Sam Moore. Photo: Jeremy Westby
Legendary soul man Sam Moore passed away on Friday (Jan. 10) in Coral Gables, Florida from complications following a surgery. He was 89.
Moore was half of the Grammy-winning duo Sam & Dave of the 1960s. The duo recorded classic hits including “Soul Man,” “Hold On I’m Coming,” “I Thank You” and many more, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll of Fame in 1992.
Born in 1935, Moore grew up in Miami and began singing in church. Sam Cooke heard him and thought Moore would be a perfect replacement for him as the lead in the gospel group The Soul Stirrers, but when Moore saw Jackie Wilson perform at the Nightbeat, he realized he wanted to sing pop instead and struck out on his own. He became the singing emcee and talent show host at the King O’ Hearts Club, which is where he met Dave Prater, who tried out for the club’s talent show. Stage magic led to the formation of the duo.
Ahmet Ertegun, Tom Dowd and Jerry Wexler from Atlantic Records saw Sam & Dave in late 1964 at the King O’ Hearts where they had become locally famous. In 1965 they were signed to Atlantic Records and Wexler loaned the duo to Atlantic’s southern production arm, Stax Records where they were introduced to Isaac Hayes and David Porter. They released a string of hits and became internationally famous, and were so revered that they were among the few stars who were asked to perform at Martin Luther King, Jr.’s memorial concert at Madison Square Garden in 1968.
The duo broke up in 1970 and shortly after Moore re-signed to Atlantic and recorded his solo album, produced by King Curtis. Curtis was murdered on August 13, 1971, and the album was completed but Wexler chose to shelve it, depriving Moore of his solo launch. He reunited with Dave for a few years in the late 1970’s but broke up for good New Years Eve 1982 in San Francisco. Moore struggled with heroin addiction after being introduced to the drug in the early 1960’s. He married Joyce McRae in 1982, who became his manager and advocate and ultimately got Sam into a program, ultimately saving his life.
Moore enjoyed success in country music in 1994 with his duet of “Rainy Night In Georgia” with Conway Twitty, which earned them a Platinum record as well as two CMA Award nominations.
He began a celebrated solo career at that point and over the years became a mainstay performer at the Kennedy Center. He has performed for six presidents, including Jimmy Carter, George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Donald Trump. At Dan Aykroyd’s 50th birthday, Sam performed with Clinton, who played the saxophone to accompany him.
More than once, Bruce Springsteen introduced Moore as “The greatest living soul singer on the planet!” Springsteen invited him to sing on his Human Touch album, and again in 2023 on his collection of R&B covers Only the Strong Survive. When the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame celebrated its 25th birthday at Madison Square Garden, Springsteen featured Moore. Moore’s legacy as a solo artist was cemented when he was finally able to recover and release the King Curtis album, Plenty Good Loving, in 2002. In 2006, he released his first album in thirty years, Overnight Sensational, which featured Springsteen, Sting, Bon Jovi and other stars. He was nominated for a Grammy Award with Billy Preston on their duet of “You Are So Beautiful.”
Moore was also a vocal advocate for the rights of performers. With his wife, he testified often in Washington for a performer’s royalty on songs played on radio. He earned a star in Nashville’s Walk of Fame Park in 2016 alongside Alabama. In recent years, he received a Special Merit Lifetime Achievement Award from the Grammys. His voice was also featured in a Starbucks commercial featuring the Sam & Dave version of “Hold On I’m Coming.” Eddie Murphy requested Moore perform at his Kennedy Center Mark Twain award.
Moore is survived by his wife Joyce, daughter Michelle, and grandchildren Tash and Misha. Services have not yet been announced.
Date Announced For 10th Annual AIMP Nashville Awards
/by LB CantrellThe Association of Independent Music Publishers’ (AIMP) Nashville Chapter will hold its 10th annual AIMP Nashville Awards at Marathon Music Works on Tuesday, April 8. Doors will open at 5:15 p.m. and the event will start at 7 p.m.
