Dennison "Duke" Moore
Biography
A native of Sewickley, Dennison Daniel Moore was dubbed “Duke” in his DJ days in the early sixties during the 45rpm record hop era (the song “Duke of Earl” was climbing the charts at the time.) In the early 70’s Duke was a blues singer and progressed into being an accomplished harmonica player. He later became founder of a blues band, The Space Tones. The definition of The Space Tones was Creative Pittsburgh Full Moon Boogie Blues Artists.” (They played together from 1971-1993.) Anyone that has ever been at one of the Full Moon Boogies has many stories to tell about the experience.
A graduate of the Ivy School of Professional Art, once located in Pittsburgh, Duke was involved in creative projects in the city. In the 60’s he worked on a mural that was displayed on the front of the building which now houses the Children’s Museum. The building was an historical landmark that was in jeopardy of being torn down. The art students had a peaceful “painting demonstration” to save the building, painting colorful artwork. They helped the landmark to remain
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standing. (Duke was pictured in the newspaper on a ladder with a brush in his hand.) He attended classes with Walter Steding, an inspirational classmate, who later became an associate of Andy Warhol. Duke has worked in different mediums, painting and drawing. He is exceptional at doing intricate line drawing in pen and ink. He loves his Sharpie markers!
Mr. Moore is a multi-talented artist. He has always had a great interest in film. He has been involved in filmmaking and photography, working for William Matthews Company, a film company based in Sewickley, from 1964-1979. He has also worked with Sasha Koledin, video music artist and archivist. Sasha, Daddio of the Video, filming the music scene for as long as he can remember, is also a native of Sewickley and still resides in the village. He is one of Duke’s closest friends.
In 1981 Duke started working at the Edgeworth Club as a bartender. He enjoyed talking to the members during the six years he worked there. From 1987-1993 he worked at the HYP (Harvard, Princeton, Yale) Club in the city of Pittsburgh, but soon he would be moving on to different pursuits.
Now living in Fairhope, Pennsylvania, not from from Somerset, Duke is in a perfectly pristine mountain setting. He is a photographer of nature and oddities he finds. His love of film extends to his camera, a 1985 Canon Sure Shot. He shoots things with a different perspective and sometimes with a cast of a shadow.
Last, but not least, Duke is a writer and Rock and Roll historian, currently writing a book about Rock and Roll. He is a human encyclopedia on this subject. He has written several other manuscripts of fiction and nonfiction. Bela Lugosi is his favorite horror movie star and Duke has written a tribute manuscript about this icon. He is also collaborating on a book with his brother about the caves of Sewickley. William L. Moore Jr. (Bill) is a published author whose work includes “Philadelphia Experiment” (co-written with Charles Berlitz.)
Duke travels often to the village of Sewickley to visit his mother, Dorothy Moore who will soon turn 89-years old. She has been a major influence in his life, inspiring Duke with her creative spirit and her love for history. One of the founding members of the Sewickley Valley Historical Society, Dorothy (along with her best friend B.G. Shields) is still active as an archivist, cataloging the Sewickley Herald Newspaper since the late sixties. Duke’s father also had artistic abilities, making hand drawn cards for family and friends. Duke continues to pursue his dreams with the undoubting support of his mom, his soul mate Bonnie, and many friends.
