"Will the Lord Be with Me," performed by the Dixie Hummingbirds. Words and music by Roxie Moore. 1954, 45 RPM
"Will the Lord Be with Me" was one of Roxie Moore's highest selling compositions. As a contractor for Peacock Records, Moore often collaborated with Ira Tucker, lead singer for the Dixie Hummingbirds. Other compositions for the group include "I'll Keep On Living After I Die" (1953), "Get Right Church" (1956), and "Live On Forever" (1957). In addition to the Hummingbirds, Moore also wrote for other gospel groups such as the Golden Gate Quartet and the Angelic Gospel Singers. In 1989 she was officially recognized by the Philadelphia Music Foundation for being the "Best Songwriter in Gospel Music."
"I've Weathered the Storm," performed by the Angelic Gospel Singers. Words and music by Roxie Moore. Nashboro, 1957, 45 RPM
In 1957 Roxie Moore wrote the words and music for "I've Weathered the Storm," a song performed and recorded by the Angelic Gospel Singers. Although her name doesn't appear on the vinyl record, sheet music held at the Chicago Public Library displays the name "R. Moore" below the song title. The sheet music was published by Clara Ward Publications, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at the time. The Angelic Gospel Singers would go on to collaborate with the Dixie Hummingbirds, another group that performed Moore's compositions.
"O Bethlehem of Juah," performed by Brother Rodney. Words and music by Roxie Moore. Gotham, c. 1956-57. Courtesy of Jerry Zolten
Throughout the 1950's, Roxie Moore worked with several music publishing, recording, and distribution companies, one of which was Andrea Music Company, also based in Philadelphia. "O, Bethlehem of Judah," performed by Brother Rodney (who operated under the alias Rodney Sturgis when performing in the rhythm and blues genre), is the product of just such a contract. Letters between Roxie Moore and Andre Music Company executives showcase an extended relationship over the course of which Moore was contracted and paid for several compositional contributions.
Smooth Sailing: The Songs of Roxie Moore Performed by the Dixie Hummingbirds. 2012, compact disc, liner notes
Following Roxie Moore's death in 2012, her daughter Robin Cox and Jerry Zolten produced a memorial CD for family members. The CD showcases Moore's compositions as performed by the Dixie Hummingbirds as well as bonus selections that highlight memories from Moore's family and friends. In the liner notes, Cox discusses her mother's impact and meditates on her mother's legacy—a legacy Cox was not fully aware of until later in her mother's life. In her letter she instructs listeners to listen, enjoy, and let the music seep into their bones.
Roxie Ann Moore and Robin Moore (Cox) at Pedie Lou's Record Shop, c. 1953-54. Courtesy of Robin Cox
2813 West Dauphin Street in North Philadelphia housed Pedia Lou's Record Shop from the late 1940s through the early 1960s; Pedie Lou's was owned and operated by Roxie Moore and her husband Roosevelt Moore. On March 9, 1954, the couple welcomed a daughter, Robin Adelia Moore, who accompanies Roxie Moore in this photo. Both Roxie and Roosevelt Moore were involved in the music industry, Roxie a popular songwriter at the time, and Roosevelt a manager for famed gospel group the Dixie Hummingbirds. This made Pedie Lou's both a retail business and the sight of several musical collaborations and industry gatherings. In 1959 Gertrude Ward and the Clara Ward Singers sent a letter to Roxie Moore that thanked Pedie Lou's for being "a ground that sings his (God's) praises."