The annual event recognizes songwriters, publishers and songs in various categories, including Artist-Writer of the Year, Rising Songwriter of the Year, Rising Artist-Writer of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Song Champion of the Year, Publisher Pick of the Year, Song of the Year and Top Independent Music Publishers of the Year.
To vote for this year’s awards, become a member by Tuesday, Feb. 4.
Last year’s AIMP Nashville Awards, hosted by Storme Warren, saw winners Jordan Davis, Morgan Wallen, Mae Estes and others.
Randall King To Release ‘Neon (Unplugged)’ In February
/by Madison HahnenRandall King will release Neon (Unplugged), the acoustic version of his sophomore album, on Feb. 21. King unveiled the first track, “One Night Dance (Unplugged),” last Friday (Jan. 10).
“There is something unique about taking a song, stripping it down to just an acoustic guitar, and singing it with a bit of a different flare,” he shares. “That’s one of the beautiful things about country music. You can rock out with a band or you can sit down by a fire with only a guitar and sing your heart out to the same song. ‘One Night Dance (Unplugged)’ is the first taste of that stripped back version that I wanted to share with all of you.”
The project was produced by King alongside Jared Conrad and was recorded at the Sound Stage Studios in Nashville. While Into The Neon was inspired by the vibrant glow of neon signs that illuminated the early stages of King’s career, Neon (Unplugged) captures a more stripped-down sound and aims to evoke the nights spent beneath the neon stars in the skies of Texas, where he was raised. Released in January of last year, Into The Neon was named among the top country albums of 2024 by Entertainment Focus and Whiskey Riff and contains King’s first country radio single, “I Could Be That Rain.”
Neon (Unplugged) Track List:
1. “One Night Dance (Unplugged)” – (Jon Nite, Randall King)
2. “Somewhere Over Us (Unplugged)” – (Joey Hyde, Mike Walker, Randall King)
3. “When My Baby’s in Boots (Unplugged)” – (Jordan Walker, Michael Carter, Trannie Anderson)
4. “What Doesn’t Kill You ft. Dan Smalley (Unplugged)” – (Michael Whitworth, Mitchell Tenpenny, Nate Smith, Zach Kale)
5. “Hang of Hangin’ On (Unplugged)” – (Brett Sheroky, Brice Long)
6. “Burns Like Her (Unplugged)” – (Adam James, Greylan James, Mikey Reaves)
7. “Good Feelin’ (Unplugged)” – (Benjy Davis, Michael Whitworth, Will Jones)
8. “The One You’re Waiting On (Unplugged)” – (Adam Wright, Shannon Wright)
9. “Into The Neon (Unplugged)” – (Ben Stennis, Matt Rogers, Randall King)
10. “Tonk ‘Til I Die (Unplugged)” – (Benjy Davis, Dan Smalley, Randall King)
11. “But It Ain’t (Unplugged)” – (Ben Stennis, Jared Mullins, Randall King)
12. “Coulda Been Love (Unplugged)” – (Jake Worthington, Kim Penz, Roger Springer)
13. “Damn You Look Good (Unplugged)” – (Aby Gutierrez, Andrew Peebles, Ava Suppelsa)
14. “Hard To Be Humble (Unplugged)” – (Ben Hayslip, Chris LaCorte, Corey Crowder)
15. “Right Things Right (Unplugged)” – (Chris Dubois, Jordan Walker, Trannie Anderson)
16. “As Far As We Go (Unplugged)” – (Brett Sheroky, Drew Kennedy)
17. “I Could Be That Rain (Unplugged)” – (Brian Fuller, Mason Thornley)
18. “I Don’t Whiskey Anymore (Unplugged)” – (Gordie Sampson, Randall King)
JUST IN: Grammy Awards Remain Scheduled For Feb. 2 Amid L.A. Wildfires
/by LB CantrellThe 2025 Grammy Awards are still scheduled for Feb. 2 at Crypto.com Arena, despite the wildfires that have devastated Los Angeles, according to Billboard.
“Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. This city is our home, and we mourn the loss of life and destruction that have come to it in recent days,” shared Recording Academy and MusiCares CEO Harvey Mason Jr. and Chair of the Board of Trustees Tammy Hurt in a joint statement.
“In close coordination with local authorities to ensure public safety and responsible use of area resources, the 67th Grammy Awards telecast on CBS on Feb. 2 will proceed as planned. This year’s show, however, will carry a renewed sense of purpose: raising additional funds to support wildfire relief efforts and honoring the bravery and dedication of first responders who risk their lives to protect ours.”
Last week, the Recording Academy and MusiCares launched the Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort with an initial $1 million donation to aid music creatives and professionals.
The status of the MusiCares Person of the Year event, the Recording Academy’s Special Merit Awards and other related events remains uncertain. See the nominees here.
Soul Man Sam Moore Passes
/by Lorie HollabaughSam Moore. Photo: Jeremy Westby
Legendary soul man Sam Moore passed away on Friday (Jan. 10) in Coral Gables, Florida from complications following a surgery. He was 89.
Moore was half of the Grammy-winning duo Sam & Dave of the 1960s. The duo recorded classic hits including “Soul Man,” “Hold On I’m Coming,” “I Thank You” and many more, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll of Fame in 1992.
Born in 1935, Moore grew up in Miami and began singing in church. Sam Cooke heard him and thought Moore would be a perfect replacement for him as the lead in the gospel group The Soul Stirrers, but when Moore saw Jackie Wilson perform at the Nightbeat, he realized he wanted to sing pop instead and struck out on his own. He became the singing emcee and talent show host at the King O’ Hearts Club, which is where he met Dave Prater, who tried out for the club’s talent show. Stage magic led to the formation of the duo.
Ahmet Ertegun, Tom Dowd and Jerry Wexler from Atlantic Records saw Sam & Dave in late 1964 at the King O’ Hearts where they had become locally famous. In 1965 they were signed to Atlantic Records and Wexler loaned the duo to Atlantic’s southern production arm, Stax Records where they were introduced to Isaac Hayes and David Porter. They released a string of hits and became internationally famous, and were so revered that they were among the few stars who were asked to perform at Martin Luther King, Jr.’s memorial concert at Madison Square Garden in 1968.
The duo broke up in 1970 and shortly after Moore re-signed to Atlantic and recorded his solo album, produced by King Curtis. Curtis was murdered on August 13, 1971, and the album was completed but Wexler chose to shelve it, depriving Moore of his solo launch. He reunited with Dave for a few years in the late 1970’s but broke up for good New Years Eve 1982 in San Francisco. Moore struggled with heroin addiction after being introduced to the drug in the early 1960’s. He married Joyce McRae in 1982, who became his manager and advocate and ultimately got Sam into a program, ultimately saving his life.
Moore enjoyed success in country music in 1994 with his duet of “Rainy Night In Georgia” with Conway Twitty, which earned them a Platinum record as well as two CMA Award nominations.
He began a celebrated solo career at that point and over the years became a mainstay performer at the Kennedy Center. He has performed for six presidents, including Jimmy Carter, George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Donald Trump. At Dan Aykroyd’s 50th birthday, Sam performed with Clinton, who played the saxophone to accompany him.
More than once, Bruce Springsteen introduced Moore as “The greatest living soul singer on the planet!” Springsteen invited him to sing on his Human Touch album, and again in 2023 on his collection of R&B covers Only the Strong Survive. When the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame celebrated its 25th birthday at Madison Square Garden, Springsteen featured Moore. Moore’s legacy as a solo artist was cemented when he was finally able to recover and release the King Curtis album, Plenty Good Loving, in 2002. In 2006, he released his first album in thirty years, Overnight Sensational, which featured Springsteen, Sting, Bon Jovi and other stars. He was nominated for a Grammy Award with Billy Preston on their duet of “You Are So Beautiful.”
