Renowned soul singer Sam Moore, famously known as one half of the iconic duo Sam & Dave, has passed away at the age of 89, leaving behind a rich legacy in the music industry. His powerful voice and emotive performances have touched countless fans around the world. This tragic news was shared by entertainment journalist Roger Friedman, who confirmed that the cause of death stemmed from complications during his recovery from surgery.

Born in Miami in 1935, Moore’s musical journey began in the realm of gospel music. A fortuitous meeting with fellow singer Dave Prater in 1961 marked the inception of their partnership, leading to the formation of Sam & Dave. This collaboration would go on to define a significant chapter in the history of soul music.

In 1965, the duo achieved their first major hit with “You Don’t Know Like I Know,” setting the stage for a series of chart-topping successes. Their music resonated with audiences, producing timeless classics such as “Hold On! I’m Comin’” (1966), “You Got Me Hummin’” (1966), “When Something Is Wrong with My Baby” (1967), “Soul Man” (1967), and “I Thank You” (1968). These tracks not only showcased their vocal prowess but also captured the essence of the soul genre.

READ MORE: Sam and Dave Empower a Generation With ‘Soul Man’

Despite their immense popularity, the relationship between Moore and Prater was fraught with tension. The duo officially parted ways in 1970, with both artists pursuing solo careers. Moore had plans to release a solo album produced by the legendary King Curtis in 1971, but after Curtis was tragically murdered, the project was unfortunately abandoned, further complicating Moore’s musical journey.

Throughout his career, Moore faced significant challenges, including a battle with heroin addiction. He candidly admitted that during critical moments, such as when it was time to record, he found himself battling his addiction while alone in his apartment, highlighting the personal struggles behind his public persona.

In the late 1970s, the music of Sam & Dave experienced a resurgence, thanks in part to the Blues Brothers. In October 1978, characters played by John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd performed “Soul Man” on an episode of Saturday Night Live, propelling the duo back into the cultural spotlight. This performance solidified their place in pop culture history, while a cover of “I Thank You” by ZZ Top on their 1979 album Degüello further contributed to their revival.

READ MORE: Revisiting the Blues Brothers’ SNL Debut

Fueled by this renewed interest, Sam & Dave reunited and performed together for several more years. Their final performance as a duo occurred on December 31, 1981. However, their separation this time was marked by unresolved tensions, leading to a complicated relationship. Moore recounted to SFGate in 2002 that after their split, Prater replaced him with an impersonator, leading to rumors about Moore’s health and retirement swirling in the industry.

Following their split, Moore successfully overcame his addiction and garnered respect from a new wave of musicians. In 1992, Sam & Dave were honored with induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, a testament to their enduring influence. That same year, Moore collaborated with Bruce Springsteen on the album Human Touch, further solidifying his place in the music scene.

In 2002, the long-shelved album he had created with King Curtis, titled Plenty Good Lovin, was finally released to critical acclaim, showcasing his enduring talent. Moore continued to thrive, and in 2006, he released Overnight Sensational, featuring an impressive lineup of artists including Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Jon Bon Jovi, Mariah Carey, Eric Clapton, Paul Rodgers, Steve Winwood, and Billy Gibbons, highlighting his lasting impact on the music world.