Raymond Moore

American songwriter from Memphis, TN, born in 1940. Has written over 350 songs. Often associated with John Ward. Moore authored tunes for Rufus and Carla Thomas and Sam & Dave before accepting a contract to write exclusively for Fame studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, where Atlantic Records sent its top rhythm and blues singers to record. He left Fame for Muscle Shoals Sound, another studio for hire, hot in the heyday of soul. Moore worked a regular job in Memphis throughout his songwriting career while enjoying moments of musical success. Candi Staton recorded "I'd Rather Be an Old Man's Sweetheart (Than a Young Man's Fool)," co-written by Moore, Clarence Carter (of "Strokin'" fame), and George Jackson (who wrote "Old Time Rock-and-Roll," among many others). Intended for Aretha Franklin, the song received a Grammy nomination in 1969. The company newsletter at General Electric, Moore's employer at the time, noted the achievement. The Fame contract guaranteed nothing, but it did give Moore and the writing staff access to the talented artists who frequented the studio in the late '60s and early '70s, including Clarence Carter, Aretha Franklin, Bobbie Gentry, Wilson Pickett, and Candi Staton. With the exception of Franklin, all recorded Moore's material.
For the recording engineer, see Ray Moore.