Sam Moore, Half of the Dynamic Sam & Dave Duo, Passes Away at Age 89

Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Sam Moore, the legendary soul singer who, with Dave Prater as part of the duo Sam & Dave, delivered enduring hits like "Soul Man" and "Hold On, I'm Comin'," has died at the age of 89. His death was confirmed by Stax Records and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Stax Records paid tribute to Moore in a statement on social media, saying: “We’re saddened to hear that Sam Moore, of the legendary duo Sam & Dave, passed away at age 89. Together with Dave Prater, Mr. Moore brought early success to a fledgling Stax label with hits like ‘Soul Man,’ ‘Hold On I’m Comin,’ and more.”

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, 1/2 pic.twitter.com/l9nnndeg7z

— Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (@rockhall) January 11, 2025

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which inducted Sam & Dave in 1992, honored Moore by saying: “Sam Moore’s voice was a force of nature, and his music with Dave Prater will forever be a cornerstone of soul music.”

Nile Rodgers, a celebrated musician and producer, also remembered Moore, stating, “Sam Moore was a pioneer who paved the way for so many of us in the music industry. His voice and presence will be deeply missed.”

Born on October 12, 1935, in Miami, Florida, Moore’s journey began in gospel music before transitioning to soul. In 1961, he teamed up with Dave Prater, and their partnership became known for its electric stage presence and dynamic vocal interplay. Their collaboration with Stax Records’ songwriters Isaac Hayes and David Porter produced hits that defined the golden age of soul music.

We’re saddened to hear that Sam Moore, of the legendary duo Sam & Dave, passed away at age 89. 🤍 Together with Dave Prater, Mr. Moore brought early success to a fledgling Stax label with hits like “Soul Man,” “Hold On I’m Comin,’” “You Don’t Know Like I Know,” and more. pic.twitter.com/URxUSMowU4

— Stax Records (@StaxRecords) January 11, 2025

"Soul Man," released in 1967, became their signature track and a cultural anthem, earning a Grammy Award and later induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame. The song’s legacy was revived in the late 1970s by the Blues Brothers, introducing it to a new generation.

While Sam & Dave’s professional relationship was tumultuous, Moore’s influence remained unwavering. Following the group’s final split in 1981, he embarked on a solo career and collaborated with artists such as Bruce Springsteen. In 2006, Moore released the album Overnight Sensational, which featured contributions from artists like Sting and Billy Preston.

RIP to a great Soul Man and a great friend, Sam Moore!

Condolences to his fam and friends who are many.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️#sammoore #samanddave #friend #royalty #king #musicislife #magical #randb #musician #supporter #humantarian #1m #essence #heart #heartbroken #hero #realdeal pic.twitter.com/1XjX0dviJX

— Nile Rodgers (@nilerodgers) January 11, 2025

Moore’s later life was marked by advocacy for artists’ rights and triumphs over personal struggles, including substance abuse in the 1970s and 1980s. With support from his wife, Joyce, whom he married in 1982, Moore achieved sobriety and became a voice for musicians navigating the industry’s challenges.

Moore’s passing is being mourned across the music world, with fans and peers celebrating the legacy of a true soul pioneer. He is survived by his wife, Joyce, his daughter, and two grandchildren.