The Moody Blues performing in 2013.

The Moody Blues were an English progressive rock band from Birmingham. Formed in May 1964, the group originally consisted of guitarist and vocalist Denny Laine, keyboardist and vocalist Mike Pinder, woodwind player and vocalist Ray Thomas, bassist Clint Warwick, and drummer Graeme Edge. The band remained active until late 2018, when sole constant member Edge retired from performing, at which point the lineup also included 1966 additions Justin Hayward on guitar and vocals, and John Lodge on bass and vocals. For their final few tours, the core trio were augmented by touring members Norda Mullen on flute, guitar and percussion (from 2003), Julie Ragins on keyboards, guitar, saxophone and percussion (from 2006), Alan Hewitt on keyboards (from 2010), and Billy Ashbaugh on drums and percussion (from 2016).

History

The Moody Blues were formed in May 1964 by Denny Laine, Mike Pinder, Ray Thomas, Clint Warwick and Graeme Edge.[1] The band debuted in September that year with the single "Steal Your Heart Away", which was followed a year later by their first album The Magnificent Moodies.[2] After a few more singles, the group faced its first change in personnel when Warwick left at the end of June 1966, claiming that his role was "keeping him apart from his wife and two small children too much".[3] Rod Clark replaced Warwick for three months,[4] before he and Laine left the Moody Blues at the beginning of October 1966, with Laine going on to pursue a solo career[4] and later joined Wings. Justin Hayward (formerly of Marty Wilde's band) joined on guitar and vocals and John Lodge (an early bandmate of Ray Thomas) joined on bass and vocals.[5]

The 'classic' Moody Blues lineup, active from 1966 to 1978, from left to right: Mike Pinder, Graeme Edge, Justin Hayward, Ray Thomas and John Lodge.

The lineup of Hayward, Lodge, Pinder, Thomas and Edge remained stable for twelve years, releasing a string of successful albums including UK number-ones On the Threshold of a Dream (1969), A Question of Balance (1970) and Every Good Boy Deserves Favour (1971).[6] When Pinder refused to tour in promotion of the 1978 release Octave, he was replaced that October by former Yes keyboardist Patrick Moraz.[7] Pinder did not return after the tour, and later took legal action against the remaining members in an attempt to prevent them from releasing 1981's Long Distance Voyager under the Moody Blues name (which was unsuccessful).[8]

Starting in 1986, the Moody Blues began touring with an extended lineup, which initially included second keyboardist Bias Boshell, and backing vocalists Janis Liebhart and Wendy McKenzie.[9] Guy Allison took over from Boshell in 1987,[10] and in 1988 the backing vocalists were replaced by Shaun Murphy and Naomi Starr.[9] By 1990, Boshell had returned on keyboards, and Bekka Bramlett and Terry Wood had taken over backing vocal duties.[9] After the recording of the band's 14th studio albums Keys of the Kingdom in the spring of 1991, Moraz was fired from the band and credited on the release as one of the "additional performers".[11]

Moraz was not replaced in the band's official lineup.[12] Starting with the 1991 tour, Boshell took over as lead keyboardist, Paul Bliss was brought in as backup, and Susan Shattock and June Boyce took over on backing vocals.[13] In 1993, Tracy Graham replaced Boyce.[9] The group's touring lineup remained constant until April 2001, which marked the final appearances of Boshell and Graham. The pair were replaced by keyboardist and backing vocalist Bernie Barlow.[9] In December 2002, Ray Thomas announced that he would be retiring from performing, reducing the band's official lineup to the trio of Hayward, Lodge and Edge.[14]

Thomas was replaced in the Moody Blues touring lineup by flautist and guitarist Norda Mullen.[15] In 2003, the band released Christmas album December.[16] Julie Ragins replaced Barlow in 2006, after initially substituting for the keyboardist late the previous year.[17] Barlow took over for a year in 2009, before Ragins returned from 2010.[17] Also in 2010, Alan Hewitt joined the touring band as their second keyboardist.[18] Billy Ashbaugh replaced Marshall as second live drummer starting in 2016, with Edge primarily playing piano during live shows.[19] Ray Thomas died on 4 January 2018.[20] The group continued touring until Edge retired from performing at the end of 2018, although the possibility of a return was mentioned in interviews by Lodge.[21] On 11 November 2021, however, Edge died, marking the end of the Moody Blues.[22]

