Moe Thompson

Born to Russian immigrants in New York in 1888, and moved to St. Paul, MN when he was five. In the teens and twenties, Moe Thompson's profession was variously given as musician, theatrical man, actor, entertainer, and vocalist, sometimes working in various Twin Cities restaurants and hotels. In 1920 and 1921, he was listed as a music dealer. During this period, he co-wrote at least seven Tin Pan Alley-style songs published as sheet music, one under the imprint of his own store – Moe Thompson's Melody Shop, located on Minneapolis' legendary Block E. Opened The Victoria Cafe in 1924. Moved to New York in 1926, where his biography goes cold. During this time he recorded for both Gennett and Paramount.