Today we pay tribute to the Black People Magic of Sam Moore, one half of legendary soul music duo Sam & Dave, who we lost last Friday, January 10th at 89 from complications after surgery.
Sam, along with Dave Prater (who passed away in 1988), were one of the cornerstone acts of Memphis-based Stax Records, helping build it into an influential and respected music label. Rolling Stone magazine has referred to Sam & Dave as the greatest of all soul duos.
They were the most successful & critically acclaimed as well, with hits like Soul Man, Hold On, I'm Coming, and I Thank You. They had a total of 10 consecutive top 20 singles and 3 consecutive top 10 albums during their years recording at Stax from 1965-1968. In fact, the only other soul act during that time with more chart success was Aretha Franklin.
Sam had a powerful tenor voice and worked with many artists across genres, including Conway Twitty, Bruce Springsteen, Don Henley, Elton John, Phil Collins, Lou Reed, Mariah Carey, Vince Gill, Marty Stuart, and others in live and recorded performances. He also appeared in the movie Blues Brothers 2000 in 1998, playing the role of the Reverend Morris, which fulfilled a childhood dream of being a preacher for the man who started his career singing gospel music.
In 2006, Moore received a MOBO (Music of Black Origin) lifetime achievement award in the United Kingdom and has been inducted in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Grammy Hall of Fame, Vocal Group Hall of Fame, and the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame.
& Remember to always celebrate your magic! xo