Sam Moore, reknowned 'Soul Man' musician, dies aged 89

Legendary soul singer Sam Moore, passed away on Friday morning at the age of 89 in Florida while he was recovering from surgery, his representatives informed in a statement.

The singer, who gained fame for various R&B classics from the 1960s was part of a duo called Same & Dave with Dave Prater. The two recorded evergreen iconic songs like 'Soul Man; and "I Thank You' before breaking up in 1970.

Born in Miami in 1935, Moore started out singing in churches while growing up in his neighbourhood, however, it was Jackie Wilson performing at a local club that inspired him to become a pop icon.

Moore met Prater in 1961 while the latter was auditioning for a talent show and the pair signed to a record soon after realising how well their voices matched. The duo would go on to produce multiple hits however, Grammy-winning 'Soul Man' released in 1967 would be the one to cement their place as R&B legends.

Despite success, Moore's life was also marked by struggles including a heroin addiction which he overcame with the help of his wife Joyce McRae.

Throughout his career, Moore also performed for several presidents of America namely, Jimmy Carter, George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump. In 2006, Moore released his last solo album Overnight Sensational which featured prominent artists like Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi.

The singer is survived by his wife, daughter, and grandchildren.