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.
Grand Ole Opry Member Buck White Of The Whites Passes
/by LB CantrellBuck White
Buck White, patriarch of country music group The Whites and Grand Ole Opry member, passed away today (Jan. 13). He was 94.
The news was shared by his family, daughters Sharon, Cheryl, Rosie and Melissa.
“The Lord answered our prayers and took our daddy home peacefully this morning at 8 a.m. We are so thankful for his 94 years on this earth,” they shared in a joint statement. “He was a great Dad who taught us by example to put Jesus first always. His great loves were the Lord, our mother, his family and music. Most people will remember him not only for being a great musician and entertainer, but also for being fun-loving and full of mischief. He lived a full life and finished well.”
Buck’s skills on the piano first opened the door for music, landing him gigs with Hank Snow, Ernest Tubb and others. In 1962, he relocated his family from Texas to Arkansas, where he and his wife, Pat Goza, began performing with another couple as The Down Home Folks. Their daughters, Sharon and Cheryl, were billed as The Down Home Kids.
The group quickly gained recognition in bluegrass circles, and by 1971, the family had moved to Nashville to solidify their careers as professional singers. Still performing as The Down Home Folks, they released several bluegrass albums before Pat retired from the group in 1973. Their first album as The Whites was 1983’s Old Familiar Feeling, according to Discogs.
In 1981, Sharon married country and bluegrass legend Ricky Skaggs, who produced some of their records. The Whites earned CMA Award nominations for The Horizon Award and Instrumental Group of the Year in 1983 as well as ACM Award nominations for Top Vocal Group in 1982 and 1983.
In 1984, the family was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry.
Over their career, The Whites captivated audiences with hits like “You Put The Blue In Me,” “Hangin’ Around,” “Give Me Back That Old Familiar Feeling,” “Pins And Needles,” “If It Ain’t Love (Let’s Leave It Alone),” “Hometown Gossip” and more. Their signature blend of bluegrass, country, folk, gospel and Texas swing, paired with their musical mastery and family harmony, became their hallmark.
Their involvement in the movie and soundtrack O Brother, Where Art Thou? brought them significant industry recognition, earning a Grammy Award for Album of the Year along with ACM and CMA Award nominations. They can be heard on the film’s “Keep on the Sunny Side,” a beloved classic originally popularized by the Carter Family.
In 2007, The Whites won another Grammy for their collaboration with Skaggs on his Salt of the Earth album. The following year, they were inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
Cody Johnson, Riley Green, Ernest & More Sign Guitars To Support Wounded Officers Working Wildfires
/by Lorie HollabaughSome of country’s biggest stars have united to sign guitars to support wounded officers working the California wildfires through the Las Vegas-based national law enforcement organization The Wounded Blue.
Cody Johnson, Zach Top, Ronnie Dunn, Craig Morgan, Tracy Lawrence, Riley Green, Chris Young, Jon Pardi, Ernest, Neal McCoy, Steve Wariner, Dustin Lynch, Larry Gatlin, Uncle Kracker, Aaron Lewis, Jamey Johnson, Justin Moore, Randy House, Trace Adkins, Gabby Barrett, Billy Currington, Drew Baldridge, Bryan White, Gary Morris and more have all taken the time to autograph multiple Epiphone acoustic guitars for this fundraising effort.
Fans, corporate partners, or anyone supporting law enforcement can purchase any of these signed guitars for $1,000 each by going to guitars4cops.com.
“These wildfires are horrible and everyone is in disbelief of the devastation,” says Neal McCoy. “Not only are our firefighters in danger, but so are all of our first responders including law enforcement. If signing guitars helps give those in need some comfort, it is the least that I can do. Our prayers are with all those affected by these wildfires.”
The Wounded Blue is the national assistance and support organization for injured and disabled law enforcement officers. Headquartered in Las Vegas, the mission of The Wounded Blue is to improve the lives of injured and disabled law enforcement officers through support, education, assistance and legislation.
Keith Urban Adds Canadian Dates To ‘High And Alive World Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughKeith Urban
Keith Urban is adding a Canadian leg to his “High And Alive World Tour.”
Urban will be firing up eight shows in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal and more through Sept. 20 featuring special guests Chase Matthew, Alana Springsteen and Karley Scott Collins.
“Playing live is what I live to do,” says Urban. “Looking out from a stage and seeing people singing, forgetting about all the stress in their lives, cutting loose, and feeling ALIVE—that’s what it’s about for me. Lots of hits, new songs, things we won’t even think about until we’re onstage—and loads of guitar. We’re gonna make this tour the best night of your life!”
Urban will no doubt play many of his 25 Canadian No. 1 hits, including “Long Hot Summer,” “Days Go By,” “Blue Ain’t Your Color,” “Somewhere In My Car,” “The Fighter,” “Wasted Time,” “Somebody Like You,” “One Too Many,” as well as new songs from his just-released 11th studio album High.
June 21 – Toronto – Budweiser Stage
September 10 – Vancouver – Rogers Arena
September 12 – Calgary – Scotiabank Saddledome
September 13 – Regina – Brandt Centre
September 15 – Saskatoon – SaskTel Centre
September 16 – Winnipeg – Canada Life Centre
September 19 – Montreal – Bell Centre
September 20 – Ottawa – Canadian Tire Centre
Luke Bryan To Take His ‘Farm Tour’ To California This Spring
/by Liza AndersonLuke Bryan will take his annual “Farm Tour” to California for the first time this spring.
