Moran, a single father of a nine-year-old, Jonathan, has gone through many challenges in his life – a difficult divorce, alcoholism, and other struggles -- but his music has helped him cope. He has loved music ever since he was a child, learning to play guitar from his big sister Kathy and Uncle Charlie without formal training. His mentor and father figure was the legendary Dr. John.

Moran has practiced his guitar with a radio in his hand on the Coney Island beach under a hot sun since he was 18 years old. In addition to Dr. John, he has been inspired by artists of the likes of John Mellencamp, Bob Seger, Bobby Darin, and Johnny Cash.

He was also 18 when he started to drink to escape, following the bad example of his alcoholic father. There were many times he wanted to commit suicide, but he got help, and realized he shouldn’t live his life that way. He was able to put the bottle down when he was 25, following a recovery program for which he is grateful. He went on to earn a master’s degree in education from Brooklyn College. “I know who I am today -- I have educated myself,” he said.

When he’s not teaching, strumming his guitar, or composing music, Moran makes time to volunteer for people struggling with addiction. His first album, “Starting Over,” encourages young people to cleanse themselves of alcohol addiction. The album sold more than 12,000 copies, he said.

Moran dedicated his current “Ain’t Gonna Give Up” to Jennifer, who “rejected me.” He credits an award-winning producer, Gary Bolton of Strawberry Skies Studios in South Carolina, with perfecting the album.

His first single, “Just for Today,” can be heard on the Internet and on college radio. A clip of his songs and a video can be viewed on his website, www. DaddyRocker.com.

Moran is looking forward to doing an Oct. 3 benefit performance in Gerritsen Beach as part of the Walk for Breast Cancer.

Afterwards, “I am going to celebrate my son’s birthday!” he said.