Sam Moore was the surviving half of the Grammy-winning, Hall of Fame-honored soul and R&B duo Sam & Dave, best known for their enduring hit, “Soul Man.”
- Died: January 10, 2025 (Who else died on January 10?)
- Details of death: Died in Coral Gables, Florida of complications from surgery at the age of 89.
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Sam Moore’s legacy
Even those who don’t typically listen to soul and R&B music know at least a few songs by Sam & Dave, the Hall of Fame duo who became music legends thanks to the powerful voices of Moore and his musical partner, Dave Prater (1937–1988). Songs like “Soul Man,” “Hold On, I’m Comin,” and “I Thank You” are enduring classics that are still loved decades after their release.
Miami-born Moore grew up listening to and singing gospel music. It wasn’t long before he was performing throughout his region. He and Prater met while working the gospel circuit, where they often appeared on the same stages, and they finally paired up in 1961 at The King of Hearts Club in Miami. The chemistry was instant. Record labels took notice, and by 1962, they had singles coming out on independent labels.
They weren’t an immediate success. For several years, their initial releases failed to chart, but that all changed when Sam & Dave got signed to Atlantic and began creating music with songcrafters at Stax Records, the then-unknown writers and producers Isaac Hayes (1942-2008) and David Porter. Starting in 1965 with “You Don’t Know Like I Know,” seven of their next eight singles would end up being Top 10 hits on the R&B charts, including two No. 1 songs, “Hold On, I’m Comin,” and the iconic “Soul Man.” “When Something is Wrong with My Baby” just missed the top spot, landing at No. 2.
The pair performed together through the next decade and a half, enjoying success throughout the late ‘60s and 1970s before finally parting ways in 1981. Moore actually began his solo career in 1970, which briefly caused the duo to break up – they reunited in 1971 – and that solo career continued after they split for good. In addition to touring as a solo act, Moore worked with artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Don Henley, and Lou Reed (1942–2013), and he toured with Booker T. & the MGs.
In 1992, Moore and his work with Sam & Dave were honored with induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. “Soul Man” was put into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999. Moore is also in the Vocal Group Hall of Fame and the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame, among other honors.
Tributes to Sam Moore
Full obituary: Miami Herald