Members

Official

Image Name Years active Instruments Release contributions
Graeme Edge.jpg
Graeme Edge 1964–2018 (died 2021)[23][21]
  • drums
  • percussion
  • backing and spoken vocals
  • piano
all Moody Blues releases
Ray Thomas.jpg
Ray Thomas 1964–2002 (died 2018)[23][14]
  • flute
  • harmonica
  • percussion
  • keyboards
  • saxophone
  • oboe
  • lead and backing vocals
The Moody Blues (Mike Pinder).jpg
Mike Pinder 1964–1978[23][7][8]
  • keyboards
  • percussion
  • acoustic guitar
  • lead and backing vocals
  • all Moody Blues releases from "Steal Your Heart Away" (1964) to Octave (1978)
  • Live at the BBC: 1967–1970 (2007)
  • Live at the Isle of Wight Festival 1970 (2008)
Denny Laine 2013 (8708700088).jpg
Denny Laine 1964–1966 (died 2023)[23][4]
  • guitar
  • harmonica
  • lead and backing vocals
all Moody Blues releases from "Steal Your Heart Away" (1964) to "Life's Not Life" (1967)
Clint Warwick 1964–1966 (died 2004)[23][3]
  • bass
  • backing vocals
Rod Clark 1966[4] none
Justin Hayward - Parker Playhouse - Fort Lauderdale - 15622334612.jpg
Justin Hayward 1966–2018[5][21]
  • guitar
  • keyboards
  • percussion
  • programming
  • sitar
  • mandolin
  • lead and backing vocals
all Moody Blues releases from "Fly Me High" (1967) onwards
John Lodge 2019.png
John Lodge
  • bass
  • keyboards
  • acoustic guitar
  • cello
  • lead and backing vocals
Patrick Moraz 1978–1991[7][11]
  • keyboards
  • synthesisers
all Moody Blues releases from Long Distance Voyager (1981) to Keys of the Kingdom (1991)

Touring

Image Name Years active Instruments Release contributions
Janis Liebhart 1986–1987[9] backing vocals none
Wendy McKenzie
Bias Boshell.png
Bias Boshell
  • 1986
  • 1990–2001
[9][10]
  • keyboards
  • guitar
GuyAllison2008.jpg
Guy Allison 1987–1989[10] keyboards none
Shaun Murphy.jpg
Shaun Murphy 1988–1990[9] backing vocals
Naomi Starr
Bekka Bramlett 1990–1991[9]
Terry Wood
The Moody Blues gig Bristol 2013 MMB 31.jpg
Gordon Marshall 1991–2015[19]
  • percussion
  • additional drums
  • A Night at Red Rocks with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra (1993)
  • Hall of Fame (2000)
  • Lovely to See You: Live (2005)
  • Live at Montreux 1991 (2021)
Paul Bliss 1991–2010[13]
  • keyboards
  • guitar
  • Keys of the Kingdom (1991)
  • A Night at Red Rocks with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra (1993)
  • Hall of Fame (2000)
  • Lovely to See You: Live (2005)
  • Live at Montreux 1991 (2021)
Susan Shattock 1991–2000[13] backing vocals
  • A Night at Red Rocks with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra (1993)
  • Live at Montreux 1991 (2021)
June Boyce 1991–1993[13][9]
Tracy Graham 1993–2001[9] Hall of Fame (2000)
Bernie Barlow
  • 2001–2006
  • 2009–2010
[9][17]
  • keyboards
  • backing vocals
Lovely to See You: Live (2005)
The Moody Blues gig Bristol 2013 MMB 03.jpg
Norda Mullen 2003–2018[15]
  • flute
  • guitar
  • percussion[1]
  • backing vocals
Justin Hayward - Parker Playhouse - Fort Lauderdale - 15434856289.jpg
Julie Ragins
  • 2006–2009
  • 2010–2018
[17]
  • keyboards
  • percussion[1]
  • guitar
  • saxophone
  • backing vocals
Days of Future Passed Live (2018)
The Moody Blues gig Bristol 2013 MMB 17.jpg
Alan Hewitt 2010–2018[18]
  • keyboards
  • backing vocals
Billy Ashbaugh 2016–2018[19]
  • percussion
  • additional drums