Moore was also a vocal advocate for the rights of performers. With his wife, he testified often in Washington for a performer’s royalty on songs played on radio. He earned a star in Nashville’s Walk of Fame Park in 2016 alongside Alabama. In recent years, he received a Special Merit Lifetime Achievement Award from the Grammys. His voice was also featured in a Starbucks commercial featuring the Sam & Dave version of “Hold On I’m Coming.” Eddie Murphy requested Moore perform at his Kennedy Center Mark Twain award.
Moore is survived by his wife Joyce, daughter Michelle, and grandchildren Tash and Misha. Services have not yet been announced.
Nashville’s 615 Indie Live Unveils Final Artist Lineup
/by Lorie Hollabaugh615 Indie Live has unveiled the complete list of performers for its Feb. 1 event, which will include more than 50 local artists showcasing across 14 independent venues in Music City.
Artists completing the lineup include Abigail Rose; Anne McCue; Austin Grimm; The Black Opry; Crumbsnatchers; Emily Nenni; Ergo, Bria; Good Samaritan; GRW; Hanna Barbera Cartoon Never Made; Harper O’Neill; India Ramey; Jeff Coffin; Josh Womack’s Turquoise Gate; Ken Sable; Lillie Mae; Lindsay Lou; Maggie Wells; Molly Martin; My Wall; Null; Paradise Daze; Plainview Vibes; Ruby James; The Rusty Nails; RUVS; Sixwire; Sparkle City Disco; Brenna MacMillan and Friends; Tanatswa Estina; Viberight and ZG Smith.
Previously-announced artists included Alanna Royale, Alicia Blue, BEAN., Chris Walters, Cole Ritter, Davidson County String Band, DeeOhGee, Don Aliquo Quartet, Emmanuel Echem, Funky Good Time, Jannelle Means, Jeff Coffin, Keith Carlock, Lewis Stubbs Junior, Mall Gag, Meg McRee, Michael Jefry Stevens, Mike Elizondo, OTNES, Richie Kirkpatrick, Six One Tribe, Space Capone, Striking Matches, Sweet Megg, The Pink Spiders, The Wooten Brothers (Regi Wooten, Victor Wooten, Roy Wooten and Joseph Wooten) and Thou.
“This event is not just a showcase of our immensely talented local music scene, it’s a celebration of our community,” shares Chris Cobb, President of the Music Venue Alliance Nashville. “Whether you want to discover Nashville’s next big artist, check out a neighborhood venue for the first time, or simply support our local scene, this event is where Nashville needs to be on Feb 1.”
The complete event schedule is now available on the app, which will allow ticket holders to plan their own custom schedule of shows from 12 p.m. to 3 a.m. on Feb. 1 across the 14 participating independent venues. For indie super fans, the app also features the 615 Indie Live Challenge, an experiential scavenger hunt-like contest with some prizes.
Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit MVAN, including the organization’s Emergency Relief Fund, which helps the city’s independent venues keep their doors open during times of financial crisis. Tickets are available for purchase for $15, including all fees and taxes. T-shirts and posters featuring all 14 venues are also available for purchase as part of the fundraiser.
“We are deeply grateful to our partners for their generous support of 615 Indie Live, including WME, Country Music Association, Nashville International Airport, Jack Daniel’s, Crav’n Flavor and Outfront Media,” says Deana Ivey, President and CEO, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. “Their commitment highlights the strong community support for the remarkable talent of local artists and the cultural importance of small, independent music clubs. Together, we’re preserving the unique soul of Music City and paving the way for the next generation of homegrown talent.”
Dylan Marlowe Scores First No. 1 Hit
/by LB CantrellDylan Marlowe. Photo: Jacob Powers
Dylan Marlowe has earned his first No. 1 hit at country radio this week with “Boys Back Home” featuring Dylan Scott.
