Samuel David Moore, an American singer, was most famous as half of the soul and R&B duo Sam & Dave, active from 1961 to 1981. His powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence contributed significantly to the duo's success, scoring hits like "Soul Man" and "Hold On, I'm Comin'." Moore's legacy is cemented by his inductions into prestigious institutions such as the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Grammy Hall of Fame, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, and the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame, solidifying his impact on music history.
1929: Birth of Martin Luther King Jr.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., to whom "They Killed a King" is a tribute, was born in 1929.
1966: Start of Sam & Dave Performances
This marks the beginning of the period covered in the Sam & Dave: The Original Soul Men DVD, showcasing performances from 1966.
May 1968: "They Killed a King" Written
The song "They Killed a King" was written in May 1968 by Bobbejaan Schoepen and Jimmy James Ross (aka Mel Turner).
1971: Plenty Good Lovin' Recording
Sam Moore recorded his solo album, Plenty Good Lovin', in 1971.
1980: End of Sam & Dave Performances
This marks the end of the period covered in the Sam & Dave: The Original Soul Men DVD, showcasing performances up to 1980.
1992: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction
Sam Moore was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Sam & Dave in 1992.
2002: Only the Strong Survive Documentary
In 2002, Sam Moore starred in the D.A. Pennebaker-directed documentary Only the Strong Survive, which was selected for both the Cannes and Sundance Film Festivals. The film chronicled Moore's past drug use.
2002: Plenty Good Lovin' Release
Sam Moore's solo album, Plenty Good Lovin', recorded in 1971 but unreleased until 2002, finally hit record stores. Produced by King Curtis and featuring Aretha Franklin on piano, it received a four-star review from USA Today.
2003: Performance with Bruce Springsteen and Legends Rock TV Show
In 2003, Sam Moore performed at Bruce Springsteen's Asbury Park Christmas shows and was featured in an episode of the Legends Rock TV Show.
2003: Stax Museum Opening
The Stax Museum opened in Memphis in 2003, prominently featuring Sam & Dave in its Soulsville film and honoring them with a permanent wall display and video display.
December 2004: Rolling Stone Accolade and Legends Rock Appearance
In December 2004, Rolling Stone magazine named "Soul Man" one of the 500 greatest songs of all time.
August 29, 2006: Overnight Sensational Release
Sam Moore released his first official solo album, Overnight Sensational, on August 29, 2006. Produced by Randy Jackson, the album featured guest appearances from Sting, Mariah Carey, Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi, Fantasia, and others. The song "You Are So Beautiful" with Billy Preston and Eric Clapton received a Grammy nomination.
December 2008: Sam & Dave DVD Release
The Sam & Dave: The Original Soul Men DVD, featuring performances from 1966 to 1980, was released in December 2008.
January 2009: Performance at Obama Inaugural Ball
In January 2009, Sam Moore performed with Sting and Elvis Costello at the Creative Coalition's Presidential Inaugural Ball for Barack Obama.
February 2009: Lawsuit Against Weinstein Brothers
Sam Moore filed a lawsuit against Bob and Harvey Weinstein in February 2009, claiming their film Soul Men was based on his and Dave Prater's careers.
2009: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 25th Anniversary Concert
Sam Moore performed "Soul Man" and "Hold On, I'm Comin'" with Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's 25th anniversary concert in 2009.
May 2012: Lawsuit Dismissed
In May 2012, the lawsuit filed by Sam Moore against the Weinstein brothers was dismissed. While the judge acknowledged similarities between Moore's life and the film, he noted Moore wasn't explicitly depicted.
November 22, 2013: George Jones Tribute Concert
On November 22, 2013, Sam Moore performed at a tribute concert for George Jones at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena.
April 4, 2014: "They Killed a King" Release
Sam Moore released "They Killed a King," a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., on April 4, 2014.
January 19, 2017: Performance at Trump Inaugural Concert
Sam Moore sang "America the Beautiful" at Donald Trump's inaugural concert on January 19, 2017.
September 1, 2017: Stax Records Tribute Concert
On September 1, 2017, Sam Moore performed at the Royal Albert Hall BBC Proms with Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra in a tribute concert to 50 years of Stax Records.
January 26, 2018: Performance at NAMM Show
Sam Moore performed "Soul Man" with Michael McDonald at the NAMM show in Anaheim, California on January 26, 2018.
2022: Collaboration with Bruce Springsteen
Sam Moore collaborated with Bruce Springsteen on his soul cover album in 2022, contributing to the songs "Soul Days" and "I Forgot to Be Your Lover."
April 25, 2023: Still Playin' Possum Concert
On April 25, 2023, Sam Moore performed "The Blues Man" at the Still Playin' Possum concert honoring George Jones in Huntsville, Alabama.