It’s time to toast Sam Moore, the original and only Soul Man.
It’s Sam’s 88th birthday and he will be feted tonight in Miami, where he was born, by his wife of 40 years, Joyce Moore. and friends.
Sam was the guiding light behind the Grammy winning hit making duo Sam & Dave in the 60s. Their hits are played around the clock today and used in commercials and movies. They include “Soul Man,” “Hold On I’m Coming,” and “I Thank You,” among others.
Sam is the last of all the greats sung about in “Sweet Soul Music” by Arthur Conley. He’s been much imitated, especially by John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, and later Jim Belushi, as The Blues Brothers.
On his own, Sam has sung for all the living presidents, as well as George H. W. Bush. He’s performed at the Kennedy Center countless times, and was Eddie Murphy’s choice as performer at a special awards ceremony there.
Bruce Springsteen is maybe his biggest fan, asking Sam to join him recently on his “Only the Strong Survive” collection as featured vocalist. They may have more surprises in the future.
I met Sam in 1999 and featured him in the film I made with Chris Hegedus and DA Pennebaker called “Only the Strong Survive.” We traveled to Cannes and other festivals and cemented our friendship. He has the biggest heart imaginable but he loves to gossip and get in trouble! It’s been an absolute honor for me the last almost 25 years to say I’m friends with Sam Moore.
Happy birthday, Sam! And here’s to many more!
PS Last week, Sam helped the Rock Hall in Cleveland break ground on a new wing. He’s been a member since it began!
