cast it your way
casting details
Moondog (born Louis Thomas Hardin, May 26, 1916 – September 8, 1999) was an American composer, musician, and poet known for his unique blend of classical, jazz, and avant-garde music, as well as his striking Viking-inspired attire. A self-taught artist who lost his eyesight at the age of 16 due to a farming accident, Moondog became a fixture of mid-20th century New York City’s music and street culture.
Born in Marysville, Kansas, Hardin developed a deep appreciation for rhythm and sound from an early age. After studying music in various schools for the blind, he moved to New York City in the late 1940s. There, he gained recognition for his street performances and compositions, often playing his own invented instruments, including the trimba. His music, characterized by intricate rhythms and counterpoint, drew inspiration from Native American drum patterns, Western classical traditions, and contemporary jazz.
Moondog released several acclaimed albums during his career, including Moondog (1956) and Moondog 2 (1971). His compositions were performed by leading orchestras and recorded by artists such as Julie Andrews. Despite his eccentric appearance, often dressed in handmade Viking-style garments, Moondog earned the respect of luminaries like Leonard Bernstein and Artur Rodziński.
In 1974, Moondog relocated to Germany, where he continued to compose and record until his death in 1999. His work has influenced a wide range of musicians, including Philip Glass and Steve Reich, and his legacy as an innovator and outsider artist endures.
