Sam Moore, the iconic soul singer known for his partnership in the groundbreaking duo Sam & Dave, has passed away at the age of 89. Moore died on Friday, January 10, following surgery in Coral Gables, Florida, as confirmed by his wife and longtime manager, Joyce Moore.
Born in Miami on October 12, 1935, Moore’s career took off after meeting his musical partner, Dave Prater, in the late 1950s. Together, they became one of the most influential soul groups of the 1960s. Their timeless hits, including “Hold On, I’m Comin’,” “I Thank You,” and the Grammy-winning anthem “Soul Man,” captured the hearts of fans worldwide. “Soul Man” achieved chart-topping success, peaking at No. 2 on the pop charts in 1967.
Though the duo disbanded in 1970, Moore continued to make his mark as a solo artist. He later reunited with Prater in a series of comebacks before their final performance together in 1981. Moore’s personal struggles with addiction and his subsequent advocacy for those battling similar issues further cemented his legacy beyond music.
Sam & Dave were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1992, and their influence remains enduring, with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award presented in 2019. Moore is survived by his wife Joyce, their daughter Michelle, and grandchildren Tash and Misha.
The world has lost a true soul legend, but Moore’s legacy lives on through the unforgettable music he created.
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