Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

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MULLICAN, Moon

(b Aubrey Wilson Mullican, 29 March '09, Corrigan TX; d 1 Jan. '67, Beaumont) Vocalist and King of the Hillbilly Piano Players, getting his name playing in houses of ill repute in Houston. Pioneered country boogie, having an infl. on rock'n'roll. Learned to play a pump organ at eight years old and soon took to piano, developing a distinctive two- fingured right hand; moved to Houston '30 and formed a band, toured Louisiana and Texas honky tonks; worked with Ted Daffan and Floyd Tillman, he joined Leon Selph's Blue Ridge Playboys '40. Signed to King '45 and saw peak popularity late '40s-- early '50s with 'New Jole Blon', 'I'll Sail My Ship Alone', 'Cherokee Boogie' and 'Sweeter Than The Flowers', a tribute to mothers. As well as leading his own band he worked for Ernie Ford, Red Foley and was a member of band and staff of Governor Jimmie Davis '60--63. Troubled by ill-health and was semi- retired, having infl. Jerry Lee Lewis and many others. CDs: Moonshine Jamboree on Ace, Sings His All Time Hits on King.