Curley Moore

June "Curley" Moore (1943 – December 14, 1985) was an American R&B singer.

Biography Moore was born in New Orleans in 1943. As a child he sang and danced for pennies on the streets of his neighborhood. He also sang in the New Hope Baptist Church choir. At age twelve he and his friends formed a group they named the Blue Jays, and competed at talent shows. Moore claimed Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers, as well as singing cowboy Roy Rogers, as early motivators. Later in life he recognized Gene Allison, Irma Thomas, Ernie K-Doe, Shirley & Lee and Jackie Wilson as influences.

He began his music career in New Orleans in 1960, as a vocalist with Huey "Piano" Smith's band The Clowns. Moore toured with Smith and The Clowns for three years before leaving to pursue a solo career. During this difficult period in the mid 1960s, Moore had a brief stint on tour in the Midwest impersonating Marvin Gaye. During the 1960s Moore had minor regional hits under his own name.