Sam Moore, R&B icon and voice behind 'Soul Man', dies at 89 following post-surgery complications

CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA: Sam Moore, the Grammy-winning R&B powerhouse and one-half of the iconic Sam & Dave duo, died on Friday, January 10, in Coral Gables, Florida. He was 89.

Moore’s death was confirmed by his wife and longtime manager, Joyce Moore, who revealed he died from complications following surgery.

Inside Sam Moore's legacy: From Miami Roots to Music Stardom

Known as 'The Legendary Soul Man,' Sam Moore’s influence on R&B and soul music has spanned decades.

Born on October 12, 1935, in Miami, Sam Moore began his journey in music in the late 1950s.

Fate brought him together with Dave Prater at the King of Hearts club in Miami in 1961.

Their chemistry on stage led to a contract with Atlantic Records in 1964.

Sam & Dave went on to become one of the most successful R&B duos of the 1960s, delivering timeless hits like 'Hold On, I’m Comin’,' 'I Thank You,' and the Grammy-winning anthem 'Soul Man.'

They later climbed to No 2 on the pop charts in 1967 and cemented their place in music history, according to People.

Sam Moore and Dave Prater's duo fraught with struggles

Despite their success, Sam Moore and Dave Prater’s partnership was tumultuous.

“It was a duo, but it wasn’t a partnership,” Moore candidly admitted in 'Sam and Dave: An Oral History.'

The pair split in 1970 but reunited several times over the years, though their solo ventures never matched the heights of their collaboration.

Their final performance together was on New Year’s Eve in 1981 in San Francisco. After leaving the stage that night, the two never spoke again.

Sam Moore's personal challenges and redemption

Both Sam Moore and Dave Prater faced personal struggles, including heroin addiction.

Moore’s wife, Joyce McRae, played a pivotal role in his recovery, encouraging him to participate in anti-opiate treatment trials.

By 1983, Moore went public about his battle with addiction and began volunteering to help others facing similar challenges.

Moore continued performing as a solo artist, touring with renowned musicians like Bruce Springsteen.

Meanwhile, Prater recruited a new partner and continued performing under the Sam & Dave name, a decision Moore strongly opposed.

Sam Moore's awards and legacy

Sam Moore and Dave Prater's contributions to music were formally recognized in 1992 when they were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

The duo also received a Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award in 2019, highlighting their enduring impact on the music industry.

Moore is survived by his wife of decades, Joyce Moore, their daughter Michelle, and grandchildren Tash and Misha.