Hold on to God, Sam Moore comes – the famous singer, who was one half of the legendary soul duo Sam & Dave, has died.
Sam's rep said the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer died Friday morning in Coral Gables, Florida, after suffering post-operative complications – although the rep didn't say what type of surgery Sam underwent and when.
Sam & Dave – with singer Dave Prater – was formed in the '60s and released a string of iconic hits including “Soul Man,” “Hold On I'm Coming” and “I Thank You.” From the beginning, Sam had a good reputation in the music business.
He wasn't discovered by anyone else while he was singing in church Sam Cookewho thought Moore was a great gospel singer – but when he saw another soul music icon, Jackie Wilsonled him to get into pop music instead.
Sam met Dave during a talent show at a South Florida nightclub, and Atlantic Records executives discovered the duo in 1965… and the rest is rock 'n' roll history.
They split up in 1970, but their music catalog was experiencing a huge upswing at the time And Akroyd And John Belushi covered “Soul Man” as the Blues Brothers on “SNL” in the 70s.
Sam opened up about his struggles with heroin addiction after he got married Joyce McRae in 1982, and she eventually helped him get clean and launch a solo career. He was a favorite at the White House and appeared before six presidents at various events. He even performed Bill Clinton for Akroyd's 50th birthday party.
As a solo artist, Sam collaborated with Bruce Springsteen, Billy Preston, Jon Bon Jovi and many more.
Sam and Dave were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1992.
Sam was 89 years old. He leaves behind Joyce, their daughter and a granddaughter.
REST IN PEACE.