Sam Moore: A Soul Legend with many Facets, dies at 89
The passing of Sam Moore, at the age of 89, has sparked contrasting tributes, reflecting the complexity of his journey. Bruce Springsteen praised the memory of one of America’s greatest soul singers, a former collaborator with the E Street Band. However, Moore’s legacy is also tied to more unexpected moments, particularly his involvement in the 2017 inauguration concert of Donald Trump.
By performing at the “Make America Great Again” event, Moore reignited his longstanding association with the Republican side, which contrasted with Springsteen’s Democratic support, symbolizing the deep divisions within America that Moore represented.
Born in Miami, Moore made his mark in music as part of the iconic duo Sam & Dave, with hits like Soul Man and Hold on, I’m Comin’, propelling southern soul to the top of the charts. However, after the duo’s split in the 1970s and a solo career plagued by setbacks, Moore’s success began to wane, further impacted by personal struggles, including drug addiction.
His final album, An American Patriot (2017), encapsulates his journey: a rise to fame, followed by a retreat into political symbols and a somewhat bittersweet ending, yet always remaining true to the music that made him a legend. Sam Moore passes away, leaving behind an indelible mark on the history of soul music.
