Sam Moore of Sam & Dave dead at 89

Sam Moore, the tenor half of the iconic soul duo Sam & Dave, has died. He was 89.

A statement from Moore’s rep shares that he passed away on Friday in his Florida home due to complications recovering from surgery.

Born Oct. 12, 1935, Moore began recording music in the ’50s. After meeting baritone Dave Prater, they formed Sam & Dave, and put out their first music in the early ’60s.

Upon being signed to the legendary label Stax Records, Sam & Dave released their debut album, 1966’s Hold On, I’m Comin’, which spawned the hit title track. Subsequent hits included the Grammy-winning “Soul Man” and “I Thank You.”