Sam Moore, the surviving half and higher voice of the iconic 1960s duo Sam & Dave, known for their definitive hits such as “Soul Man” and “Hold On, I’m Comin’,” has passed away at the age of 89. Moore died on Friday morning in Coral Gables, Florida, due to complications while recovering from surgery, as confirmed by his publicist Jeremy Westby (CBS News).

Renowned for his powerful voice that influenced artists like Michael Jackson and Bruce Springsteen, Moore was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992, alongside his musical partner, Dave Prater. Their time at Stax Records in Memphis solidified them as soul legends, second only to Otis Redding. The duo redefined the “call and response” of gospel music, leaving a lasting impact with hits like "You Don’t Know Like I Know," "When Something is Wrong With My Baby," and "I Thank You." Most of their tracks were crafted by the talented team of Isaac Hayes and David Porter, marked by unforgettable collaborations with the house band, Booker T. & the MGs. One of the most noted moments was the iconic call, “Play it, Steve,” during “Soul Man” (AP News).

Although Sam & Dave faced struggles in the late 70s and saw their popularity wane, “Soul Man” experienced a revival through The Blues Brothers, which led to mixed feelings for Moore, who found his work often misattributed to the group. He faced numerous challenges, including legal disputes over his retirement benefits and a tumultuous relationship with Prater, who passed away in a car accident in 1988 (NPR).

Moore’s personal life was marred by struggles, including a battle with addiction, which he finally overcame in the 1980s with the help of his wife, Joyce. Throughout his life, he maintained a dedication to music, performing for various presidents and at prestigious events like the Kennedy Center Honors. He often reflected on his journey from church performances to international recognition, indicating, “you keep your mouth shut and you get up there and you sing as hard and perform as hard as you can” (USA Today).

Moore is survived by his wife Joyce, daughter Michell, and two grandchildren. His legacy as a soul music icon will undoubtedly resonate through the ages.

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