Deacon John Moore, one of the most sought-after musicians in New Orleans, will turn 80 on June 23. He will be feted on television with a special virtual event on WYES and a community celebration will be held in Mid-City.

According to a biography at The History Makers, “Moore was born on June 23, 1941 to Frank P. Moore, a bricklayer, and Augustine Boudreaux, a homemaker and musician, in the 8th Ward of New Orleans. One of 13 children, Moore was raised in a musical family. He received vocal training in his church choir; he sang in his first R&B band in middle school. Moore bought his first guitar at a pawnshop on Canal Street, and learned how to play it from the instruction books and records he purchased. Moore played in high school with various pickup bands as a singer and guitarist.

Deacon John at Jazz Fest 2015, photo by Willow Haley.

“In 1960, Moore re-established the musical group the Ivories under the name Deacon John and the Ivories. Eventually they became the house band at the legendary Dew Drop Inn, backing up famous musicians like Bobby Blue Bland, Little Junior Parker, Arthur Prysock and Big Joe Turner. At the Dew Drop, Allen Toussaint discovered Moore and led him to the recording studio, where Moore began playing the guitar on R&B hits like Irma Thomas’ ‘Ruler of My Heart,’ Aaron Neville’s ‘Tell It Like It Is,’ Robert Parker’s ‘Barefootin’,’ Ernie K-Doe’s ‘Mother-in-Law,’ Chris Kenner’s ‘Land of 1,000 Dances,’ and Lee Dorsey’s ‘Working in the Coal Mine.’ In 1970, Moore performed at the first New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, and has performed at each annual festival since.”

WYES will host a one-hour tribute to the New Orleans music legend during WYES Grape Performances with Deacon John on Tuesday, June 22 at 6:30 p.m. Guests will enjoy rare performance footage that includes Deacon John performing with his friends Allen Toussaint, Dr. John and Davell Crawford, to name a few. Grammy Award-winner Irma Thomas will reflect on her longtime friend. WYES producer and longtime friend of Deacon‘s, Peggy Scott Laborde, will host the virtual event.

Those participating can purchase a ticket that includes three bottles of wine with pick-up and shipping options from $85-$125. There is also a ticket price to “watch only” for $35.

A public birthday party will take place on June 23 starting at 6 p.m. at 139 Bottinelli Place, hosted by Jeremy Smith, former general manager of Tipitina’s, and music photographer Dino Perruci. A crawfish boil and cash bar will be operated by Clesi’s. Attendees may donate via Venmo @Jeremy-Smith-504.