Monte Moir

Who is Monte Moir?

Monte Moir is the original and current keyboardist for The Time, as well as songwriter and producer for Janet Jackson, Alexander O'Neal, Gladys Knight, the duo Deja and Lolly Pop. He is also credited for working with Prince, Vanity 6, Deniece Williams, Thelma Houston and various other artists. His greatest writing successes were writing the first side of Alexander O'Neal's solo debut - including "If You Were Here Tonight" as well as "The Pleasure Principle' by Janet Jackson. Patti Austin and Thema Houston are other notable artists he wrote classics for as part of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis's 'The Secret'. He left The Time soon after Jam and Lewis were released by Prince, following conflicting writing interests with The SOS Band and failing to make a concert.

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 rejoined The Time for their Pandemonium album and Prince's final film Graffiti Bridge, in the late 1980s when the original Time members reunited. He continues to produce his own material, play keyboards for an amended version of the band and produce for various artists. He was most recently seen on the 50th Annual Grammy Awards, playing with Rihanna and The Time.