Sam Moore, the legendary soul singer and one-half of the Grammy-winning duo Sam and Dave, passed away on Friday at the age of 89. Moore, who, alongside his late partner Dave Prater, created iconic hits like “Soul Man” and “Hold On! I’m Comin’,” died at his home in Florida following an unspecified surgery earlier in the week, his wife, Joyce Moore, confirmed to Rolling Stone. The exact cause of death has not yet been determined.

Moore’s partnership with Prater, known for producing some of soul music’s most enduring classics, was marked by both artistic brilliance and a sometimes turbulent relationship. Prater died in a car accident in 1988.

Sam Moore, was born Samuel David Hicks on October 12, 1935, in Miami, Florida. He was a powerhouse vocalist and one of the most celebrated figures in soul music. Best known as half of the Grammy-winning duo Sam and Dave, Moore’s emotive voice and electrifying stage presence earned him the nickname “The Legendary Soul Man.”

The singer’s musical journey began in church choirs, where his rich tenor voice first captivated audiences. In the early 1960s, he met Dave Prater, and the two formed Sam and Dave, a partnership that would go on to define a golden era of soul music. Signed to Stax Records, their collaboration with the legendary songwriting and production team of Isaac Hayes and David Porter yielded timeless hits like “Hold On! I’m Comin’” (1966), “Soul Man” (1967), and “I Thank You” (1968). These songs, marked by their raw energy, and deep emotional resonance, became anthems of the genre and earned the duo international fame.

Known for their dynamic live performances, Sam and Dave captivated audiences with their infectious chemistry and passionate delivery. Their music transcended boundaries, influencing rock, pop, and R&B artists alike. Despite their professional success, the duo’s relationship was often fraught with personal and creative tensions, leading to their eventual split in the early 1970s.

Moore battled cocaine and heroin addiction during his career and candidly admitted in an interview that his lifestyle had been marked by extreme promiscuity, estimating that he had “14, maybe 15” children at the time per The New York Post.

 

 

After the breakup, Moore pursued a solo career, facing personal struggles before reclaiming his place in the spotlight. He collaborated with artists across genres, including Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, and Conway Twitty, showcasing his versatility and enduring appeal. In 1992, he received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award as part of Sam and Dave, cementing his legacy in music history.

Moore’s influence extended beyond music; he was an advocate for artists’ rights and a supporter of charitable causes. His contributions to soul music earned him numerous accolades, including induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (1992) and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame (1999).