Sam Moore, Legendary ‘Soul Man’ Singer, Dies at 89
Sam Moore, renowned as the higher voice and surviving member of the iconic 1960s soul duo Sam & Dave, passed away at 89. Publicist Jeremy Westby confirmed Moore died Friday in Coral Gables, Florida, due to complications while recovering from surgery.
Known for hits like “Soul Man” and “Hold On, I’m Comin’,” Sam & Dave were trailblazers in soul music, blending gospel’s call-and-response style with electrifying stage performances. The duo’s collaborations with Stax Records, supported by producers Isaac Hayes and David Porter and the house band Booker T. & the MGs, produced enduring classics like “You Don’t Know Like I Know” and “When Something is Wrong With My Baby.” Their music influenced artists including Michael Jackson, Al Green, and Bruce Springsteen.
Despite their success, the duo faced challenges. Moore and his partner, Dave Prater, often clashed and disbanded in 1970. Prater later toured with a substitute under the name New Sam & Dave, leading to legal disputes. Prater died in a car accident in 1988.
Sam & Dave’s legacy saw a resurgence when the Blues Brothers popularized “Soul Man” in the late 1970s. Moore had mixed feelings about the younger generation associating the song with the comedy duo rather than its original creators.
Moore faced personal and professional hurdles, including overcoming a drug addiction in 1981 with the support of his wife, Joyce, whom he married in 1982. He spent years advocating for musicians’ rights, filing lawsuits against record companies for unpaid royalties and inadequate pension benefits. Despite these struggles, Moore continued performing, gracing stages like the Kennedy Center Honors and performing for U.S. presidents, including Barack Obama and Donald Trump.
Born October 12, 1935, in Miami, Moore began his musical journey in church choirs and R&B clubs. He met Prater in 1961, forming a partnership that shaped soul music history.
Moore is survived by his wife, Joyce, daughter Michell, and two grandchildren, leaving behind a legacy as one of soul music’s most influential voices.
