James Moody RIP

12/13/2010
. (Gibson) Jazz saxophonist James Moody, best-known for his classic track, "Moody's Mood for Love," has died, according to the Los Angeles Times. Moody who had a long music career and worked with Dizzy Gillespie died Thursday of pancreatic cancer at the age of 85.

He recorded his improvised take on "I'm in the Mood for Love" in 1949 and the instrumental tune became a huge hit. Later, lyrics were written for the improvised melody and the song has since been recorded by everyone from Aretha Franklin to Van Morrison to Amy Winehouse. Even Moody himself began to sing the lyrics when he played the song live.

Born in Georgia, Moody grew up in New Jersey and was drawn to play music when he heard George Holmes Tate, Don Byas and Count Basie. He ended up taking up both the sax and the flute. He joined the U.S. Air Force during World War II and played in the "negro band" on the segregated base. more on this story

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