Augusta star leaves his mark on re-imagined classic "The Lion King"

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

News 12 This Morning

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) -- Since it's release two weeks ago, "The Lion King" has grossed over $190 million worldwide. We're now learning that a little piece of Augusta made its mark in the re-imagined classic.

As Richmond County schools gear up for a new school year and new classes, Davidson High School is reminiscing on a former student.

"I remember him in the 6th grade coming in. He was a little tiny fellow, played the piano, he was in our chorus program, and he already just had one of those voices that you knew he was going to be outstanding," Davidson principal Dr. Renee Kelly said about former student Jamal Moore.

It's been over ten years since Moore graduated, and he's not just turning tassels -- he's also turning heads.

"Beyonce, I worked with her for Coachella last yea. Bee-Chella. I'm a part of the samples with Kanye West," Moore said

Moore lives in Los Angeles, but even over FaceTime the power in his voice shines through.

He said his last project was the biggest one yet: singing behind Beyonce Knowles for the song "Spirit" on the Lion King soundtrack.

"I knew she was recording some original music, but I didn't know it was actually going to be in the movie. Like, I thought it was just going to be a separate track," Moore said.

While Moore may be in shock, his former assistant principal isn't. Kelly says there was always something special about him.

"I know he is going to inspire so many of our kids," Kelly said.

Even with his busy schedule, Moore makes times to come back to Augusta and visit his Davidson family at least once a year.