Respected record collector and researcher George A. Moonoogian passes

George Moonoogian – at the deck.

It is sad to report the death of the well respected record collector, R&B expert, writer and DJ George A. Moonoogian of Haverhill, Massachusetts. George passed away on 17th December. 

George was an English teacher and began collecting records in the 1950s, buying R&B, Blues, Gospel and Doo Wop 78s, 45s, LPs and memorabilia in thrift and dime stores and record shops, amassing a large record collection – with many rarities, one-offs, demo’s and highly collectable discs.

George was also a writer and researcher. His work appeared in ‘Goldmine’, ‘Record Exchanger’, ‘Record Collectors’ Monthly’, ‘Out Of The Past’ and ‘Whiskey, Women, And…’ producing in-depth and pioneering research on R&B artists such as Cecil Gant, Amos Milburn, Joe Turner, Doc Pomus, Helen Humes, Van Walls and pianist Sammy Price.

He co-produced a number of reissue albums for Jonas Bernholm’s reissue labels allied to Jonas’s Route 66 stable.

George was also an accomplished blues and boogie pianist and he hosted his own R&B record show on a radio station WJZ in Haverhill as DJ ‘GM Hooker’.

In recent years he had suffered from a brain aneurysm. which meant he couldn’t keep contact with the world of R&B record collecting, although long term buddy and co-founder of ‘Whiskey Women And…’ Dan Kochakian said that he ‘talked blues and R&B to George only two weeks ago and he was still sharp’.

Condolences go to George’s wife Dianne and the family.

This entry was posted in 45 rpm, 78rpm, Blues, Compact Disc, Jazz, Rare Records, Rhythm & Blues, Rock & Roll, Roots, Vinyl. Bookmark the permalink.

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