Rudy Ray Moore, also known as Rudolph Frank Moore, was an American entertainer known for his comedic, musical, and acting talents. His most famous creation was the character Dolemite, a pimp featured in blaxploitation films like "Dolemite", "The Human Tornado", and "The Dolemite Explosion". Moore's comedic style, often using profanity-laced rhyming poetry in his routines and records, earned him the title "Godfather of Rap". His life and career were depicted in the 2019 biographical film "Dolemite Is My Name" starring Eddie Murphy.
March 17, 1927: Birth of Rudy Ray Moore
Rudy Ray Moore was born on March 17, 1927.
1955: Start of Music Career
Rudy Ray Moore began recording rhythm and blues songs for various labels in 1955.
1961: Release of "Below the Belt"
Rudy Ray Moore released his first comedy album, "Below the Belt," in 1961.
1962: Continued Music Releases and Transition to Comedy
Rudy Ray Moore continued recording music until 1962. That same year, he ventured into comedy.
1964: Release of "A Comedian Is Born"
Rudy Ray Moore released the comedy album "A Comedian Is Born" in 1964.
1970: Recording "Dolemite" Material
Rudy Ray Moore started recording material based on the "Dolemite" persona in 1970, incorporating it into his stand-up routines.
1970: Discovering the "Dolemite" Character
While working at Dolphin's of Hollywood record store, Rudy Ray Moore encountered the inspiration for his "Dolemite" character through stories told by a man named Rico in 1970.
1973: Producing "The First Man of Poetry, Big Brown: Between Heaven and Hell"
Rudy Ray Moore produced Big Brown's album, "The First Man of Poetry, Big Brown: Between Heaven and Hell," in 1973.
1974: Filming of "Dolemite"
The filming of "Dolemite" commenced in January 1974, marking a significant step in Rudy Ray Moore's film career.
April 1975: National Release of "Dolemite"
Rudy Ray Moore's film "Dolemite" saw its national release in April 1975, solidifying his place in blaxploitation cinema.
1975: Release of "Dolemite"
Rudy Ray Moore's blaxploitation film "Dolemite" was released in 1975, featuring the iconic character he created.
1990: Collaborations with Big Daddy Kane and Eric B. & Rakim
In 1990, Rudy Ray Moore appeared on Big Daddy Kane's album "Taste of Chocolate" and in Eric B. & Rakim's music video for "In The Ghetto."
1995: Appearance on "Martin"
Rudy Ray Moore made a guest appearance on the TV show "Martin" in 1995, reprising his Dolemite character.
1999: Collaborations with Snoop Dogg and Ol' Dirty Bastard
In 1999, Rudy Ray Moore's Dolemite character was featured on Snoop Dogg's album "No Limit Top Dogg" and in Ol' Dirty Bastard's music video for "Got Your Money."
2000: Appearance in "Big Money Hustlas"
Rudy Ray Moore reprised his Dolemite character in the 2000 film "Big Money Hustlas," a project by the rap-rock group Insane Clown Posse.
2001: Collaboration with Busta Rhymes
Rudy Ray Moore was featured in the intro of Busta Rhymes' album "Genesis" in 2001.
October 19, 2008: Death of Rudy Ray Moore
Rudy Ray Moore passed away on October 19, 2008.
2008: Final Recording: "I Live for the Funk"
Rudy Ray Moore's final recording was the song "I Live for the Funk" in 2008, marking a collaboration with Blowfly and Daniel Jordan and commemorating the 30th anniversary of his film "Petey Wheatstraw."
2012: Donald Randall's Statement About Moore's Relationships
Rudy Ray Moore's long-time manager, Donald Randall, disclosed details about Moore's personal relationships in 2012.
June 7, 2018: Announcement of "Dolemite Is My Name"
The production of "Dolemite Is My Name," a biopic about Rudy Ray Moore, was announced on June 7, 2018, with Craig Brewer directing, Eddie Murphy starring, and Netflix handling production and distribution.
June 12, 2018: Start of Filming for "Dolemite Is My Name"
Principal photography for "Dolemite Is My Name" commenced on June 12, 2018.
July 2018: Casting Additions for "Dolemite Is My Name"
Chris Rock and Ron Cephas Jones joined the cast of "Dolemite Is My Name" in July 2018.
August 2019: Trailer Release for "Dolemite Is My Name"
The trailer for "Dolemite Is My Name" was released in August 2019.
September 7, 2019: Premiere of "Dolemite Is My Name" at TIFF
"Dolemite Is My Name" premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 7, 2019.
October 4, 2019: Limited Release of "Dolemite Is My Name"
"Dolemite Is My Name" received a limited theatrical release on October 4, 2019.
October 25, 2019: Digital Release of "Dolemite Is My Name"
"Dolemite Is My Name" became available for digital streaming on Netflix on October 25, 2019.
2019: Stanton Z. LaVey's Statement About Moore's Sexuality
Entertainer Stanton Z. LaVey, a friend of Rudy Ray Moore, commented on Moore's sexuality in 2019.
2019: Release of "Dolemite Is My Name"
The biographical film "Dolemite Is My Name," starring Eddie Murphy as Rudy Ray Moore, was released in 2019, depicting Moore's life and career.
January 2022: Release of Rudy Ray Moore's Biography
"Thank You For Letting Me Be Myself: The Authorized Biography of Rudy Ray Moore aka Dolemite" by Mark Jason Murray was published in January 2022, offering a detailed account of Moore's life.