A Tribute To Moses George Hogan

1957– 2003

By: Roger Dickerson

On the Occasion of the performance of The New Orleans Black Chorale

At the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival

​

Some years ago, I wrote a letter of recommendation to Dillard University stating: “It has been my privilege to know Mr. Moses Hogan for nearly twenty years. During that period, I have found him to be a serious, exceptionally talented and receptive individual. His talents, community work and long range objectives truly reflect the kind of artistic and intellectual abilities that are much needed in our society—and out of which significant contributions are made.” The letter continued: “Having won the Chopin Competition Prize—First Place—at twenty years of age, Moses has, indeed, already distinguished himself as one of America’s most gifted young pianist.” Moses received the appointment at Dillard University. He was embarking upon his first, full time faculty position at the higher education university level. It was an important step in the unfolding of the full range of Moses’ talents, of his genius—and global achievements which followed over the years.

​

From an early age Moses’ musical abilities and keen musical interest surfaced immediately—and quite convincingly. His rich musical family home life—receiving direct tutelage from his uncle, Edwin B. Hogan (a master church musician and a favorite collaborator of New Orleans’ own world renowned Mahalia Jackson)—as well as the encouraging setting of the New Zion Baptist Church provided, all together, an incredible impetus to the early, vitalized blossoming of Moses’ creative talents. Following NOCCA (the New Orleans Center for Creative Art) and his First Place Prize in The Chopin Competition, Moses’ presence at Oberlin, Julliard, LSU (Louisiana State University), many recitals and featured solo performances with orchestras is best summed-up by world-acclaimed concert pianist Andre Watts: “Moses is an artist making a statement”, he said succinctly. Artist-in-Residences at Dillard University and Loyola University of New Orleans came to Moses in the years preceding the untimely lost of his talents and presence on this plane of existence.

​

Moses Hogan’s compositions—some 70 published—have won high praise from audiences and critics alike. The world-wide performance of Moses’ music: by professional, college, church, and high school groups continues—increasingly. Truly, this gifted pianist, composer, conductor, producer of events, receiver of major commissions, of international travel with the Moses G. Hogan Singers, DID—indeed—emerge from our rich local culture and spread his wings in the realm of the highest artistic levels.

​

April 25, 2015