1945 (1941?)*-
Internationally known singer and actress.
Attended Arts High School as “Beatrice Melba Smith (Moorman)” and lived at 283 Rose St. She also attended Waverly Avenue Elementary School and Cleveland Jr. High. Her stepfather was Newark musician Clem Moorman.
Melba graduated from Montclair State (Newark Normal) and taught music at Peshine Avenue School from 1964-1965.
Moore starred in Hair in 1967, beginning her entertainment career.
Of Newark she stated, “Somehow people who are going to do anything outgrow Newark. You sort of have to get out of there first. Then maybe you can go back and do something” and “I felt like I outgrew Newark”.
Bibliography
Duncan, Steve “‘Love’ Singer Has Little Love for Newark” NY Sunday News May 24, 1970
La Tribuna Photo Collection, Newark Library
*Widely cited as 1945, but this would make her highschool graduation age 13. 1950 census says 1941.
Wilson, Earl “Back From Paris” Newark News March 16, 1970
Berliner, David “Melba Makes The Scene” Newark News Sept 7, 1969