By Kimberly Hopson
L’Observateur

RESERVE – Riverside Academy students were treated to a special history lesson on Thursday, courtesy of local blues legend Deacon Johnny Moore and rock ‘n’ roll singer/songwriter Johnny Rivers.
Moore has been active in the New Orleans music scene since his teens. Johnny Rivers, also known as John Henry Ramistella, is best known for his hit singles “Memphis” and “Poor Side of Town.” Both Moore and Rivers have been inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame.
The pair, joined by harmonica player Joe Hill, gave a brief history lesson on the origins of rock ‘n’ roll, jazz, blues and rhythm and blues genres, as well as an introduction to “blue note” jazz and a popular blues chord progression, the 12-bar style.
“I’ve always been a huge fan of the blues. Blues music has such a great story and is very much apart of American history and tradition. I consider blues the root of most American music that we take for granted,” said Moore to an audience of squealing students.
Junior Peyton Falgoust also had the opportunity to join the musicians onstage and show off his guitar skills. The program was sponsored by the Atmos Energy and John H. Ramistella Foundation for Music Education.