Backstage with Motown Gospel Artist Gene Moore

By Bob Marovich

Last December, gospel artist Gene Moore was on top of the world.

He had recently gotten married to the love of his life, and things were looking up. He had released his debut album, The Future, on Motown Gospel in 2016.

Then the trials started.

“First, my wife’s car broke down and we were sharing a car for about six months,” Gene said. “Then I lost three of my jobs due to layoffs and changes in administration. I had to file for unemployment. I started to drive for Uber and Lyft. I told my wife I felt like I’m in a dark tunnel and I don’t know how to get out.”

Gene Moore (left) with JGM’s Bob Marovich

The image of a tunnel ended up providing him with the title of his second album, Tunnel Vision, released on Motown Gospel on August 23, 2019. The  single, “Won’t Be Moved,” is currently impacting radio.

The Journal of Gospel Music caught up with Gene Moore backstage at Chicago’s Promontory venue in Hyde Park, where he and label mate Brian Courtney Wilson were appearing as part of Brian’s Just B(e) Tour.

JGM: How did you get involved in the Just B(e) Tour?

GENE: Brian called and asked me to do it, and I said “Sure!” Brian is an awesome artist and aside from being in the industry together, we’re friends. So I thought that it would be cool to tour with my friend.

JGM: When did the tour start?

GENE: We started about three weeks ago. The first engagement was in Atlanta, at Center Stage [August 23], and now here we are in Chicago! And the next stop is Dallas, Texas.

JGM: This isn’t the first time you’ve performed in Chicago?

GENE: No, I’ve performed in Chicago with India.Arie. I’m currently touring with her as well, so the times she was here, I was here as well. Chicago is a very big market and a very tough market, but it’s fun.

JGM: Have you had a chance to do the rounds of local radio?

GENE: I did that this morning. Shout out to Sonya Blakey [Inspiration 1390] and Tabernacle Radio [Will Colquitt]. They took really good care of me!

JGM: You shared with the audience your story about the trials you have experienced recently. How are things going now?

GENE: Things are going good. I have had my challenges, but one thing that the journey of marriage has taught me is that it truly is for better or for worse. It’s really showed me how good God is, even in the midst of being in a tight situation.

JGM: What has been the response of the audience to your songs thus far?

GENE: Well, I hope they like them! [Laughs]. They were singing along with me on “Won’t Be Moved,” which is my lead single. We’ll see if that converts into CD sales later tonight!

I would love to hear everybody’s testimony. At the end of the day, that’s what I really want to do—help people to reignite their faith in God and their hopes and dreams.

JGM: Any new music in the planning?

GENE: Right now, I’m just trying to focus on Tunnel Vision.

JGM: Any other singles you see coming off of Tunnel Vision?

GENE: It’s still too early to say. The main focus is “Won’t Be Moved.” I’m a gospel artist and gospel radio moves a little different from mainstream radio. It may take about six months to a year for gospel radio to catch on, so we’ll see.

Learn more about Gene Moore at www.motowngospel.com.