Bryan will visit the Castle Airport in Atwater on May 15, The Ponds at Harlan Ranch in Clovis on May 16 and Sillect Farms in Shafter on May 17 ahead of the 2025 American Idol season finale, where he will serve as a celebrity judge for an eighth year alongside Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood. Special guests will be announced at a later date along with more tour stops.
“With the ‘Farm Tour’ being such a unique type of show in rural towns, we have to be really intentional on where we go in order to have the best experience for the fans all while lifting up the farming community and what they do for our country,” he shares. “I’ve always wanted to raise awareness for the west coast farmer, and I’m so excited to get to do that this year. [It’s] going to be amazing.”
Members of Bryan’s fan club can purchase presale tickets now. General sales start this Friday (Jan. 17) at 10 a.m. CT. For more information, click here.
Caylee Hammack To Deliver A ‘Bed Of Roses’ In March
/by Liza AndersonCaylee Hammack will release her sophomore album, Bed of Roses, on March 7 via Capitol Records Nashville.
The 13-song bouquet aims to tell the story of a 20-something’s coming of age with a blend of gypsy soul, ’70s twang and red-dirt rock.
“Your bed of roses is the bed you make—you get to decide how you spend your time and how you plant your garden,” explains Hammack. “Good love is flowers that come back every year. Bad love, it’s just the thorn. Sometimes you’ve got to till shit up. You’ve got to work through things, and it’s not going to be fun. And then one day, your friends come over and you sit as a family on the back porch in the garden. And when they compliment the roses near the gate or the cherry tomatoes speckled about in the pasta, you get the pleasure of realizing, ‘I grew that, I put love, time and belief into something, and it paid off.'”
She co-produced the project alongside Dann Huff and John Osborne of Brothers Osborne, and co-penned the title track with Jeff Hyde and Benjy Davis. Out now, “Bed of Roses” was inspired by a fleeting romance that never took root and seeks to explore the theme of embracing the inner peace no part-time partner can give. The tune joins previously-released tracks “The Hill” and “Breaking Dishes.”
Bed of Roses Track Listing:
1. “Bed of Roses” (Caylee Hammack, Benjy Davis, Jeff Hyde)
2. “Breaking Dishes” (Caylee Hammack, Mikey Reaves, Gordie Sampson)
3. “What My Angels Think of Me” (Caylee Hammack, Meg McRee, Jake Mitchell)
4. “Back Again” (Caylee Hammack, Tofer Brown, Lauren Hungate)
5. “Mammas” (Ed Bruce, Patricia Bruce, Mia Mantia, SJ McDonald, Trent Wayne)
6. “No I Ain’t” (Caylee Hammack, Mark Trussell, Stephen Wilson Jr.)
7. “The Hill” (Caylee Hammack, Tenille Townes, Logan Wall)
8. “The Pot & The Kettle” (Caylee Hammack, Connor Thuotte, Stephen Wilson Jr.)
9. “Bread & Butter” (Caylee Hammack, Luke Dick, Jeff Hyde)
10. “Cleopatra” (Caylee Hammack, Meg McRee, Jake Mitchell)
11. “How Long” (Caylee Hammack, John Osborne, Lucie Silvas)
12. “Oh, Kara” (Caylee Hammack)
13. “Tumbleweed Men” (Caylee Hammack, Joe Clemmons, Benjy Davis)
Second Annual Cody Johnson Charity Golf Tourney Raises $298,000 For Multiple Charities
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Devin Marcum-President Resistol Hats, Daren Peterson-President Resistol Cowboys Who Care, Kami Peterson-Vice President of Sales Cowboy Channel, Corky Ullman-CO Owner of BFI, Cody Johnson and Dustin Noblit-CEO of Pro Equine Group. Photo: Fernando Sam-Sin
Cody Johnson‘s second annual Charity Golf Tournament held during the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas on Dec. 8 raised $298,000 for multiple charities.
The event, presented by Wrangler and Resistol and organized by Resistol’s Cowboys Who Care Foundation, brought 28 golf teams together for a day of golfing and an auction to generate funds for Resistol’s Cowboys Who Care Foundation, the Different Day Foundation and Wrangler’s Bucking Cancer initiative.
“For me, when you get an opportunity like this to give back, it’s a big deal,” says Johnson. “When you have a driving force, like these brands behind you, it’s hard not to step up and make a difference. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone involved.”
The Different Day Foundation, founded by Brandi and Cody Johnson, empowers and supports women as they heal from exploitation, providing them with the tools and resources needed to rebuild their lives.
Wrangler’s Bucking Cancer program supports a variety of cancer-related charities tied to rodeo and Western events, and chose to benefit the Golden Circle of Champions for this tournament. The organization assists children with pediatric cancer and their families.
Resistol’s Cowboys Who Care Foundation is dedicated to bringing joy to children battling cancer and other life-threatening illnesses and gifts cowboy hats, symbolizing strength and resilience, to children across the country. Resistol’s Cowboys Who Care Foundation kicked off the event with a $25,000 donation to the Golden Circle of Champions. In a special moment during the tournament at the live auction, Resistol’s Cowboys Who Care Foundation, in partnership with the Cody NesSmith Memorial Team Roping, presented the Wolff family from Louisiana with a check for $80,000 to cover the cost of a new van for their son, Bennet, who is living with a rare medical condition.
“We are honored and blessed to be part of a group that can provide financial support to deserving families and organizations,” says Daren Peterson, President of Resistol’s Cowboys Who Care Foundation.
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.