Monte Moir

Last updated

Monte Moir
Born
Monte Moir

(1958-09-10) September 10, 1958 (age 67)
Origin Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer
  • keyboardist
  • songwriter
Instrument Keyboards
Years active1981–present
Labels
Member of The Time
Website montemoir.com

Monte Moir (born September 10, 1958) is an American songwriter, producer and musician best known as the keyboardist of Morris Day's band The Time and songwriter of many notable American artists.

Contents

Biography

Monte Moir is one of the original keyboardists for The Time, as well as a songwriter and producer for Janet Jackson, Alexander O'Neal, Gladys Knight, as well as the duo Deja (Curt Jones & Starleana Young). He is also credited for working with Prince, Vanity 6, Deniece Williams, Thelma Houston, Steven Dante, Lolly Pop, Precious Wilson and various other artists.

Some of his greatest writing successes were writing the first side of Alexander O'Neal's solo debut – including the quiet storm classic "If You Were Here Tonight" – and "The Pleasure Principle' [1] by Janet Jackson. Patti Austin and Thelma Houston are other notable artists he wrote classics for as part of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis's 'The Secret'. Monte is something of a cult writing figure in the world of soulful music. "In My Life" by Ruby Turner as well as Steven Dante's "It's Only Love" are key examples of his songwriting.

He left The Time soon after Jam and Lewis were released by Prince, following conflicting writing interests with the S.O.S. Band and failing to make a concert. However, he rejoined The Time for their Pandemonium album and Prince's film Graffiti Bridge , in the late 1980s when the original Time members reunited.


Moir initially left The Time shorty before the filming of Purple Rain . [2] However, Moir returned to the band 1990, and stayed for many years, but would eventually again leave The Time in 2019. [2]

Moir continues to compose his own material and produce for various artists. He was credited on Rihanna's 2016 Billboard number one hit "Work" [3] and most recently surfaced at the 2020 Grammy Award Salute to Prince . [4]

References

  1. "Interview with Monte Moir about the song 'The Pleasure Principle'". June 6, 2012.
  2. 1 2 "The Time". montemoir.net. Retrieved November 22, 2025.
  3. "Monte Moir Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & More". AllMusic.
  4. Yglesias, Ana Monroy (April 22, 2020). "From Foo Fighters to H.E.R., Chris Martin to Mavis Staples, Here's Who Rocked the GRAMMY Prince Tribute". Grammy Awards.