Sam Moore, one half of the 1960s duo Sam & Dave, has died. He was 89 years old.
The late Moore, best known for hits including “Soul Man” and “Hold On, I’m Coming,” died Friday morning in Coral Gables, Florida, due to complications while recovering from surgery, according to a spokesperson for Moore.
His singing partner, Dave Prater, died in a car accident in 1988.
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Moore died Friday. He was 89 years old. (Getty Images)
The soul and R&B duo performed together for nearly two decades, beginning in the early 1960s. Best known for their high-energy, gospel-infused performances, the duo has influenced several artists including Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, and more.
In the 1980s, the Blues Brothers (comedians Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi) put soul and blues back on the map after covering Sam & Dave’s “Soul Man” on ‘Saturday Night Live.’ They often paid tribute to Sam & Dave during their performances as well.
Moore was born in Miami, Florida on October 12, 1935 and began her singing career in church.
Moore battled drug addiction in the 1970s. (Getty Images)
He and Prater performed in soul and R&B clubs in the 1950s but did not meet until 1961 in Miami, according to the Associated Press.
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The duo had a contentious relationship towards the end of their run. According to the AP, Moore sued Prater after Prater began touring with new bandmates called New Sam & Dave.
Sam & Dave started their business in the 1960s. (Getty Images)
Moore battled drug addiction throughout the 1970s, which eventually affected his career. His wife, Joyce, helped him get treatment for his addiction. After finding sobriety, Moore began doing something he never expected.
“I’ve done a lot of work on cruise ships, a lot of old shows,” he told The Associated Press.
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“It’s funny when I think about it now, and I did a lot of the old shows where you actually had to audition,” he said. “But you know what? You shut up, get up, sing your ass off, perform as hard as you can, make a little money and try to keep the business going and pay the bills. I laugh about it now, but it was really serious back then.”
Moore is survived by his wife, Joyce, daughter, Michel, and two grandchildren.
