Sam & Dave's Sam Moore dies, aged 89: Tributes pour in for the 'Soul Man'

13 January 2025, 10:46

As half of Sam & Dave and a solo star, Sam Moore was a soul legend.

Tributes have poured in from the world of music for Sam Moore, who died on Friday (January 10) at the age of 89.

Moor died following surgery at a hospital in Coral Gables, Florida, his longtime manager Joyce Moore confirmed.

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Moore found fame in the 1960s as half of the R&B/soul duo Sam & Dave alongside Dave Prater. Dave died in a car accident in 1988 aged 50.

Sam & Dave's hits included classics like 'Soul Man', 'Hold On, I'm Coming' and 'I Thank You'.

Moore was a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Grammy Hall of Fame, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, and the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame.

Sam's influence can be seen by the range of artists he collaborated with during his career, including the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, Phil Collins, Lou Reed, Conway Twitty, Mariah Carey and Don Henley.

Many of these are among those who have rushed to pay tribute to him since news broke of his passing.

"Over on E Street, we are heartbroken to hear of the death of Sam Moore, one of America’s greatest soul voices, " said Spingsteen.

Sam Moore w/ Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band "Hold On, I'm Comin'/Soul Man" | 25th Anniversary

"There simply isn’t another sound like Sam's soulful tenor in American music. Having had the honor to work with Sam on several occasions, he was a sweet and funny man.

"He was filled with stories of the halcyon days of soul music, and to the end had that edge of deep authenticity in his voice I could only wonder at.

"We offer our prayers to his wife Joyce and thanks for the immortal recordings Sam left us. God bless."

E Street guitarist Steven Van Zandt added: "RIP Sam Moore. One of the last of the great Soul Men.

"Him and Dave Prater were the inspiration for me and Johnny to start Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes. An important righteous wonderful man."

Chic's Nile Rodgers said: "RIP to a great Soul Man and a great friend, Sam Moore! Condolences to his fam and friends who are many."

Public Enemy's Chuck D said: "I don't know if yall reading this even know how Sam Moore (Sam and Dave) part of my life soundtrack. Rest In Beats Mr Sam."

Jon Bon Jovi said: "Sam Moore, the Soulman, one of the pioneers and greatest singers ever has left us.

"I'm not saddened as much as I felt incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to be in his presence. Having had the opportunity to perform and even record with Sam was humbling and an honor."

"The original soul man has left us to join his many brothers and sisters in the afterlife," said Van Halen star Sammy Hagar.

"This once in a lifetime experience i had rehearsing in Las Vegas for the wonderful @ccnevadakma event is one of the highlights of my musical collaborations.

"Here in his mid 80s that voice, that voice, that voice. rest in peace, soul, brother. Love and prayers to Joyce and the family."

Sam Moore's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Acceptance Speech | 1992 Induction

The Rock Hall said: "In Memoriam: Sam Moore - As half of the Memphis soul powerhouse Sam & Dave, 1992 Inductee Sam Moore helped bring the sounds of the Black gospel church to pop music.

"A cornerstone act for Stax Records, Sam & Dave are the most successful soul duo in history and their signature call-and-response delivery resulted in such classics as 'Soul Man', 'Hold On, I’m Comin', 'I Thank You', and more.

"Following Sam & Dave, Moore added his unmistakable tenor vocal to recordings by the likes of Don Henley, Lou Reed, and Bruce Springsteen."