ELECTRONIC MUSIC PIONEERS
Richard Melville Hall was born on September 11, 1965 in Harlem, New York. Richard was a small
boy, fragile, you could say. As a small child, he was constantly bullied, which of course kept the Hall household in an uproar. Finally, not being able to cope one more day, his parents decided to change his name. Richard loved to read and his favorite novel was written by Herman Melville.
In fact, Richard’s great-great-great uncle, Herman Melville, as we all know, wrote the memorable story about a man who was bound and determined to kill a whale. . .enter, MOBY.
Moby, the American Electronic singer-songwriter and known for Porcelain, among many other songs, including Flower, the lead in song for Gone in Sixty Seconds 2002 is definitely one of the most revered pioneers of Electronic Music.
Moby spent a lot of time by himself and grew to love music at a young age. Listening to his mother play the piano, Moby began guitar and music theory lessons. His first band consisted of several high school friends and they released an EP, “Hit Squad for God.” Later in school, he joined a new band Awol.
Although he enrolled in college, studying philosophy, he decided what he really yearned to do
was a full-time music career. Thus, working his way up the proverbial ladder toward stardom, he
worked at a record store, played with local bands, and DJing for local nightclubs. The DJ gigs helped him achieve the ultimate success he had longed for.
Moby moved to New York City in 1989 and released his first single, “Mobility” in 1990. His second single, “Go” pushed Moby into the mainstream audiences and the song became a Top 10 hit in the United Kingdom. Now, Moby was becoming a popular Electronic and Dance figure.
Moby released his first Techno album in 1995, “Everything is Wrong”, which was hailed as a success.
In 1996 a Punk Rock album, namely “Animal Rights,” was followed by his 1999 album, “Play.” This
album sold more than 9 million copies worldwide.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMKmfO0SHJg
Moby released “Play” with “18,” two highly successful albums that sold more than 4 million
copies worldwide. Some of his newer releases and albums were “Hotel,” 2005, “Last Night,” 2008
“Wait for Me,” 2009, “Destroyed,” 2011 and “Wait for Me,” 2013.
Moby’s personal attributes consist of having a deep faith in the teachings of Christ and he is very public about it. Moby is also a “vegan,” and an animal rights activist, which, according to Moby, has brought him considerable scorn in the entertainment industry. A lot of people are instantly filled with ridicule at the idea that someone wouldn’t eat meat.
Moby has inserts in his CDs through essays, regarding his views on religion and animal rights.
Moby has been cited as saying, ” I want to make music that not only entertains, but performs a
function. Music can always serve a role in people’s lives when it’s emotion and warm and inviting and beautiful. Also he says, “I hope that when I find myself no longer a public figure, which could be in six months or two weeks or 10 years, or whenever, I can give it up gracefully and not be bitter, but for now, sometimes it’s fun indulging in the pitfalls a little bit.”
Words of wisdom spoken by Moby – a TRUE ELECTRONIC MUSIC PIONEER.”
Jazzykat #WEATNU Digital Magazine