Timelines

Official members

Touring members

Lineups

Period Members Releases
May 1964 – June 1966[1][3]
  • "Steal Your Heart Away" (1964)
  • The Magnificent Moodies (1965)
  • Go Now: The Moody Blues #1 (1965)
  • "Everyday" (1965)
  • "Boulevard de la Madeleine" (1966)
  • "Life's Not Life" (1967)
July – October 1966[4]
  • Denny Laine – vocals, guitar, harmonica
  • Mike Pinder – vocals, keyboards, percussion
  • Ray Thomas – vocals, flute, harmonica
  • Rod Clark – bass, backing vocals
  • Graeme Edge – drums, percussion, vocals
none
November 1966 – October 1978[5][7][8]
  • Justin Hayward – vocals, guitar, keyboards
  • John Lodge – vocals, bass, guitar
  • Mike Pinder – vocals, keyboards, percussion
  • Ray Thomas – vocals, flute, harmonica
  • Graeme Edge – drums, percussion, vocals
October 1978 – May 1991[7][8][11]
  • Justin Hayward – vocals, guitar, keyboards
  • John Lodge – vocals, bass, guitar
  • Ray Thomas – vocals, flute, harmonica
  • Patrick Moraz – keyboards, synthesisers
  • Graeme Edge – drums, percussion, vocals
May 1991 – December 2002[11][12][14]
  • Justin Hayward – vocals, guitar, keyboards
  • John Lodge – vocals, bass, guitar
  • Ray Thomas – vocals, flute, harmonica
  • Graeme Edge – drums, percussion, vocals
December 2002 – late 2018[14][21]
  • Justin Hayward – vocals, guitar, keyboards
  • John Lodge – vocals, bass, guitar
  • Graeme Edge – drums, percussion, vocals

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Days of Future Passed Live (liner notes). The Moody Blues. Eagle Records. 2017. 0212749EMU.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  2. Eder, Bruce. "The Magnificent Moodies – The Moody Blues: Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved 15 January 2022.
  3. 1 2 3 "Bassist Clint leaves Moody Blues" (PDF). Disc and Music Echo. London, England: Disc and Music Echo. 2 July 1966. p. 6. Retrieved 15 January 2022.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 "Denny Laine quits Moodies" (PDF). Record Mirror. No. 291. London, England: Record Mirror. 8 October 1966. p. 4. Retrieved 15 January 2022.
  5. 1 2 3 "Passings: Ray Thomas of the Moody Blues (1941 – 2018)". Vintage Vinyl News. 7 January 2018. Retrieved 15 January 2022.
  6. Eder, Bruce. "The Moody Blues Biography, Songs, & Albums". AllMusic. Retrieved 15 January 2022.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 "Moraz Will Tour With Moody Blues" (PDF). Billboard. Vol. 90, no. 40. New York City, New York: Billboard. 7 October 1978. p. 72. Retrieved 15 January 2022.
  8. 1 2 3 4 "Pinder defeated" (PDF). Music & Video Week. London, England: Music Week. 23 May 1981. p. 1. Retrieved 15 January 2022.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 "The Moody Blues Frequently Asked Questions List". Maggie Clarke Environmental. Retrieved 15 January 2022.
  10. 1 2 3 Allison, Guy. "Long Bio". Guy Allison. Retrieved 15 January 2022.
  11. 1 2 3 4 Ted (6 September 2016). "Art and Lawyers: The Case of The Moody Blues". Py Korry. Retrieved 15 January 2022.
  12. 1 2 Kampert, Patrick (11 July 1991). "The Moody Blues: Keys of the Kingdom (Polydor)". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 15 January 2022.
  13. 1 2 3 4 Caro, Mark (11 August 1991). "Moody Blues Make Pretentiousness Pleasingly Palatable". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 15 January 2022.
  14. 1 2 3 4 "The Moody Blues 2003 to present". Ray Thomas. Retrieved 15 January 2022.
  15. 1 2 Baver, Kristin (2004). "Norda Mullen: Living The Pipe Dream" (PDF). Higher & Higher. No. 46/47. pp. 46–49. Retrieved 15 January 2022.
  16. Jurek, Thom. "December – The Moody Blues: Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved 15 January 2022.
  17. 1 2 3 4 Johnson, Danny (2 September 2018). "The Julie Ragins Interview... Music Schools Pay Attention!". speaktherights.com. Retrieved 15 January 2022.
  18. 1 2 "Interview with Alan Hewitt of the Moody Blues and One Nation – new single 'We're One Nation'". Darren's Music Blog. 29 March 2021. Retrieved 15 January 2022.
  19. 1 2 3 "Obituary – Graeme Edge Moody Blues". Pro Music News. 16 November 2021. Retrieved 15 January 2022.
  20. Daly, Rhian (7 January 2018). "The Moody Blues founding member Ray Thomas has died, aged 76". NME. Retrieved 15 January 2022.
  21. 1 2 3 4 "The Moody Blues' John Lodge launches US solo tour Saturday featuring special guest Jon Davison of Yes". ABC News Radio. 21 February 2020. Retrieved 15 January 2022.
  22. Kreps, Daniel (11 November 2021). "Graeme Edge, Moody Blues' Drummer and Co-Founder, Dead at 80". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 15 January 2022.
  23. 1 2 3 4 5 "Moody Blues stepping in a slide zone after rocking America for nearly 50 years". The Moody Blues. 2 June 2011. Retrieved 15 January 2022.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.