There’s a flood of tributes to R&B legend Sam Moore, who died Friday at age 89. Sam had friends in every part of the music world who respected and loved him. They all cite him as an influence in their careers.
Bruce Springsteen wrote: “Over on E Street, we are heartbroken to hear of the death of Sam Moore, one of America’s greatest soul voices. There simply isn’t another sound like Sam’s soulful tenor in American music. Having had the honor to work with Sam on several occasions, he was a sweet and funny man. 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. We offer our prayers to his wife Joyce and thanks for the immortal recordings Sam left us. God bless.”
Stevie van Zandt: “RIP Sam Moore. One of the last of the great Soul Men. Him and Dave Prater were the inspiration for me and Johnny to start Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes. An important righteous wonderful man.”
Jon Bon Jovi: “Sam Moore, the Soulman, one of the pioneers and greatest singers ever has left us.. I’m not saddened as much as I felt incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to be in his presence. Having had the opportunity to perform and even record with Sam was humbling and an honor But knowing that I convinced Dorothea to come on what was our first date to see Sam and Dave In the spring of 1980 at the Fast Lane in Asbury park was one of my fondest memories.. Sending my luv to his wonderful wife Joyce And imagining that heaven sounds a little better with the voice of an Angel Much luv Soulman”
The Estate of Isaac Hayes: “The Estate of Isaac Hayes extends our heartfelt condolences to the family of Sam Moore, of Sam & Dave. Sam’s voice was a powerful force of nature and unforgettable. He brought Isaac’s songs like Hold On, I’m Comin’, Soul Man, and many others to life. Rest well Sam.”
Bootsy Collins:
“Danggit, I just found out my good friend & life long pioneer/Legend Mr. Sam Moore of Sam & Dave has changed frequencies.
Samuel David Moore (Oct. 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 is 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. (R.I.P. my Brother)”
In Memoriam: Sam Moore – As half of the Memphis soul powerhouse Sam & Dave, 1992 Inductee Sam Moore helped bring the sounds of the Black gospel church to pop music. A cornerstone act for Stax Records, Sam & Dave are the most successful soul duo in history, 1/2 pic.twitter.com/l9nnndeg7z
— Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (@rockhall) January 11, 2025
I know there's so much heartbreak and devastation going on in southern California right now, but I have to share the passing of Sam Moore. The original soul man has left us to join his many brothers and sisters in the afterlife. This once in a lifetime experience i had rehearsing… pic.twitter.com/UT20GwZNis
— Sammy Hagar (@sammyhagar) January 12, 2025
I don’t know if yall reading this even know how Sam Moore ( Sam and Dave) part of my life soundtrack. Rest In Beats Mr Sam . pic.twitter.com/2KpbMxSsPw
— Chuck D (@MrChuckD) January 11, 2025
