Legendary Soul Singer Sam Moore Passes Away at 89

Sam Moore, the renowned vocalist from the famed duo Sam & Dave, celebrated for hits like “Soul Man” and “Hold On, I’m Comin’,” has passed away at the age of 89.

His publicist, Jeremy Westby, shared that Moore died early Friday in Coral Gables, Florida, from complications arising during his recovery from surgery, though further details have yet to be released.

With a significant impact on music legends such as Michael Jackson, Al Green, and Bruce Springsteen, Moore was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside Dave Prater in 1992.

Moore and Prater made their mark at Stax Records in Memphis, Tennessee, where they became prominent figures, trailing only Otis Redding. They redefined the gospel “call and response” style, turning it into a vibrant stage performance while producing iconic soul tracks, including “You Don’t Know Like I Know,” “When Something is Wrong With My Baby,” and “I Thank You.”

Many of their renowned hits were crafted by the prolific songwriting partnership of Isaac Hayes and David Porter, utilizing the talents of the Stax house band, Booker T. & the MGs. Guitarist Steve Cropper received enduring recognition when Sam & Dave famously called out, “Play it, Steve,” during “Soul Man.”

Although the popularity of Sam & Dave waned in the 1970s, their classic “Soul Man” regained traction when the Blues Brothers, John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, performed it, featuring some of the original musicians. Moore expressed mixed feelings about this resurgence, noting that many young listeners mistakenly believed the song originated with the Blues Brothers.

In 2008, a film titled “Soul Men,” featuring characters resembling Sam & Dave, was released. However, Moore lost a legal battle over the movie’s alleged similarities.

Moore also engaged in a lengthy legal dispute with Prater after Prater started touring as “The New Sam & Dave” with a substitute performer. Prater tragically passed away in a car accident in Georgia in 1988.

In addition, Moore sought legal recourse against the music industry, claiming he was denied proper retirement benefits. In 1993, Moore and fellow artists pursued lawsuits against various record companies and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.

Reflecting on the situation in a 1994 interview with The Associated Press, Moore revealed that despite his success, his pension was merely $2,285, with the option of a lump sum or low monthly payments of $73.

“Two thousand dollars for my lifetime?” he questioned. “If you’re profiting from my work, I deserve my share, not just crumbs.”

Moore creatively penned the song “Dole Man,” which parodied “Soul Man,” in support of Republican Bob Dole’s presidential campaign in 1996. He also performed at President Donald Trump’s inaugural events in 2017, despite previously objecting to Barack Obama’s campaign using “Hold On, I’m Comin’.”

Born on October 12, 1935, in Miami, Moore began his musical journey in church singing.

He and Prater, who made their debut in the soul and R&B scene during the 1950s, officially met in Miami in 1961. After collaborating, they emerged as a popular duo, signing with Atlantic Records in 1965 and being placed under the Stax label in Memphis by producer Jerry Wexler.

Moore acknowledged that frequent arguments and his battle with drug addiction, which he overcame in 1981, contributed to the duo’s struggles. They eventually parted ways in 1970, leading to a decline in their musical endeavors.

Sam Moore’s Personal Life and Legacy

In 1982, Moore married Joyce, who played a crucial role in helping him overcome addiction, which he credited with saving him.

He reminisced about performing on cruise ships and various oldies shows during challenging times, recalling a comedic moment when he opened for Elvis impersonators.

Despite the laughter in hindsight, he reflected on the seriousness of those struggles, emphasizing the determination to keep performing and make a living, no matter the circumstances.

Moore continued his musical journey, appearing at events like the Kennedy Center Honors and performing for various presidents, including Obama.

He is remembered fondly, leaving behind his wife Joyce, daughter Michell, and two grandchildren.