Bruce Springsteen is paying tribute to the legendary Sam Moore, who sadly passed away at the age of 89 on Friday, January 10. Moore was a towering figure in the realm of soul music, known for his unforgettable voice and profound impact on the genre. His passing marks a significant loss for not just his fans but the entire music community that cherished his contributions.

On Saturday, Springsteen expressed his deep sorrow through social media. He shared a touching message on Instagram, stating, “Over on E Street, we are heartbroken to hear of the death of Sam Moore, one of America’s greatest soul voices.” He continued, “There simply isn’t another sound like Sam’s soulful tenor in American music.” This heartfelt tribute underscores the profound connection and respect Springsteen held for Moore’s artistry.

The friendship between Springsteen and Moore was evident through their collaborations over the years. Moore lent his exceptional backing vocals to several tracks on Springsteen’s 1992 album, Human Touch, showcasing their strong musical bond. In return, Springsteen provided his vocal talents on Moore’s 2006 song “Better to Have and Not Need,” illustrating the mutual admiration and respect they had for each other’s work.

One of the most unforgettable moments in their collaborative history occurred at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 25th anniversary concert in New York City in October 2009. There, they joined the E Street Band to deliver powerful performances of “Soul Man” and “Hold On, I’m Comin’.” This event remains a highlight in live music history, showcasing both artists’ incredible talents and the enduring legacy of soul music.

Reflecting on his experiences with Moore, Springsteen remarked, “Having had the honor to work with Sam on several occasions, he was a sweet and funny man.” He continued, “He was filled with stories of the halcyon days of soul music, and to the end had the edge of deep authenticity in his voice I could only wonder at.” Such words highlight Moore’s profound impact, not only through his music but also through his character and stories that enriched the lives of those around him.

Sam Moore, renowned as one-half of the iconic duo Sam & Dave, passed away in Coral Gables, Florida. His death was attributed to complications from surgery, leaving a void in the music world that will be felt for years to come. His contributions to soul music and his unique sound will forever be remembered by his fans and fellow artists alike.

Moore’s influence extended beyond Springsteen, as he was also revered by numerous artists including Phil Collins, Garth Brooks, and Jon Bon Jovi. His distinctive tenor voice first gained national attention through iconic call-and-response classics like Sam & Dave’s 1960s hits “Hold On, I’m Coming” and the Grammy-winning “Soul Man,” both of which achieved significant success on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart. Moore’s other timeless tracks, such as “I Thank You” and “When Something Is Wrong with My Baby,” further solidified his status as a soul music legend.

Following the news of Moore’s passing, Springsteen’s E Street bandmate Steven Van Zandt also shared his tributes on social media, highlighting the profound impact Moore had on the music scene. He wrote, “RIP Sam Moore. One of the last of the great Soul Men.” He added, “Him and Dave Prater were the inspiration for me and Johnny to start Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes. An important righteous wonderful man.” Such sentiments reflect the collective grief and admiration felt within the music community for Moore’s legacy.

For those who wish to see Springsteen’s full tribute to Moore, it is available on Instagram below.