Sam Moore, one half of the legendary soul duo Sam & Dave, has passed away at the age of 89. Moore, known for his powerful voice and energy, died on Friday morning in Coral Gables, Florida, after complications from surgery, as reported by his publicist, Jeremy Westby.
Throughout his impressive career, Moore left a lasting impact on the music industry, influencing greats such as Michael Jackson, Al Green, and Bruce Springsteen. His contributions to soul music were recognized when he and his partner, Dave Prater, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992.
Hailing from Stax Records in Memphis, Tennessee, Moore and Prater became known for their high-energy performances and timeless hits. Their most famous songs include “Soul Man,” “Hold On, I’m Comin’,” and “You Don’t Know Like I Know.” A significant part of their success came from the songwriting duo of Isaac Hayes and David Porter and the legendary Stax house band, Booker T. & the MGs.
Despite their immense popularity in the ’60s, like many artists of that era, they saw a decline in their fortunes afterward. However, “Soul Man” made a comeback in the late 1970s when the Blues Brothers covered it. Moore had mixed feelings about this, as he felt that younger audiences thought the song originated with the comedic duo.
In 2008, a movie titled “Soul Men,” which featured characters similar to Sam & Dave, sparked a legal battle that Moore lost. Additionally, he had years of disputes over royalty payments and benefits, feeling that the record industry had shortchanged him despite his achievements.
Notably, Moore was politically active and even wrote a parody song titled “Dole Man” for Republican Bob Dole’s 1996 presidential campaign. He performed at Donald Trump’s inaugural festivities in 2017, while previously expressing discontent when Barack Obama’s campaign used one of his songs without permission.
Born on October 12, 1935, in Miami, Moore began his career singing in church. He did not meet Prater until 1961, and they quickly gained popularity. Their partnership was volatile at times, influenced by personal struggles, including Moore’s battle with addiction. He credited his wife, Joyce, whom he married in 1982, for supporting him in overcoming these challenges.
In later years, Moore continued to perform and record music, showcasing his talents at significant events, including the Kennedy Center Honors. His legacy will remain in the hearts of fans and the music industry, and he is survived by his wife, daughter Michell, and two grandchildren.
