Candor Historical Society remembers Moondog

The Candor Historical Society will present a roundtable discussion / remembrance of the life of Louis (Moondog) Hardin on Wednesday, Jan. 25, at the Candor Town Hall at 7 p.m.

Moondog was known as the Viking of 6th Avenue, a blind musician whose music was considered mostly classical. He rubbed elbows with greats such as the New York Philharmonic conductor Arthur Rodzinski, Charlie Parker, Lester Young, and he appeared on the Today Show, The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, and his music was picked up by labels such as Epic, Angel, and Mars. Janis Joplin recorded his song ‘All is Loneliness’. 

Although he frequented the streets of New York City, he lived in Candor, on Slate Road, from 1956 until the mid-late 1970s. Sightings of this man, who dressed as an ancient Viking, were common during his life as a hermit in Candor.

Moondog gained great notoriety after moving to Germany in 1974, where he became a world-renowned composer traveling in Europe. He recorded several albums in the U.S. and over a dozen albums and CDs in Germany. 

Moondog died in 1999 at the age of 83. A feature-length documentary on his life is currently in production.

The Candor Historical invites anyone who has a story to share about Moondog, or those interested in learning more about him, to attend this unique roundtable meeting. Music from one of Moondog’s CDs will be shared.  

The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

For more information about this, or other Candor Historical Society events, contact President Milt Dougherty by email to milton.dougherty@gmail.com or by calling 659-7357.