Sam Moore, the soulful tenor who formed one half of the legendary duo Sam & Dave, has passed away at 89. Known for hits like “Soul Man” and “Hold On, I’m Coming,” Moore died on Friday, January 10, in Coral Gables, Florida, following complications from a recent surgery, according to his representative.
Soul Legend Sam Moore Leaves a Lasting Legacy
Moore’s dynamic partnership with Dave Prater defined an era of rhythm and blues. Together, they created timeless music that inspired generations of artists, including Bruce Springsteen, who paid tribute to Moore. “Sam’s voice was one of the greatest in American music,” Springsteen wrote. “He had a deep authenticity that made every note unforgettable.”
Born in Miami on October 12, 1935, Moore’s musical journey began in the church. He was first discovered by Sam Cooke, who invited him to join The Soul Stirrers. Instead, Moore chose to explore pop music, eventually meeting Prater in 1961. The duo signed with Atlantic Records in 1965 and quickly rose to fame with their gospel-infused energy and show-stopping performances.
In 1967, “Soul Man” cemented Sam & Dave’s place in music history, earning them a GRAMMY Award. Their influence extended into the 1980s when “Soul Man” was revived by John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd in The Blues Brothers. Despite their success, the pair’s relationship grew contentious, and they officially parted ways in 1970.
Moore faced personal struggles, including a battle with drug addiction in the 1970s. With support from his wife, Joyce, he found sobriety and rebuilt his career, even taking unexpected gigs. Reflecting on those times, he once said, “You perform as hard as you can, get the little money, and pay the bills. It was tough, but I kept going.”
Moore and Prater were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1992, and “Soul Man” was later added to the National Recording Registry. Moore’s contributions to music were further recognized in 2019 with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy.
Moore is survived by his wife, Joyce, daughter Michell, and two grandchildren.