Sam Moore of soul duo Sam & Dave has passed away at the age of 89. Moore was best known as part of the soul duo Sam & Dave, as well as for his high tenor vocal prowess and songwriting talents in the world of soul music and R&B.
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According to friend and representative Roger Friedman of Showbiz 411, Moore died on Friday, January 10 in Coral Gables, Florida following complications from a recent surgical procedure. We wish his family and loved ones nothing but the best during this difficult time.
“I am heartbroken to report that the Legendary Soul Man, Sam Moore, my friend for 25 years, passed away this morning in Coral Gables, Florida,” said Friedman. “Only a few people come into your life who absolutely change it for the better. In mine, Sam Moore is in that group.”
Remembering the Legacy of Sam Moore and Sam & Dave
Sam Moore was born in Miami, Florida in 1935. Initially an accomplished gospel singer, Moore was best known as one half of soul and R&B outfit Sam & Dave, alongside Dave Prater. The two were more or less active for two decades throughout the 1960s and 1970s. They are best known for their hits including “Hold On I’m Coming” and “Soul Man”. Prater, sadly, passed away in 1988.
Moore enjoyed a successful solo career starting in the 1970s. He toured and performed with the likes of Wilson Pickett, Don Henley, Lou Reed, The Blues Brothers Band, and many others.
Moore was a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member, as well as a member of the Grammy Hall of Fame (for the song “Soul Man”), the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame, and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame.
Even well into his 80s, Moore never lost his love of soul music and performing. In 2022, he joined Bruce Springsteen on the latter’s cover album. He provided his vocal talents to the songs “I Forgot To Be Your Lover” and “Soul Days”. In 2023, Moore joined a number of country performers gathered to honor George Jones in Huntsville, Alabama, where he sang “The Blues Man”.
Music critic Dave Marsh (as well as Bruce Springsteen) often described Sam Moore as “the greatest living soul singer”. We’d have to agree with that sentiment. Moore leaves behind his wife Joyce and his daughter Michelle, as well as several grandchildren. RIP, Soul Man.
Photo by CA/Redferns
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