The Best of Sam Moore: 10 Essential Recordings from the Soul Man Himself
By Ronnie Littlejohn2025/01/15
Sam Moore, pictured on the right alongside musical partner Dave Prater of Sam & Dave
Credit:Sam & Dave Official Facebook Page
Sam Moore, the blistering tenor of soul duo Sam & Dave, passed away on Friday, January 10 at the age of 89 due to complications from surgery. Known for hits “Soul Man,” “Hold On, I’m Comin,” and an endless list of soul classics, the duo helped shape the sound of the legendary Stax Records. Sam Moore was not only known for his gospel-drenched voice but also his mind-blowing live performances with music partner Dave Prater with whom he shared a rocky relationship. A member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Vocal Group Hall Of Fame, the Memphis Music Hall Of Fame, the Rhythm And Blues Music Hall Of Fame, and a recipient of a GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award, Sam Moore helped shape the sound of American soul music. Following the breakup of Sam & Dave in 1981, Sam Moore focused on a solo career collaborating with artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Mariah Carey and Sting.
In honour of his memory, here are 10 essential recordings that will introduce you to the soul-stirring artistry of Sam Moore.
“Soul Man” – Sam & Dave
Isaac Hayes got the idea for soul man after watching the news one evening during the Detroit riots. It was said that if you put a sign that read “SOUL” on the door of your business they would not burn it down. Isaac decided to write a soul called “Soul Man.” The song was a huge crossover hit with both black and white audiences. At approximately a minute into the track guitarist Steve Cropper plays a lick that goes down as one of the most popular guitar licks in music history. To which Sam Moore replies “Play it Steve!” They had no idea they were making musical history. Definitely a must have on any Sam Moore playlist!
“Rainy Night in Georgia”- Sam Moore with Conway Twitty
The line between soul and country music is very thin. In 1994, MCA Records released a brilliant compilation album titled Rhythm, Country, and Blues which paired great soul singers like Sam Moore, Al Green and Patti LaBelle and Aaron Neville with country singers such as Lyle Lovett, Clint Black and Travis Tritt. The highlight is a touching duet of Tony Joe White’s “Rainy Night in Georgia” with Sam Moore and Conway Twitty of all people. The performance is wonderful, however the banter between Sam and Conway is even better. Put this one on late at night with a cocktail.
“Better to Have and Not Need” – Sam Moore with Bruce Springsteen
Upon hearing the news of Sam Moore’s death, Bruce Springsteen said “There simply isn’t another sound like Sam’s soulful tenor in American music.” Sam himself called Springsteen “One of my best friends.” The two performed together frequently on stage and in the studio. Sam sang backup on Springsteen’s Human Touch album with Bruce returning the favor on this barn burner from Sam’s 2006 solo album, Overnight Sensation.
“Hold On I’m Comin” – Sam & Dave
This 1966 soul classic blasted up the Billboard Hot R&B chart to Number 1.
This was Sam & Dave’s first time in the Top 40 charts. The inspiration for the song came when songwriter/producer David Porter was in the toilet. His songwriting partner Isaac Hayes yelled at him to hurry up so they could get back to work. Porter responded “Hold on man, I’m coming!” They laughed and agreed that would make a great song title. Sam’s vocal performance is pure church.
“Just Keep Holding On” – Sam & Dave
This is mostly Dave’s song, however, Sam steals the show in the bridge. It’s a bit of an odd song. Almost a love song to each other possibly apologizing for their shaky relationship. “Just Keep Holding On” takes the listener to church. One of Sam’s greatest deliveries. Three minutes of sheer perfection.
“I Thank You” – Sam & Dave
Sam Moore is all preacher on this one. Delivering a sermon from the opening lines. “I want everybody to get up off your seat and get your arms together and your hands together and give me some of that old soul clapping.” “I Thank You” was the last hit for Sam & Dave. The world is a better place because of songs like this one!
“May I Baby” – Sam & Dave
Another Isaac Hayes & David Porter composition. An album track that Sam Moore had not performed it in possibly forty-five years or more.
Musicologist Rob Bowman and author of Soulsville, U.S.A.: The Story of Stax Records said this:
“Sam Moore’s vocal on this is enough to just make my neurons fire in ways that most things can’t get them firing. I get goosebumps and tingles. I fall in love. I want to get deeper into that speaker.”
“Soothe Me” – Sam & Dave
Possibly the first time anyone in history re-recorded a Sam Cooke song and made it better. “Soothe Me” embodies everything that was Sam & Dave. The harmonies, the delivery, the energy. It’s hard to imagine when listening to this track that Sam & Dave weren’t as close as brothers.
“When Something is Wrong with My Baby” – Sam & Dave
They say when couples are together long enough, they even start to look alike. Sam & Dave sing about that bond in this Stax classic. The backup band is Booker T. & the M.G’s, who were so hot they began releasing their own instrumental singles. Most notably “Green Onions.” Sam and Dave weave in and out of harmony effortlessly in this timeless classic. A track that should be in every soul music connoisseur’s record collection.
“Mr.Pitiful” – Sam Moore, Tower of Power
In 2009, American soul and funk band Tower of Power released Great American Soul Book. A 12-track album of classic soul songs done Tower-of-Power-style which featured guests Joss Stone, Sam Moore, Tom Jones, and Huey Lewis. Although this recording might not appeal to those who enjoy the original recordings, Sam Moore covering this Otis classic is the highlight of the record. Written by Steve Cropper and Otis Redding and later released by Otis, Sam’s voice sounded as glorious as ever in 2009.