Sam Moore, one half of the 1960s duo Sam & Dave, has died. He was 89 years old.
Moore's representative said the late singer, known for hits such as “Soul Man” and “Hold On I'm Comin',” was diagnosed with complications Friday morning while recovering from surgery in Coral Gables, Florida. died because of
His singing partner Dave Prater died in a car accident in 1988.
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Mr. Moore died Friday. He was 89 years old. (Getty Images)
The soul and R&B duo performed together for nearly two decades starting in the early 1960s. Best known for their high-energy, gospel-infused performances, the duo influenced many artists including Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, and more.
In the 1980s, the Blues Brothers (comedians Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi) brought soul and blues back into the spotlight after covering Sam and Dave's “Soul Man” on “Saturday Night Live.” They often paid homage to Sam and Dave during their acts as well.
Moore was born on October 12, 1935 in Miami, Florida, and began his singing career in church.
Moore battled drug addiction in the 1970s. (Getty Images)
According to , he and Prater had performed in soul and R&B clubs in the 1950s, but did not meet until 1961, when they met in Miami. Associated Press.
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Their relationship became controversial towards the end. According to the Associated Press, Moore sued Prater after Prater began touring with his new bandmates as the New Sam & Dave.
Sam and Dave started in the 1960s. (Getty Images)
Moore battled drug addiction throughout the 1970s, which ultimately affected his career. His wife, Joyce, helped him treat his addiction. After finding sobriety, Moore began taking jobs he never expected.
“I did a lot of cruise ship work, and I did a lot of oldies shows,” he once told the Associated Press.
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“It's funny when I look back on it now. And I've done a lot of oldies shows where if you're going to do an oldies show, you actually have to audition,” he said. “But you know what? You shut your mouth, you stand there, you sing as hard as you can, you play as hard as you can, and then you get a little bit of money and keep doing your job and pay those bills. It's funny now, but at the time it was really serious. ”
Moore is survived by his wife Joyce, daughter Michelle, and two grandchildren.
