Sam Moore, the surviving half of the iconic 1960s duo Sam & Dave, has died at the age of 89 in Coral Gables, Florida. Moore passed away on Friday morning due to complications from surgery, according to his publicist Jeremy Westby.
With hits like “Soul Man” and “Hold On, I’m Comin,'” Sam & Dave were known for transforming gospel music into soul hits. Moore, along with his partner Dave Prater, influenced musicians like Michael Jackson and Bruce Springsteen. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992.
Despite their success in the 1960s, the duo faded from the spotlight. However, their song “Soul Man” had a resurgence in the late 1970s when it was recorded by the Blues Brothers. Moore had mixed feelings about the association with the Saturday Night Live stars.
Throughout his career, Moore faced legal battles over royalties and retirement benefits in the music industry. He also used his music for political purposes, writing the song “Dole Man” for Republican Bob Dole’s presidential campaign and performing at Donald Trump’s inaugural festivities in 2017.
Moore’s personal life was marked by struggles with addiction, which he overcame with the help of his wife Joyce. Despite the challenges, he continued to perform and record music, remaining a respected figure in the industry.
Sam Moore is survived by his wife, daughter, and two grandchildren. His contributions to soul music and his dynamic performances with Sam & Dave will always be remembered in the music industry.
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