October 12th — Sam Moore would have turned 91 today. I met him late, in 1999, and he became part of my documentary called “Only the Strong Survive.” I had no idea we would become like family (his and mine) for twenty five years.
I don’t do a lot of these “would have been such-and-such an age” pieces anymore because the older you get, and the more people shuffle off this mortal coil, it just gets sadder.
But I’ve been thinking about Sam, who Bruce Springsteen called “the greatest soul singer on this planet.” A raft of stars including Bruce, Sting, Jon Bon Jovi, Steve Winwood, Paul Rodgers lined up to guests on Sam’s 2006 album, “Overnight Sensational.” When the record came out, Ahmet Ertegun came down to the launch party in a million degree humidity to homage to Sam.
When the movie played the Hamptons Film Festival, Atlantic Records’ Jerry Wexler came out on the street wiping away tears. He said to Sam, “I’m so sorry.” After San & Dave was over Sam recorded an album with King Curtis and Aretha Franklin in 1971. Jerry wouldn’t release it. It would have made his whole solo career. When “Plenty Good Lovin'” finally was released 20 years ago, every review was four star.
Because of that decision, Sam drifted in the 70s. He had major drug problems. Ten years later he married his wife, the legendary Joyce, who took over his management. He turned his life around. It was too late for hit records, but he was in huge demand for live shows and “royal” performances at the Kennedy Center and so on.
Sam’s voice was unique — a bass tenor, maybe. He could go low, with great texture. But that tenor lasted until the last minute. He could sing anything and make it seem like he’d invented it. We all know “Soul Man” and those songs, but listen to him sing “Imagine.” It will blow you away.
I was very lucky to have Sam as a friend. Sam Moore! Come on! Are you kidding? He loved to gossip, and we talked all the time about the old days — and the new ones. He’d crack up laughing at some of the craziness in showbiz these days, and his laugh was infectious. We were always shaking our heads. I was so lucky to go on gigs backstage, places most people don’t get to see, and to meet people who liked me because they loved Sam.
So happy birthday, Sam. I know you’re with Aretha, and Wilson Pickett, and Sam Cooke, and Lou Rawls and even Cissy and Whitney — you’re all having a grand time.
