Grace Moore, the renowned and celebrated star of the Metropolitan Opera, Broadway, motion pictures, radio, and recordings, was born on December 5, 1898, in Del Río, a picturesque town situated near Newport, Tennessee. At a young age, her family relocated to Jellico, where she spent her formative years and attended Jellico High School. During her time at the school, Moore distinguished herself as the captain of the girls' basketball team in 1916, showcasing her exceptional leadership skills and athletic prowess.
Moore's remarkable beauty did not go unnoticed, as she was handpicked by the illustrious Florenz Ziegfeld, founder of the Ziegfeld Follies, as one of the ten most beautiful women in the world. Her outstanding talent and captivating stage presence earned her a nomination for an Academy Award for her motion picture, "One Night of Love." Additionally, a film titled "So This is Love" was made about her life, featuring Kathryn Grayson as the "Tennessee Nightingale," a nickname affectionately bestowed upon Moore due to her remarkable vocal abilities.
Tragically, Moore's life was cut short in a devastating airplane crash in 1947, occurring at the peak of her illustrious career. Despite her untimely passing, Moore's legacy continues to inspire and captivate audiences to this day, cementing her status as a true legend in the world of entertainment.
