CORAL GABLES, Fla. — Sam Moore, the surviving member and prominent vocalist of the legendary 1960s duo Sam & Dave, known for iconic hits such as “Soul Man” and “Hold On, I’m Comin,'” has passed away at the age of 89.
His publicist, Jeremy Westby, confirmed that Moore died on Friday morning in Coral Gables, Florida, after experiencing complications during his recovery from surgery. No further information regarding the circumstances was provided.
Over the years, Moore’s influence has resonated with a multitude of artists, including the likes of Michael Jackson, Al Green, and Bruce Springsteen. In 1992, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside his partner, Dave Prater.
While at Stax Records in Memphis, Tennessee, Moore and Prater became leading figures in the soul genre, second only to Otis Redding. The duo reinvented the traditional “call and response” style of gospel music, turning it into a vibrant live performance experience. Their catalog boasts unforgettable tracks such as “You Don’t Know Like I Know,” “When Something is Wrong With My Baby,” and “I Thank You.” Most of these songs were crafted by the dynamic songwriting and production duo of Isaac Hayes and David Porter, often featuring the instrumental support of the renowned Stax house band, Booker T. & the MGs. Notably, a famous moment during “Soul Man” pays homage to guitarist Steve Cropper when Moore and Prater shout, “Play it, Steve!” midway through the track.
Like many other soul acts from the 1960s, Sam & Dave saw a decline in their popularity as musical tastes shifted. However, “Soul Man” regained traction in the late 1970s when it was covered by the Blues Brothers, John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, who performed it with several original session musicians. Moore had mixed feelings about this resurgence, often reflecting on how younger audiences mistakenly believed the song was originally theirs.
In 2008, a film titled “Soul Men,” featuring characters reminiscent of Sam & Dave, was released. Moore ultimately lost a legal battle claiming that the film’s characters bore too close a resemblance to them. He also engaged in a lengthy legal dispute against Prater, following Prater’s decision to tour with a replacement under the name “New Sam & Dave.” Prater tragically passed away in a car accident in Georgia in 1988. Moreover, Moore’s legal challenges included claims that the music industry had denied him fair retirement benefits. Starting in 1993, he and other artists filed lawsuits against several record companies and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. He expressed his frustration in a 1994 interview, revealing that despite his successful career, he had a meager pension of only $2,285, which he described as unfair given his contributions to the industry.
In addition to his musical contributions, Moore wrote “Dole Man,” a parody of “Soul Man,” for Bob Dole’s 1996 presidential campaign. He also participated in inaugural festivities for President Donald Trump in 2017, although in 2008, he had objected when Barack Obama’s campaign used “Hold On, I’m Comin’.”
Born on October 12, 1935, in Miami, Moore began his musical journey in the church. He and Prater initially performed in clubs during the 1950s, finally teaming up in 1961. After signing with Atlantic Records in 1965, they were introduced to the Stax subsidiary in Memphis, where their careers flourished.
Moore and Prater often had disagreements, and Moore admitted in a 2006 interview that his past struggles with drugs, from which he eventually sought help in 1981, contributed to the tensions within the duo. They ultimately disbanded in 1970 without achieving more significant success thereafter. Moore married Joyce in 1982, who played a pivotal role in helping him overcome his addiction, which he credited as life-saving.
Reflecting on his career after their split, Moore shared that he performed on numerous cruise ships and oldies shows, even finding humor in having opened for Elvis impersonators. Despite the challenges he faced, he continued to perform earnestly and joyfully. Moore remained active in music, regularly appearing at prestigious events such as the Kennedy Center Honors, where he showcased his talent for various presidents, including Obama.
He is survived by his wife, Joyce, a daughter named Michell, and two grandchildren.
