Sam Moore, Legendary Soul Singer of Sam & Dave, Dies at 89
Sam Moore, the renowned soul singer best known as one half of the iconic duo Sam & Dave, has passed away at the age of 89. His death occurred on Friday in Coral Gables, Florida, due to complications from surgery, according to his publicist, Jeremy Westby, who confirmed the news to Entertainment Weekly.
Moore’s publicist team, 2911 Media, released an obituary that highlighted his remarkable contributions to the music world. Jon Bon Jovi, who worked with Moore on his 2006 solo album Overnight Sensational, paid a heartfelt tribute on social media. Bon Jovi wrote, “Sam Moore, the Soulman, one of the pioneers and greatest singers ever, has left us. I’m not saddened as much as I feel incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to be in his presence.”
Born in 1935 in Miami, Moore discovered his passion for music early, singing in church and local clubs. He later teamed up with Dave Prater to form Sam & Dave, and the duo became a major force in the 1960s soul scene. In 1964, they signed with Atlantic Records and soon moved to its Memphis-based subsidiary, Stax Records, where they became the label’s biggest stars after Otis Redding.
Throughout the mid-1960s, Sam & Dave produced numerous R&B hits, including classics like “Hold On! I’m Comin’,” “When Something Is Wrong With My Baby,” “I Thank You,” and their signature song, “Soul Man.” “Soul Man” earned them a Grammy in 1968 for Best Rhythm & Blues Group Performance, Vocal or Instrumental.
Though Sam & Dave parted ways in 1970, Moore attempted a solo career, releasing an album in 2002 that had been delayed for years due to a range of setbacks, including the 1971 murder of its producer, King Curtis. Over the years, Moore had a turbulent relationship with Prater, with the duo reuniting and separating multiple times. Moore even took legal action against Prater in the 1980s over the use of the Sam & Dave name, which Prater had continued to perform under with a different partner.
Moore’s career enjoyed a revival when “Soul Man” was covered by John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd as The Blues Brothers for their 1978 album Briefcase Full of Blues. Throughout the 1980s, Moore battled and eventually overcame addiction, becoming a strong advocate for anti-drug initiatives. He also collaborated with artists like Lou Reed and Don Henley on duets during this time.
Prater’s tragic death in a car accident in 1988 left Moore to carry on the legacy of Sam & Dave, and in 1992, the duo was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The following year, Moore joined a group of musicians who sued record labels and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists over unfair treatment regarding retirement benefits. He even famously adapted “Soul Man” into “Dole Man,” a campaign song for presidential candidate Bob Dole, though it was quickly shut down by the song’s publishers.
In 2006, Moore released Overnight Sensational, a solo album featuring collaborations with some of the biggest names in music, including Mariah Carey, Bruce Springsteen, Fantasia, Sting, and Jon Bon Jovi. Three years later, Moore filed a lawsuit against filmmakers Bob and Harvey Weinstein over their movie Soul Man, which he claimed was inspired by Sam & Dave’s story.
In 2017, Moore performed at Donald Trump’s inauguration, marking the sixth U.S. president he had sung for live. His career was also celebrated when he received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019.
Sam Moore is survived by his wife Joyce, daughter, and two grandchildren. His legacy as one of the greatest voices in soul music will continue to live on through his unforgettable songs and collaborations with musical legends.
Latest new from lovesunatee.com
