Sam Moore, Legendary ‘Soul Man’ Singer of Sam & Dave Duo, Passes Away at 89

 


Sam Moore, the legendary soul singer and the surviving half of the iconic 1960s duo Sam & Dave, known for timeless hits like “Soul Man” and “Hold On, I’m Comin,” has passed away at the age of 89.

Publicist Jeremy Westby confirmed that Moore died Friday morning in Coral Gables, Florida, from complications following surgery. Further details about his passing were not immediately available. Moore, whose soulful voice influenced generations of musicians from Al Green to Bruce Springsteen, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside his singing partner, Dave Prater, in 1992.

“We are heartbroken to hear of the death of Sam Moore, one of America’s greatest soul voices,” Springsteen shared on Instagram. “He was filled with stories of the golden days of soul music, and his voice carried an authenticity that remained unmatched to the very end.”

At Memphis-based Stax Records, Moore and Prater became second only to Otis Redding in popularity. Their energetic stage performances, built on the “call and response” tradition of gospel, and enduring hits like “You Don’t Know Like I Know,” “When Something Is Wrong With My Baby,” and “I Thank You,” cemented their place in soul music history. Many of their classics were penned by Isaac Hayes and David Porter, with backing from the legendary Stax house band Booker T. & the MGs. The iconic phrase “Play it, Steve!” from “Soul Man” famously referenced guitarist Steve Cropper.

The duo’s popularity waned in the 1970s, but “Soul Man” found new life when John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, as the Blues Brothers, recorded their own version with many of the original musicians. While Moore had mixed feelings about the song’s association with the comedians, he acknowledged its enduring impact.

In 2008, the film Soul Men drew inspiration from Sam & Dave’s dynamic, though Moore’s lawsuit over the movie’s likeness was unsuccessful. His relationship with Prater was tumultuous, with lawsuits following Prater’s unauthorized tours as the New Sam & Dave. Prater died in a 1988 car crash.

Moore also took on the recording industry, joining a 1993 lawsuit against record labels and unions over retirement benefits. Despite his string of million-selling hits, he discovered that his pension totaled only $2,285, prompting him to demand justice. “If you’re profiting off me, don’t give me cornbread and call it biscuits,” he remarked.


Politically active, Moore reworked “Soul Man” into “Dole Man” for Bob Dole’s 1996 presidential campaign and performed at Donald Trump’s 2017 inauguration. He opposed Barack Obama’s use of “Hold On, I’m Comin’” in 2008.

Born on October 12, 1935, in Miami, Moore began singing in church before forming a local R&B duo with Prater in 1961. The two signed with Atlantic Records in 1965, leading to their breakthrough under the guidance of producer Jerry Wexler and Stax Records.

Moore’s struggles with addiction contributed to the duo’s 1970 breakup, but he found redemption with the help of his wife, Joyce, whom he married in 1982. Her support was pivotal in his recovery, which he credited with saving his life.

Reflecting on his lean years, Moore recalled performing on cruise ships and oldies shows, even auditioning to open for Elvis impersonators. “You keep your mouth shut, sing your heart out, take the little money, and pay your bills,” he said. “I laugh now, but back then, it was tough.”

Despite setbacks, Moore continued to record and perform, gracing the Kennedy Center Honors and singing for presidents, including Obama. His soulful legacy and unbreakable spirit endure as hallmarks of American music history.


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