The Sony Music Nashville/Play It Again Music artist penned the track with Seth Ennis and Joe Fox, who also produced it. It was recently certified Gold by the RIAA and has racked up over 154 million streams worldwide, leading to a cross-genre collaboration between Marlowe and Yung Gravy.
“Growing up, I’d always listen to country radio with my family,” Marlowe says. “From hearing ‘Boys Back Home’ on the radio for the first time to now earning my first No. 1—this experience has been surreal and such a blessing. And having my buddy Dylan [Scott] on this song made it even more special! Thank you to country radio for your support!”
Scott adds, “It’s really special to not only have this No. 1 but to share it with a close friend. Dylan Marlowe is the real deal, but I’m the real ‘Dyl!’ Haha proud of you buddy, and thank you country radio for being so good to me over the years!”
Marlowe will soon kick off his “Mid-Twenties Crisis Tour,” which begins in New York City on Jan. 23. He will also hit the road with Bailey Zimmerman this June as an opener for the “New To Country Summer Tour.”
Bobby Bones & The Raging Idiots Reveal Annual ‘Million Dollar Show’ Date & Lineup
/by Madison HahnenBobby Bones & The Raging Idiots’ annual “Million Dollar Show,” benefitting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, will take place on March 4 at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.
This year’s lineup includes Bobby Bones & The Raging Idiots, Miranda Lambert, O-Town, Bailey Zimmerman, Tracy Lawrence, Clint Black, George Birge, The Castellows and Iris Copperman as well as surprise special guests.
An advocate for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Bones and The Bobby Bones Show have raised more than $27.6 million for the organization since 2014, in addition to supporting other charitable causes.
The BTeam presale will begin tomorrow (Jan. 14), with the BIG98 presale taking place on Wednesday (Jan. 15). General sales will follow this Friday (Jan. 17) at 10 a.m. CT. For more information, click here.
Thomas Rhett Adds Fenway Park Stop To ‘Better In Boots Tour’
/by Liza AndersonThomas Rhett plans to headline Boston’s famous Fenway Park on Saturday, July 19, with support from special guests Teddy Swims, Tucker Wetmore and The Castellows.
“Ever since I was 21, I have always dreamed of headlining Fenway. We were planning on playing Fenway in 2020, but we all know how that panned out,” he says. “I have never been more excited about something in my career as much as I am about this. I can’t wait to see all your faces there!”
The date will serve as a stop on his “Better In Boots Tour,” which will see the hitmaker visit over 30 other cities across the United States and Canada.
Tickets will be available this Friday (Jan. 17), starting at 10 a.m. local time. For more information, click here.
Kip Moore Kicks Off Bold New Journey With Latest Album ‘Solitary Tracks’
/by Lorie HollabaughKip Moore is releasing his sixth and most ambitious album to date, Solitary Tracks, on Feb. 28 via Virgin Music Group.
Solitary Tracks features 23 songs split over four sides, and is a testament to Moore’s free-spirited drive to pave his own path and explore new horizons. He shared the video today for the new song “Bad Spot,” from the album, a dreamy, piano-led confession that reveals a weathered soul finally growing up.
The album announcement arrives after months of teasing a series of new songs that provided an early glimpse at his new chapter. It kicked off with “Live Here to Work,” his first new song in nearly two years, and was followed by “Learning As I Go.” He then doubled down with the anthem “Flowers in December” paired with the slow-burning surprise second track “Wildfire.”
Co-produced by Moore with Jaren Johnston and additional production by Oscar Charles and Jay Joyce, the new album’s first half marks a deep acknowledgement of Moore’s solitary place, while its second part celebrates the start of a new phase. Together, they wrap a defiant sense of personal growth in a raw, roots-and-soul package.
