Renowned soul singer Sam Moore, known for his iconic voice that defined many R&B classics of the 1960s, passed away at the age of 89. His representatives confirmed that Moore died on Friday morning in Coral Gables, Florida, while recovering from surgery. Moore, alongside Dave Prater, formed the legendary duo Sam & Dave and produced timeless hits such as “Soul Man,” “Hold On, I’m Comin’,” and “I Thank You.” The duo, which disbanded in 1970, was posthumously inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 as a tribute to Prater, who had passed away in 1988.
Moore was not only celebrated for his powerful yet velvety voice but also for his infectious smile. Bruce Springsteen once hailed him as “the greatest living soul singer on the planet.” Moore collaborated with Springsteen on various projects, including backing vocals on Springsteen’s 1992 album “Human Touch” and the 2023 release “Only the Strong Survive,” where they performed covers of “Soul Days” and “I Forgot to Be Your Lover” together.
Born in Miami in 1935, Moore found his love for music singing in local churches. After being inspired by seeing Jackie Wilson perform, he set his sights on becoming a pop star. His fateful encounter with Prater at the King O’ Hearts Club led to the formation of Sam & Dave and a successful music career. Their hits like “You Don’t Know Like I Know” and “When Something is Wrong With My Baby” showcased their musical prowess, with “Soul Man” earning them a Grammy Award in 1967.
Throughout his life, Moore faced personal struggles, including addiction, which he overcame with the help of his wife, Joyce McRae. He performed for several U.S. presidents and graced the Kennedy Center stage. Moore’s solo albums, including “Plenty Good Loving” and “Overnight Sensational,” featured collaborations with music icons like Springsteen and Sting.
Sam Moore is survived by his wife McRae, daughter Michelle, and grandchildren Tash and Misha. He will always be remembered as a ‘soul man’ whose music touched the hearts of many.
