October 28th, 2023, Moultrie, Georgia - October 28th, 2023 -

DOUG MOSS has been elected into the Georgia Country Music Hall of Fame Class of 2023.

The Induction Ceremony will take place at The Seaplane Opry House in Moultrie, Georgia on Saturday October 28, 2023 at 12 noon.

I know how proud he would be. No one gave more to country music in Georgia than he did. He was the best, the Legend.

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COUNTRY MUSIC LOST LEGEND DOUG MOSS

June 28, 2020 - Royston, Ga.

DOUG MOSS, a country music legend has died at his home outside of Royston, Georgia on Thursday June 25th.

He has contributed to the joy and happiness of millions of people who were lucky enough to know him or watch him perform on the stage through the years. A career that began over six decades ago came to a close this last week, but those that knew him well promises that his music will live on in the hearts of those who remember him.

He was an awesome and talented musician; his vocals, his hand-eye coordination and his ear for music made him a true sensation, especially to his northeast Georgia fans. He certainly was loved by all those that knew him.

Doug was born to less-than-moderate circumstances on September 12th, 1953. He learned his craft at an early age. He learned to play the guitar at eight and began singing on stage at the tender age of 12.

His parents, Perry & Corene Moss, had 10 children and so much love was shared in their home. However, they knew there was something special about Doug. They so much wanted their baby boy to go to Nashville where he would have undoubtedly made a star out of himself. However, that wasn't befitting to Doug's style. He really didn't want to do that. He wanted to play music for north Georgia and that is where he spent most of his time performing on stage.

He did go on the road for two years around 1980 with RCA recording artist Sylvia Hutton, who won ACM's Female Vocalist of the Year in 1982.

That same year, Doug and the New Breed Band perfected a friendship with professional song-writer, Roger Bowling. The Clayton, Georgia native penned such songs as "Lucille" and "Coward of the County" for Madison County's own Kenny Rogers, a Country Music Hall of Fame member.. Bowling made the arrangements shortly before his death for Doug and the New Breed Band to cut an album filled with the songs he wrote.

Bowling died in December of 1982 and after some discussion with Roger's wife Tricia, the band decided to go ahead a cut the album as a tribute to Roger Bowling. Doug laid the vocals to five of Roger's songs; "I just can't get over you," "I just don't feel at home at home anymore," "Then, I'll stop loving you," "While the feeling good," and finally, "They'll never be a love song as beautiful as you."

One of his nephews remember being about 11 years old when that album came out. "I remember learning every word of every song he sang on it," said Wesley Fricks. "I remember how proud my mom was and my grandmother Moss. I played that record every day until I wore it out."

Not long after Roger died, Doug and his band went to work for Jerry Farmer and later changed the band's name to the 441 Express. They worked a weekly gig at the J&J Center out on Commerce Rd. in Athens for over sixteen years.

I believe that it was while working at the J&J that Doug met Leon Everette who he spent some time out on tour. Everette had made millions with RCA and then Mercury Records leading up to that time and Moss toured with Everette who recorded songs like "Hurricane," "Give me what you think is fair," "The lady she's right," and also the 1980 hit "Over."

One of his last concerts was with T. Graham Brown here in Royston. He was very proud of that. As a finale, he sang the American Trilogy and knocked it out of the park. He was a member of country/southern rock band, Southern Impactt, for the last six years.

So you see, one's life can touch and inspire the lives of so many without ever realizing it. Doug was a legend to a lot of people around north Georgia and his impact on the Georgia music fans will remain in perpetuity and the legend will live on in our hearts.

He was a great friend to a good song and even greater friend to a good guitar.

God bless the memory of Doug Moss!∼Obituary.....

Mr. Thomas Douglas Moss, 66, of Royston, GA passed away on Thursday, June 25, 2020, at his home.

Mr. Moss was born in Hartwell, GA on September 12, 1953, son of the late John Perry Moss and the late Corene Sullivan Moss. He was a brick mason, musician and of the Baptist faith.

Survivors include his wife, Debbie Wilkerson Moss; daughters, Chastity Bellew of Elberton, GA, Jessica Hix of Comer, GA and Leanna Moss of Bowman, GA; granddaughters, Nikki Bellew and Eva Jo Hix; and brother, Bill Moss of Comer, GA.

A memorial service for Mr. Moss will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2020, at his home with Rev. Reggie Vaughn officiating. The family is at the home; 745 Dove Drake Road Royston, GA.

Pruitt Funeral Home in Royston, GA is in charge of arrangements.