“I’m never going to cheat by just trying to write what I think people want to hear, or hold onto a sound that worked for me,” states Moore. “I’m going to always be authentic with myself, with every record, and all I ever hope is that people find a little solace. This project is a journey in itself, so I hope it helps people navigate their own life. There’s no pattern you have to follow, and sometimes you gotta gamble on yourself. You gotta be bold enough to trust your gut, and willing to roll those dice if you believe in something.”
Solitary Tracks Track Listing:
1. “High Hopes” (Kip Moore/Dave Nassie/Zach Ziemer)
2. “Solitary Tracks” (Kip Moore/Dan Couch/Brett James)
3. “Pretty Horses” (Kip Moore/Nathan Chapman/Blair Daily)
4. “Livin’ Side” (Kip Moore/Dan Couch/Kristian Bush)
5. “Around You” (Kip Moore/Jaren Johnston/Casey Beathard)
6. “Half Full Cup” (Kip Moore/Jaren Johnston/Casey Beathard)
7. “Bad Spot” (Casey Beathard)
8. “Straight Line Boots” (Kip Moore/Jaren Johnston/Casey Beathard)
9. “Rivers Don’t Run” (Kip Moore/Jaren Johnston/Casey Beathard)
10. “Burn” (Kip Moore/Jaren Johnston/Casey Beathard)
11. “Like Ya Stole It” (Kip Moore/Jaren Johnston/Casey Beathard)
12. “Southern Son” (Kip Moore/Dan Couch/Will Lynde/Morgan Evans)
13. “Learning As I Go” (Kip Moore/Dan Couch/Luke Preston/Oscar Charles)
14. “Alley Cat” (Kip Moore/Dan Couch)
15. “Live Here to Work” (Kip Moore)
16. “Love And War” (Kip Moore/Erich Wigdahl/Manny Medina/Dave Nassie)
17. “Flowers In December” (Kip Moore/Erich Wigdahl)
18. “Forever is a Lie” (Kip Moore/Will Lynde/Erich Wigdahl)
19. “Wildfire” (Kip Moore/Dan Couch/Oscar Charles/Hank Born)
20. “Tough Enough” (Kip Moore/Brett James)
21. “Good Things Never Last” (Kip Moore/Casey Beathard)
22. “Take What You Can Get” (Kip Moore/Dan Couch/Luke Preston/Oscar Charles)
23. “Only Me” (Kip Moore/Oscar Charles/Luke Preston/Dan Couch)
Date & Details Announced For CRS 2025 Women’s Mentoring Breakfast
/by Liza AndersonThis year’s Country Radio Seminar (CRS) Women’s Mentoring Breakfast, sponsored by Nuvoodoo Media, will take place from 7:30 a.m.–8:45 a.m. on Feb. 21.
Designed to empower and connect women in the country radio industry, the event will feature a curated group of leaders in hopes of giving attendees an opportunity to gain insight, guidance and support.
The leaders slated to attend include Marci Braun (Audacy/WUSN/Chicago), Raffaella Braun (Triple Tigers), Christi Brooks (Cox/KCYY/San Antonio), Casey Carter (iHeart/WNOE/New Orleans), Melissa Chase (Audacy/KILT/Houston), Heather Froglear (Audacy/KFRG/Riverside), Stephanie Hagerty (Warner Music Nashville), JoJamie Hahr (BBR Music Group/BMG), Holly Hutton (Audacy/WYCD/Detroit), Miranda McDonald (UMG Nashville), Katie Neal (Audacy/Katie & Company), Brooks O’Brian (Cumulus/WFMS/Indianapolis), Bev Rainey (Cumulus Nashville), Dawn Santolucito (Beasley/WKLB/Boston), Lo Sessions (Radio-One/KKBQ/Houston), Lauren Thomas (Sony Music Nashville), Angie Ward (iHeart/WUBL/Atlanta), Ashley Wilson (iHeart/WKKT/Charlotte) and Nancy Wilson (Cox/WHKO/Dayton).
CRS 2025 is set for Feb. 19–21 at the Omni Nashville Hotel. Online registration will close on Jan. 17. For more information, click here.