Legendary record producer, guitarist, and songwriter behind iconic hits like "Suspicious Minds" and "In the Ghetto", shaping the sound of Elvis Presley and other music legends.
Chips Moman, a renowned American record producer, guitarist, and songwriter, is best known for his work in R&B, pop, and country music, as well as operating the esteemed American Sound Studios. His impressive discography includes producing hit albums such as Elvis Presley's 1969 From Elvis in Memphis and the 1985 debut album for The Highwaymen.
Born Lincoln Wayne Moman on June 12, 1937, in LaGrange, Georgia, he later moved to Memphis, Tennessee, as a teenager. Moman's music career began when he played in the road band of Warren Smith, followed by a stint with Johnny Burnette's band in Los Angeles, and then touring with Gene Vincent.
Returning to Memphis, Moman became associated with Satellite Records (later Stax Records), where he helped find the disused movie theater on McLemore Avenue that became the Stax headquarters. As the company's recording engineer, he produced their first hit single, Carla Thomas's 1960 Gee Whiz Look at His Eyes. Additionally, he produced the first single for the Stax subsidiary label Volt, Burnt Biscuits b/w Raw Dough, by the Triumphs, whose members included future soul star Al Green and drummer Howard Grimes.
After leaving Stax in 1964 due to a monetary dispute with label founder Jim Stewart, Moman began operating his own Memphis recording studio, American Sound Studio. At American Sound, he worked with a talented group of musicians, including guitarists Reggie Young and Bobby Womack, bassists Tommy Cogbill and Mike Leech, pianists and organists Bobby Woods and Bobby Emmons, and drummer Gene Chrisman. This collective effort resulted in the production of numerous hits, such as the Box Tops' Soul Deep, Bobby Womack, Merrilee Rush, Mark Lindsay (Paul Revere and the Raiders), Sandy Posey (Born a Woman and Single Girl), Joe Tex, Wilson Pickett, Herbie Mann, Roy Hamilton, and Petula Clark.
Moman's impressive career was recognized with a Grammy Award for co-writing Hey Won't You Play Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song, a 1975 hit for B.J. Thomas.
Chips Moman's significant contributions to the music industry have left an indelible mark on the development of R&B, pop, and country music. His work at American Sound Studios and Stax Records helped shape the sound of Memphis soul, and his collaborations with renowned artists have resulted in some of the most iconic recordings in music history.
Moman passed away on June 13, 2016, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and influence new generations of music professionals.
Throughout his career, Moman's passion for music and his commitment to nurturing talent have been instrumental in creating a rich cultural legacy. His contributions to the music industry have not only shaped the sound of various genres but have also inspired countless artists and producers.
Chips Moman's impact on modern society is evident in the continued relevance and popularity of the music he helped create. His work has inspired a new wave of artists, producers, and musicians, ensuring that the legacy of Memphis soul and American roots music remains vibrant and alive.
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