Ironing Board Sam is a true original and, as he likes to call himself, a real character. Born Samuel Moore in Rock Hill, South Carolina in 1939, the charismatic singer, songwriter and piano player can remember trying to pound out notes on the family pump organ when he was just two years old. Several years later, his step-mother showed him a few boogie-woogie patterns which further ignited his passion for the blues. At age 14, he played his first gig and after leaving home two years later he discovered the Winston-Salem, North Carolina drink-house scene where he continued developing his impressive piano and singing talents.

After spending time on the Miami R&B scene in the late 1950s and inventing his ‘button board,’ a homemade portable keyboard which he mounted to an ironing board that simulated the Hammond B3 organ sound, he made his way to Memphis where he was dubbed Ironing Board Sam for his unique invention. Relocating to Nashville in the mid-1960s, he became a wildly popular entertainer around the famous black entertainment district along Jefferson Street and performed regularly on the landmark R&B television show Night Train.

Sam spent time in Memphis, Chicago and Los Angeles in the late 1960s and early 1970s, where he recorded for several independent labels including Sam Phillips’ Holiday Inn as well as an unissued session for Chess. After releasing such singles as “Non Support” and “Original Funky Bell Bottoms,” Sam finally settled in New Orleans in the mid-1970s where he became one of the Crescent City’s best-loved and most unique musicians. Influenced by artists such as Ray Charles and later New Orleans piano icons James Booker and Professor Longhair, Sam became a favorite on the thriving New Orleans music scene for decades.

A master showman and eccentric self-promoter, his memorable stage acts ranged from performing his blues show underwater in a 1,500 gallon tank to appearing on the streets of the French Quarter inside a giant eight-foot tall homemade wooden jukebox. His wild shows often included a drummer who would ignite his drumsticks on fire during their performances, at which time Sam was billed as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” and also performed with a toy monkey named “Little George” who would drum along with the rhythms of his keyboard during solo performances.

After playing professionally for more than 55 years, Ironing Board Sam has amassed a staggering repertoire of both originals and classic blues and R&B songs. A truly gifted and engaging performer, Sam’s powerful, soulful voice and remarkable piano prowess remain undiminished. In fact, he believes that he’s only getting better with age. Sam proclaims, “This is the time when in my life it seems to be that I’m at my best because I know more on how to write music, know more how to play it, know more how to get it to the audience, know more about everything. I’m 70 years old. It took this time, you know.”

-Gene Tomko