Net Worth Ranker
What Is Melba Moore’s Net Worth?
As of early 2025, various sources estimate Melba Moore’s net worth to be around $30,000 to $1 million. It’s important to note the inconsistency across different sources, with some citing the lower figure of $30,000 and others suggesting a higher value of $1 million. It’s worth noting that the $30,000 figure has been reported consistently across multiple years, including 2012 and 2024, while the $1 million figure is more recent, appearing in late 2024 and early 2025.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Beatrice Melba Smith, known professionally as Melba Moore, was born on October 29, 1945, in New York City. Her mother, Gertrude Melba Smith (1920–1976), was a singer professionally known as Bonnie Davis, who had a Number One R&B hit, “Don’t Stop Now,” in 1943. Her father, Teddy Hill (1909–1978), was a saxophonist and big band leader who managed the influential Harlem jazz club Minton’s Playhouse. Moore grew up in Harlem until the age of nine. In 1954, her mother remarried jazz pianist Clement Leroy Moorman, and the family moved to Newark, New Jersey. For high school, Moore attended Newark Arts High School, graduating in 1958. In 1970, she graduated from Montclair State College with a BA in music. Before her rise to fame, Moore worked as a music teacher, demonstrating her commitment to the arts and education.
Breakthrough on Broadway and Early Musical Success
Melba Moore’s career gained significant momentum with her Broadway debut in “Hair.” This was followed by her performance in “Purlie,” for which she won a Tony Award in 1970 for Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical. This groundbreaking achievement marked her as the first Black woman to win a Tony Award in her category. Transitioning from stage to music, Moore signed with Buddah Records, releasing four studio albums: “Peach Melba” (1975), “This Is It” (1976), “Melba” (1976), and “A Portrait of Melba” (1977). Several of these albums reached the Billboard 200 and R&B charts. During this period, she had Top 20 R&B hits with “This Is It” and “Lean on Me,” both written and produced by Van McCoy.
The 1980s: Chart-Topping Hits and Grammy Recognition
The 1980s marked a high point in Melba Moore’s recording career. In this decade, she achieved significant commercial success with several chart-topping hits. These included songs like “Love’s Comin’ At Ya,” “Keepin’ My Lover Satisfied,” “Living For Your Love,” and “Read My Lips,” the last of which earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Female Rock Vocal. Moore had two Billboard #1 hit singles with “Falling” and “A Little Bit More,” a duet with Freddie Jackson. Throughout the 1980s, Moore’s contributions to music were recognized with multiple Grammy Award nominations, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in the R&B genre.
Later Career and Stage Appearances
In the 1990s, Melba Moore returned to the stage, appearing in productions such as “Les Misérables” and “Ain’t Misbehavin’.” She also made appearances in films like “The Fighting Temptations,” starring Cuba Gooding Jr. and Beyoncé. In 2011, Moore released her first album in years, which included the minor hit, “Love Is.” In 2016, Moore released the album “Forever Moore.” More recently, Ms. Moore starred with Beyonce and Cuba Gooding Jr. in the motion picture “The Fighting Temptations.” In December 2019, she released “The Day I Turned To You,” an album of R&B-infused gospel music. In 2021, Moore collaborated with Stone Foundation on the song “Now That You Want Me Back”. In 2022, Moore performed in Washington, D.C., in “Roll On,” a gospel musical that originally opened with her in 2006.
Awards, Recognition and Legacy
Melba Moore’s contributions to the entertainment industry have been recognized with several awards and honors. She won a Tony Award in 1970 for her performance in “Purlie”. She is a four-time Grammy nominee. Moore was awarded the Sandy Hosey Lifetime Achievement Award for her work over the years. In August 2023, Melba Moore received her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a testament to her lasting impact on American entertainment history. The star was supported by friends and admirers, including Cat Williams, who contributed to the cost of the honor.
Financial Challenges and Later Life
Despite her success, Melba Moore has faced financial difficulties. It was reported that she had lost millions of dollars and at one point relied on welfare. While specific details regarding her financial losses and assets are not publicly available, it’s clear that Moore’s career has had its ups and downs. In recent years, Moore has continued to tour and perform, demonstrating her resilience and passion for music. She received a Legacy Award at Black Enterprise’s 19th Annual Women of Power Summit, highlighting her enduring influence and achievements.
