(November 20, 2017) On the passing of the great Warren "Pete" Moore (pictured second from left), an original member of the first Motown group, The Miracles, Berry Gordy said today, “Pete was a quiet spirit with a wonderful Bass voice behind Smokey Robinson's soft, distinctive lead vocals and was co-writer on several of the Miracles hits.” There is no better way we could describe the passing of this legendary member, who played such a big role in the emergence of the greatest soul music label ever. He died yesterday on his 78th birthday.
Moore formed the Miracles with childhood friend Smokey Robinson. Once the group was signed by Motown as its first major act, Moore and Robinson began actively writing songs together, and they became a force, penning hits for their own group, such as “Ooh Baby Baby,” as well as for other groups like The Tempations (“Since I Lost My Baby”) and Marvin Gaye (“I’ll Be Doggone”).
Once Robinson left the group, Moore soldiered on with new lead singer Billy Griffin, co-writing the #1 hit “Love Machine” and producing much of the group’s 70s hits.
Moore continued to be active, both performing with the Miracles and working with other artists. He has also been a constant force in the music world due to the incredible catalog of his compositions, many of which are now considered all-time soul music classics.
Moore’s honors are too numerous to name, but include the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Hollywood Walk of Fame, BMI Songwriters’ Award, and R&B Hall of Fame.
We certainly today mourn the loss of this understated musical giant, but we also celebrate the incredible legacy of music he leaves to us; songs we will be listening to and singing for decades to come.