Credit: Far Out / Bruce Springsteen / Gage Skidmore

Bruce Springsteen shares tribute to Sam Moore: “One of America’s greatest soul voices”

Mon 13 January 2025 9:43, UK

Following the death of influential soul musician Sam Moore, Bruce Springsteen has shared his condolences, paying tribute to “a sweet and funny man.”

Throughout his career, the ‘Born to Run’ singer has taken significant inspiration from soul artists, and he cites Moore as a prominent influence. Moore rose to fame in the 1960s as one half of Sam and Dave, becoming known for hits like ‘Hold On, I’m Comin’, and ‘Soul Man’.

The latter song hit number two on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, and has since been covered by a number of artists. Notably, Moore even re-recorded the song with Lou Reed for the movie Soul Man.

Signed to Stax, Sam and Dave were incredibly successful during the height of their fame in the ‘60s. Springsteen is a long-time fan of the duo, so it only makes sense that the singer has recruited Moore to create music with him on several occasions.

Moore provided backing vocals on a number of tracks that featured on Springsteen’s 1992 album Human Touch. Not only has he performed live with Springsteen and worked with him on his solo album Overnight Sensational, but Moore has also joined the musician for covers of ‘I Forgot to Be Your Lover’, and ‘Soul Days’ on the album Only the Strong Survive.

A statement from Moore’s publicist announced that he died on January 10th at the age of 89 from complications following a recent surgery.

Paying tribute to Moore on his website, Springsteen wrote: “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. Having had the honour to work with Sam on several occasions, he was a sweet and funny man. He was filled with stories of the halcyon days of soul music, and to the end had that edge of deep authenticity in his voice I could only wonder at.”

Springsteen concluded, “We offer our prayers to his wife Joyce and thanks for the immortal recordings Sam left us. God bless.”