Moondog

Louis Thomas Hardin (Moondog) was an American blind composer and street musician, active from the 1930s until his death in 1999. Known for his Viking costume, street performances in New York, invented instruments and influential minimalist/experimental compositions.

Born in Kansas in 1916; lost his sight at 16; long-time New York street musician (Sixth Avenue); lived in Germany from 1974 until his death in 1999. Composed works such as "Bird's Lament," built instruments including the Trimba and Hus, and influenced minimalism and experimental music.

Two DeBaser reviews praise Moondog's distinctive, genre-crossing music, his life as a blind New York street musician, and his inventive instruments. Reviewers highlight albums like Moondog and The German Years 1977-1999 and note his influence on minimalism and experimental music.

For:Listeners of experimental, minimalist, jazz and contemporary classical music; readers interested in outsider/street musicians.