Sam & Dave, the iconic soul duo known for hits like “Soul Man” and “Hold On, I’m Comin’,” has lost its lead singer, Sam Moore, at the age of 89. Moore died in a hospital after surgery, with his cause of death unknown.
Moore’s music career spanned over five decades, during which he performed alongside charismatic Otis Redding, who once avoided performing with him due to fear of being upstaged. Despite struggling with addiction, Moore co-founded the successful duo Sam & Dave in the 1960s and went on to achieve stardom.
The duo’s rise to fame was largely credited to Atlantic Records, which signed them after a chance performance at a Miami nightclub. Working with producers Isaac Hayes and David Porter, Sam & Dave’s music was produced by the house band Booker T. & the M.G.’s and featured crisp horns from the Mar-Keys.
Moore’s personal life was marked by struggles, including being shot in high school and serving prison time for procuring prostitutes. However, he found solace in music, singing in church choirs and eventually teaming up with baritone Dave Prater to form Sam & Dave.
After their initial success waned in the 1970s, Moore and Prater reunited several times but ultimately went their separate ways. Moore continued his solo career, achieving success after years of struggling with addiction, including releasing an album he had recorded decades earlier that received glowing reviews in 2002.
Moore is survived by his wife, Joyce McRae, who helped him manage his career and guide him through a successful professional twilight.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/10/arts/music/sam-moore-dead.html