With word of the recent passing of Clearfield music legend Bud Moore, GantDaily put the call out to musicians to share their memories and thoughts about Bud. Here is what we have received thus far:
I have heard Bud Moore’s name my entire life, growing up. My parents use to talk about going out to see “Bud Moore and the Hillsdale Hillbilly’s”. I have been fortunate enough to know most of his offspring and even played with a few of them. Bud was a well-known, talented musician and well-respected person in our music community but Bud created an even bigger masterpiece by having such a fine family. I will always have the deepest respect for the Moore family and I have a heavy heart thinking that Clearfield lost a great individual this week.
Most Sincerly,
Chris M. Kane
I never had the honor of meeting Mr.Moore, but I do know some of things he accomplished in his long career. It’s untouchable. The man was a REAL legend,and this area was blessed with having him for so many years. Those of us that are musicians can only hope to have a career that was as brilliant as his was. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Moore family during this time of great loss.
Randy Clark
I grew up in Curwensville in the sixties and seventies playing in a band with my brothers the same time Moore or Less was playing. Then The Moore Bros came on the scene and it seemed like everytime you turned around, there was another lineup coming out of the Moore family. The most impressive part of this situation was eveyone of these groups was GREAT! The talent that came out of that family and still lives on in spite of the loss of Bud and his son Barry is nothing short of amazing. This talent was the fruits of Bud Moore’s guidance and influence. He was a remarkable man in every way. Charitable, both with his time and money. Humble and respectful of other’s talents and abilities. Last but certainly not least, he was himself an amazing musician. Clearfield County can be very proud to have been touched by this man and the legacy he leaves behind that still lives in those bands that are still putting out some great music every weekend. He will be sadly missed by all of those who knew him.Jason Sopic
Resepectfully,
As another of the Sopic brothers, I feel honored and blessed to have known Bud Moore, his children and somev of his grandchildren.
As my brother Jason stated, Bud was a unique and amazing musician, father and humanitarian willing to help a friend in need whether it be a budding (no pun intended ) musician or a person needing a helping hand or a word of kindness. My mother and two of her sisters had a trio back in the 1930s and were familiar with Bud as were her two brothers who shared a stage with “The Hillsdale Hillbillies” a time or two.
I had the pleasure of “sitting in ” with a couple of the Moore Brothers during my time in the local music scene. I feel we have lost a legend who will truly be missed. At the funeral home Wednesday, I saw a plethora of musicians paying respects and each had a story to tell.
God Bless you Bud.
Frederick Sopic
I grew up in the 50’s and 60’s – prime Moore time – and knew Bud and many of his children. It was amazing to see all that talent and versatility in one family! Bud was an entertainer, and was quite charitable with his talent. He was a regular at many nursing homes; bringing a little extra joy to many residents. He hosted radio shows, made several television appearances, founded the American Folk Musicians union (still active and headquartered in Connecticut). His large talented family could have as many as three bands playing on the same night. I was fortunate to share the stage with Bud a few years back at the “Blast with the Past, a history of Country Music”. Bud exuded professionalism, humility and a deep respect for all the talent in that show. It was a pleasure to work with him. I believe that was the last performance of the original Hillsdale Hillbillies on stage, just months before the passing of Zeke Ogden. We will miss Bud, but his legacy lives on and the memories will be with us forever.
Mark Sopic,
Lead guitarist for Harmonious Funk and J.A.M.
If you are a musician and would like to share your thoughts and memories on Bud Moore, send them to news@gantnews.com. Please include your name and what band/act you are associated with.