Sam Moore, legendary soul singer and one half of Sam & Dave, died at age 89 in Coral Gables, Florida, due to post-surgery complications. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee leaves behind a remarkable legacy in soul music history.

Photo Credit: Sam Moore by Gage Skidmore / CC by 2.0

Born on October 12, 1935, in Miami, Moore began his musical journey in church choirs before forming the iconic duo Sam & Dave with Dave Prater in 1961. After signing with Atlantic Records in 1964, they achieved remarkable success through Stax Records, releasing multiple Top 20 Billboard R&B hits between 1965-1968, including:

• "Hold On, I'm Coming" (1966)
• "Soul Man" (1967)
• "I Thank You" (1968)
• "When Something Is Wrong With My Baby" (1967)

The duo worked closely with songwriters Isaac Hayes and David Porter, backed by Booker T & The MG's and the Memphis Horns, creating their signature sound. Though Sam & Dave disbanded in 1970, Moore continued a successful solo career and became a respected advocate for artists' rights and anti-drug programs.

Moore's later accomplishments included:

• Recording with artists like Sting, Mariah Carey, and Bruce Springsteen
• Releasing his solo album "Overnight Sensational" in 2006
• Appearing in "Blues Brothers 2000" (1998)
• Championing the American Music Fairness Act

His wife Joyce McRae, who helped him overcome drug addiction and managed his business affairs, was by his side until his death. The musicFIRST Coalition praised Moore as "the original 'Soul Man'" and "a pioneer who fought fiercely for the rights of artists to be paid for their work" throughout his six-decade career.

Sam Moore's influence on soul music and his dedication to artists' rights have left an indelible mark on the music industry, cementing his place as one of the greatest soul singers of all time.

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