Sixties Soul singer Sam Moore – one half of the duo Sam and Dave – died January 10, 2025 in Coral Gables, Florida at the age of 89 as the result of complications from surgery. 

Moore; along with Sam and Dave partner Dave Prater, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992.

Signed to Stax Records, Sam and Dave ranked behind Otis Redding as the labels biggest stars.  Written and produced by David Porter and Isaac Hayes and backed by house band Booker T. & the MGs, their hits included “Soul Man” and “Hold On. I’m Comin’”.

As the 70’s gave way to new musical styles and stars; Sam and Dave were largely forgotten, but Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi when they recorded the Sam and Dave hit “Soul Man” in their hit film “Blues Brothers”.

The hit song saw another resurgence in 2008 with the movie by the same name.

Born Samuel David Moore on October 12, 1935 in Miami, Florida, like many soul singers, got his start singing in church.  He was performing in local clubs when he met future singing partner Dave Prater in 1961.

Noting that they argued frequently, Moore and Prater broke up in 1970.  Moore attributed a then drug habit as partly the reason for the tension between the duo.  Moore said that he “kicked” his drug habit in 1981.  While never had another hit song, he often could be seen sharing the stage with “The Boss” Bruce Springsteen and appeared on Springsteen’s albums.  Moore could often be seen performing on cruise ships and in “Oldie” shows.

Steve Van Zandt said that Sam and Dave were the inspiration for the band Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes.

Moore appeared in a handful of film and television productions – “One-Trick Pony”, “Tapeheads”, “Tales of the City”, the music video “Rainy Night in Georgia” with Conway Twitty, as Reverend Morris in “Blues Brothers 2000”, “The Great Outdoors”, “Julia”, and “Night at the Golden Eagle”.

Pre-deceased by former partner Dave Prater, Moore is survived by his wife of over 40 years Joyce, daughter Michell, and two grandchildren.

Sam Moore discography:
“Papa Soul’s Christmas”
“The Christmas”
 “Plenty Good Lovin’: The Lost Solo Album”
“Overnight Sensational”
“Moooohieee”

“I’m a Su’s Fan”
“American Patriot”