Singer Sam Moore, Best Known for ‘Soul Man,’ Dies at 89
Sam Moore, best known for being a part of the duo Sam & Dave, has died at the age of 89. He passed away on January 10, 2025, from complications while recovering from surgery. He was preceded in death by his singing partner, Dave Prater, in 1988, when he died in a tragic car accident.
Born on October 12, 1935, Moore started his singing career in the same place many do: church. Both Moore and Prater performed in various R&B clubs in the 1950s, but didn’t meet and start performing together until 1961, when they joined forces in Miami.
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Known for their mix of gospel and R&B, they released hits such as “Soul Man” and “Hold On, I’m Comin.'” Unfortunately, things got tense between the singing partners, and Moore battled a drug addiction in the 1970s. He sued Prater when he began touring with a new partner and they called themselves the New Sam & Dave.
After Moore got sober, the two reunited and had their last performance together in 1981. He then went on to work on cruise ships and oldies shows. However, their music had a resurgence when it was covered on Saturday Night Live by the Blues Brothers’ Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi. The two comedians often paid tribute to the nostalgic group in their acts.
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Moore continued working well into the 2020s, most recently joining Bruce Springsteen in two songs for his soul cover album. He also performed with a large group of country musicians to honor George Jones in 2023. He is survived by his wife, Joyce, daughter and two grandchildren. What is your favorite song by Sam & Dave?
1968 Retrospective
January 2018
This special expanded issue celebrates all things pop culture in 1968.
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