Sam Moore, the soulful voice behind the iconic 1960s duo Sam & Dave, has passed away at 89. Known for hits like “Soul Man” and “Hold On, I’m Comin’,” Moore’s powerful vocals defined an era of soul music.
Publicist Jeremy Westby confirmed that Moore died Friday morning in Coral Gables, Florida, due to complications following surgery.
Moore, alongside Dave Prater, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992. Their partnership at Memphis-based Stax Records produced timeless hits like “You Don’t Know Like I Know” and “When Something Is Wrong With My Baby.” Collaborating with the legendary Stax house band, Booker T. & the MGs, the duo’s music left an indelible mark on soul.
Bruce Springsteen, a longtime admirer and collaborator, paid tribute, calling Moore “one of America’s greatest soul voices.”
Despite their success, Sam & Dave’s partnership ended in 1970 amid personal and professional conflicts. Moore battled addiction for years but credited his wife, Joyce, whom he married in 1982, with helping him turn his life around.
In later years, Moore became a vocal advocate for musicians’ rights, suing record companies over unpaid royalties. He also ventured into politics, reworking “Soul Man” into “Dole Man” for Bob Dole’s 1996 presidential campaign and performing at Donald Trump’s 2017 inauguration.
Born on October 12, 1935, in Miami, Moore began singing in church and met Prater in 1961. Their explosive performances and call-and-response style cemented their place as one of soul music’s greatest duos.
Moore continued to perform well into his later years, appearing at the Kennedy Center Honors and working with artists like Springsteen and Steve Van Zandt.
He is survived by his wife, Joyce; daughter, Michell; and two grandchildren.
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