Heartfelt Farewell: Roger Daltrey, Jon Bon Jovi, Sammy Hagar, and More Honor the Legendary “Soul Man” Sam Moore in Emotional Tributes
The music world is mourning the loss of Sam Moore of the legendary soul duo Sam & Dave, who died on Friday, January 13, at age 89 from complications experienced during a medical procedure.
Moore is best-known for some of the classic soul hits he recorded during the late 1960s as half of the duo Sam & Dave, along with Dave Prater, including “Soul Man” and “I Thank You.” After Sam & Dave split in 1981, Moore continued to perform and record, working with a wide variety of other music stars over the years. Moore was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Sam & Dave in 1992.
Sam’s powerful and emotive voice greatly influenced and inspired plenty of other well-known music artists. Here are a few of the tributes that have been pouring in from other famous singers:
The Who’s Roger Daltrey
Who frontman Roger Daltrey paid homage to Moore in a note that was posted on the band’s official website and social media pages.
“When I think back to my teenage years and the sounds of the records which would eventually shape my life to come, Sam Moore’s voice still rings fresh in my ears,” Daltrey wrote. “His pure soul voice was inspirational to me. Thank you, Sam for the great music.”
Jon Bon Jovi
Jon Bon Jovi posted two photos on his socials of him performing with Moore, along with a message sharing his admiration for the singer. He also revealed that a milestone his and his wife’s relationship involved Moore.
“Sam Moore, the Soulman, one of the pioneers and greatest singers ever has left us,” Jon wrote. “I’m not saddened as much as I felt incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to be in his presence.”
He continued, “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 [i]n the spring of 1980 at the Fast Lane in Asbury Park was one of my fondest memories.”
Bon Jovi concluded, “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.”
Incidentally, Jon was one of the guest singers on Moore’s star-studded 2006 solo album, Overnight Sensational. The two vocalists recorded a duet version of “Lookin’ for a Love,” a R&B hit that was a The Valentinos, Bobby Womack and The J. Geils Band.
Paul Rodgers
Another well-known singer featured on the Overnight Sensational album was Paul Rodgers, of Free and Bad Company fame. Interestingly, Rodgers teamed up with Moore on a rendition of the 1992 Garth Brooks song “We Shall Be Free.”
Paul posted a photo on his social media pages of him and Sam together, along with a heartfelt message.
“We are shocked!” Rogers wrote. “You were beautiful, so full of life and energy, so giving and loving. As a one of a kind singer and as a man you taught me so much. You have left an imprint on our hearts permanently. Brother, I will miss you until we meet again in heaven. Joyce and family we stand with you in tears, our condolences and love.”
Rodgers also included a cover of “I Thank You” on his 2014 solo album, The Royal Sessions. The album featured Paul’s renditions of various soul, R&B, and blues tunes recorded at the famed Royal Studios in Memphis, Tennessee.
Sammy Hagar
Sammy Hagar posted a tribute to Moore on his socials while also acknowledging the plight of those affected by the devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area. The Red Rocker also shared a video of him and Sam rehearsing a version pf “Soul Man” for the Keep Memory Alive charity’s 2023 Power of Love benefit concert in Las Vegas.
“I know there’s so much heartbreak and devastation going on in southern California right now, but I have to share the passing of @legendarysammoore,” Sammy wrote. “The original soul man has left us to join his many brothers and sisters in the afterlife.”
Hagar then commented about the video he posted, “This once in a lifetime experience [I] had rehearsing in Las Vegas for the wonderful [Keep Memory Alive] event is one of the highlights of my musical collaborations. Here in his mid 80s that voice, that voice, that voice. [R]est in peace, soul, brother. Love and prayers to Joyce and the family.”
Steven Van Zandt
E Street Band guitarist “Little Steven” Van Zandt also paid homage to Moore on his social media pages.
“RIP Sam Moore. One of the last of the great Soul Men,” Van Zandt wrote. “Him and Dave Prater were the inspiration for me and Johnny [Lyon] to start Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes. An important righteous wonderful man,”
