Early Life
Martin-Moore was born on May 21, 1958, in Louisville, Mississippi, to Willie Martin, Sr. (d. 1981) and Mattie Louise Martin-Moore. Her father was a farmer, minister and construction worker, and her mother was a stay at home mother.
She first began singing in the choir of her church, Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Louise, Mississippi, at the age of four. She went on to sing with various gospel groups in the area before joining The Mississippi Mass Choir in 1979, where she remained for a brief period.
Solo Career
Cora Martin-Moore launched her solo career with the debut of her self-titled album 'Cora Martin Moore & The Inspirational Choir', in 1991 under Atlanta International Records, which included three hit singles: '"I Am the Man"; "In My Room" and "I Made It." With the release of the album, she garnered attention and became known in the gospel community.
Her sophomore album, 'I Shall Wear a Crown' was released in 1995 and peaked at No. 1 on Billboard's Top Gospel Albums chart. Two singles, "I Just Want You" and "Crown on My Head" gained top ten positions on the Top Gospel Songs chart, with "I Just Want You" reaching number one.
The success of her albums and singles earned Martin-Moore three Stellar Award nominations in the categories of New Artist of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, and Song of the Year in 1996, however she did not win any of the categories.
Collaboration
In 2001, Martin-Moore worked with pastor and contemporary gospel singer Donald Malloy to record the hit duet 'I Won't Go Back', featured on his album 'Don't Get Off Track', which gained considerable radio play.
In 2003, Martin-Moore provided vocals for the gospel song "I Don't Want to Go" (featuring Kierra 'KiKi' Sheard), which was released on the third studio album by Bishop T.D. Jakes, 'A Wing and A Prayer'. The single reached number 2 on the Top Gospel Songs chart and is considered a popular and well-recieved gospel track.
Current Works
Martin-Moore has continued to release albums and tour around the world. Her most recent album, 'A Song for You', was released in 2015. She has also established herself as a successful businesswoman, owning and operating a chain of beauty salons and cosmetology schools.