Sam Moore, singer in the 1960s soul duo Sam & Dave, dead at 89
The music world is mourning the loss of Sam Moore, the legendary soul singer and one half of the iconic duo Sam & Dave. Moore passed away at the age of 89 in Coral Gables, Florida, due to complications from surgery, according to his publicist Jeremy Westby.
Sam Moore, along with his partner Dave Prater, rose to fame in the 1960s with a string of hits that included Soul Man and Hold On, I’m Comin. Their electrifying stage presence and soulful vocals made them one of the biggest stars at Stax Records in Memphis, Tennessee, second only to Otis Redding.
The duo’s music, often written and produced by Isaac Hayes and David Porter, featured the renowned Stax house band Booker T. and the M.G.s. Their energetic performances and classic hits like You Don’t Know Like I Know and When Something is Wrong With My Baby solidified their status as soul music icons.
Despite their success in the 60s, Sam & Dave faced challenges in the following decades. They faded from the spotlight, but their music saw a resurgence in the late 1970s when the Blues Brothers covered Soul Man. Moore had mixed feelings about the association with the comedy duo, but their version of the song introduced a new generation to Sam & Dave’s music.
In later years, Moore faced legal battles over his pension and the rights to the Sam & Dave name. He also delved into politics, writing a song for Republican Bob Dole’s presidential campaign in 1996 and performing at Donald Trump’s inauguration in 2017.
Despite the ups and downs of his career, Sam Moore’s passion for music never wavered. He continued to perform and collaborate with artists like Bruce Springsteen, who considered him a close friend. Moore’s powerful voice and soulful delivery left a lasting impact on the music world.
In addition to his musical legacy, Moore is remembered for his resilience and determination. He overcame personal struggles, including a drug addiction, with the help of his wife Joyce. Together, they weathered the challenges of the music industry and built a life filled with love and music.
Sam Moore’s influence will continue to be felt in the world of soul music. His powerful performances and timeless songs will live on, inspiring generations of artists to come. He is survived by his wife, daughter, and grandchildren, leaving behind a legacy that will never be forgotten.
