Sam Moore, 'Soul Man' singer, dies at 89

Sam Moore, part of the Sam & Dave soul duo, has died at the age of 89.

The Associated Press reports that Moore died on Friday.

The outlet, citing Moore's publicist - Jeremy Westby - writes that Moore died of complications from surgery.

Per the Associated Press:

Sam Moore, the surviving half and higher voice of the 1960s duo Sam & Dave that was known for such definitive hits of the era as “Soul Man” and “Hold On, I’m Comin,’” has died. He was 89. Publicist Jeremy Westby said Moore died Friday morning in Coral Gables, Florida, due to complications while recovering from surgery. No additional details were immediately available.

Who was Sam Moore?

According to Fox News, Moore was part of a duo named Sam & Dave, which was big in the 1960s. The duo is best known for Soul Man and Hold On, I'm Coming. 

The outlet writes:

The soul and R&B duo performed together for nearly two decades starting in the early 1960s. Best known for their high energy and gospel-infused performances, the duo became an influence for a number of artists including Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen and more.

Like many of Moore's contemporaries, he actually got his career started by singing in church. Then, he went on to perform in R&B clubs in the 1950s, alongside Dave Prater - the other half of the duo.

Later on, in the 1970s, Moore ended up battling drug addiction, and this had a big impact on his career.

He once said:

I did a lot of cruise ships, I did a lot of oldies shows. That’s funny to think back to it now. And I did a lot of shows where if I did a show with an oldie show, I had to actually audition. But you know what? You keep your mouth shut and you get up there and you sing as hard and perform as hard as you can, and get the little money and go on about your business and try and pay those bills. I’m laughing about it now, but at that time, man, it was really serious.

Tributes are pouring in

Many have taken to social media to pay tribute to Moore, following the news of his passing.

Among those to do so are the likes of Al Green and Bruce Springsteen.

Springsteen wrote:

Over on E Street, we are heartbroken to hear of the death of Sam Moore, one of America’s greatest soul voices. He was filled with stories of the halcyon days of soul music, and to the end had that edge of deep authenticity in his voice I could only wonder at.

The other half of the Sam & Dave duo passed away in a car accident in 1988.

Moore, according to Fox, is survived by his wife, Joyce, daughter, Michell, and two grandchildren.