Sam Moore, the legendary soul singer, has died at 89 in Coral Gables, Florida, due to complications from surgery.
Friends and fans are heartbroken. Bruce Springsteen shared his condolences on Instagram, calling Moore one of America’s greatest soul voices. He praised Moore’s authenticity and the rich stories he had about the golden days of soul music.
Sam & Dave were a powerhouse in the 1960s, with hits like “Soul Man” and “Hold On, I’m Comin’.” Their music is still celebrated today, and “Soul Man” was even added to the Library of Congress for its significance.
They recorded many of their songs at Stax Records, with contributions from legends like Isaac Hayes and David Porter. Moore once reflected on his journey, saying he never expected to achieve such fame.
Born on October 12, 1935, in Miami, Moore started singing in church before transitioning to soul music. He met Dave Prater in 1961, and together they created a genre-defining partnership.
Their on-stage chemistry was electric, but their relationship soured by the 1970s. Moore struggled with addiction for years but found support from his wife, Joyce, who helped him get clean.
After their split, Moore and Prater never reconciled, and when Prater died in a car crash in 1988, Moore admitted he hadn’t mourned him.
In later years, Moore performed at smaller venues and collaborated with various artists, including Springsteen. He released an album in 2006 featuring big names like Jon Bon Jovi and Mariah Carey.
Moore is survived by his daughter, Michell, and his beloved wife, Joyce.
