, he played on many of Presley’s Nashville sessions at RCA’s Studio B. Moore, along with bassist Bill Black and drummer D.J. Fontana. The three musicians served as Presley’s band onstage and on record until March 1958, when Moore and Black quit over a wage dispute.

Moore moved to Nashville in 1964; setting up his own Nashville studio, Music City Records, in 1966. Two years later, Moore and Fontana rejoined Presley for a televised “comeback special.”

Over the years, Moore produced various albums, including Ringo Starr’s Beaucoups of Blues. Moore and Fontana reunited in 1997 for an album entitled,  All the King's Men.

Sources

"Scotty Moore Biography." Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. Accessed January 28, 2011. http://rockhall.com/inductees/scotty-moore/bio/.

Separated Materials

Publications have been transferred to the library collection. Search "Scotty Moore Papers" in the library catalog for a complete list of titles. If you are unable to find what you are looking for, consult the Library and Archives staff to ensure these materials are available.

Custodial History

The Scotty Moore Papers were received by The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc. as a gift from Moore on September 9, 2010.

Restrictions

Use

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc. owns right, title, and interest in the works of authorship embodied in the materials in this collection. The transfer of Donor's literary and other property rights does not include writings of other individuals and organizations contained in the gift. For more information, please consult the staff of the Library and Archives.

Access

Collection is open for research. Patrons must sign the Acknowledgment of Legal Responsibilities and Privacy Rights statement on the Researcher Registration form before using this collection. Some of the materials in the collection are confidential and, therefore, are RESTRICTED. Redacted access copies of the confidential documents are available in the collection. Consult the Library and Archives staff in advance of your visit to ensure access to these materials is available.