About Alton Moore
Lived 1908 – 1978 (aged 69–70). Alton Moore was an American jazz musician.
Alton "Slim" Moore (October 7, 1908 – 1978) was an American jazz trombonist. Moore began on the baritone horn before settling on trombone by age 17. A must instrumentalist who selected a trombone and trumpet doubling on a 1929-1950 Louis Armstrong recording, a trombone and tuba doubling on 1942-1953 Capitol Records jazz album and a piano and trombone doubling on a 1945-1949 Dizzy Gillespie recording. He played with local bandleaders and territory bands in his youth, such as those of Georgia Barlowe, Eddie Lemon, Gonzelle White, and Gene Coy. He moved to New York City early in the 1930s, playing with Jack Butler, Charlie Skeete, and Bobby Neal. He switched ensembles frequently in New York, and in 1938 did a short tour of Cuba with Leon Gross's orchestra. Toward the end of the decade Moore moved up to play in more high-profile bands such as those of Fats Waller, Coleman Hawkins, Hot Lips Page, and Charlie Johnson. He played with Ella Fitzgerald and Benny Carter in the early 1940s, and with Dizzy Gillespie and Louis Armstrong, later in the decade.
By the 1950s Moore had reduced to part-time playing, after an extended stay in the band of Stafford "Pazuza" Simon. He played with Fletcher Henderson in 1957, and in the 1960s played in the Prince Hall Symphonic Band in New York as well as other big band revival outfits.
In addition to trombone, Moore also occasionally recorded on euphonium, and did some scat singing on his records with Fats Waller.
He died in New York City in 1978.
Don’t just read it —
keep it.
Full-length biographies made to live with: read them, listen on the way to work, watch them tonight.
- E-book
- Audio
- Video
Instant download · yours to keep · every purchase keeps this site free
Important facts
People in Alton Moore's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Alton Moore's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Alton Moore?
American musician (1908–1978)
When was Alton Moore born?
Alton Moore was born on 7 October 1908.
When did Alton Moore die?
Alton Moore died in 1978.
What was Alton Moore's occupation?
Alton Moore was a jazz musician.
What nationality was Alton Moore?
Alton Moore was American.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Alton Moore. https://biography.guide/alton-moore/
MLA: "Alton Moore." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/alton-moore/.
Chicago: "Alton Moore." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/alton-moore/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
Page generated 2026-09-27 05:18 UTC