Sam Moore of R&B Duo, Sam and Dave, dead at 89

By Bianca Sierra

Sam Moore in 2017. By Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 3.0, https commons.wikimedia.org

FROM WIKIPEDIA COMMONS

Samuel David Moore (October 12, 1935 – January 10, 2025) was an American singer who was best known as a member of the soul and R&B duo Sam & Dave from 1961 to 1981. He was a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Grammy Hall of Fame (for “Soul Man“), the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, and the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame.

Moore died following surgery at a hospital in Coral Gables, Florida, on January 10, 2025, at the age of 89. He was survived by his wife Joyce MacRae, whom he married in 1982, and by his “14 or 15 children by different women”.

Moore was known for his work as Sam of the soul music duo Sam & Dave, where he was the higher tenor voice. He performed in concerts ranging from the Atlantic Records 40th anniversary party in 1988 to the New Orleans Jazz Festival and the SXSW Music Industry conference in 2006. Moore performed in, among others, a tribute to Elvis Presley in 1994, the Grammy Awards 2006 tribute to Wilson Pickett, and the Kennedy Center Honors in 2006 for Smokey Robinson. He worked with other famous recording artists including Conway TwittyBruce SpringsteenDon HenleyElton JohnPhil CollinsLou ReedMariah CareyVince GillMarty Stuart, and with others in live and recorded performances.

Sam & Dave. By Stax – Billboard, page 9, March 11, 1967, Public Domain, https commons.wikimedia.org

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