Sam & Dave’s Sam Moore Dies at 89

Sam Moorea soul singer known as Half Sam and DaveHe died, according to a press release issued by 2911 Media. The musician’s death occurred on January 10 in Coral Gables, Florida, due to complications after surgery. Moore was 89 years old.

Moore is best known for his vocal work on the award-winning duo, whose 1967 song “Soul Man” was a landmark soul, gospel and civil rights anthem. Moore was a member of the Grammy Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame for his accomplishments with Sam & Dave and his solo work.

Born in Miami, Florida, Moore began singing gospel in church and eventually began performing in Miami’s R&B scene, where he met Dave Prater. They founded Sam & Dave, a gospel-inspired call-and-response business. After a few years of local success, they were signed to Atlantic Records, in 1964, before being shipped off to Memphis to record for Stax. Backed by songwriting duo Isaac Hayes and David Porter, Sam & Dave released several R&B singles, including the hit single “Hold On, I’m Comin'” and the Grammy Award-winning “Soul Man.” Sam and Dave first broke up in 1970 and last performed together in 1981. Over the course of their careers, the two artists have sold more than 10 million records.

Moore began his solo career after they broke up in 1970, and while he and Prater got back together a year later, he continued to record and perform on his own. (Prater He died In a car accident in 1988.) Moore recorded his first solo album, Lots of good lovein 1970, but the album did not see the light of day until 2002. He worked on recording with notable figures, such as Aretha Franklin, Betty Wright, Bernard Purdy, and Chuck Rainey, among others.

Moore released another solo album, Overnight sensationalismin 2006. The comeback album featured Jon Bon Jovi, Fantasia, Sting, Sheila E., Mariah Carey, and one of Moore’s biggest musical heroes, Bruce Springsteen.

Outside of music, Moore, who struggled with drug abuse, was an anti-drug advocate and volunteer in anti-drug programs. He was also a strong supporter of royalties and rights for artists.