Sam Moore, the soaring voice behind Sam & Dave’s mid-1960s soul classics “Soul Man” and “Hold On, I’m Coming,” is being honored in an unexpected way: with a drone bearing his name.
The Celebrate Freedom Foundation (CFF), a non-profit dedicated to STEM education and honoring military veterans, this week announced the naming of its MQ-5B Hunter Drone in honor of the legendary Miami-born “soul man” a year after the singer’s passing.
Joyce Moore, the singer’s wife, said she had no hesitation in supporting the decision, describing it as a fitting tribute to her husband’s legacy of education and inspiration.
“If the drone motivates even a couple of kids, and those kids go on to become scientists or astronauts or doctors, then it’s all worth it,” Moore said.
The drone, which recently surpassed 50,000 flight hours in service – most of which were flown in combat over Iraq and the former Yugoslavia – will tour schools across the U.S., aiming to bridge the gap between history, music and technology.
Sam Moore passed away on Jan. 10 at age 89 in Coral Gables, leaving behind a towering legacy in soul music and American culture. He began his career singing gospel in Overtown churches before meeting future singing duo partner Dave Prater at a Liberty City club called King of Hearts. Together, they formed Sam & Dave, an influential soul group later inducted into The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, where Moore is the only Miami native on the roster.
In later years, Moore’s career became increasingly defined by community engagement and inspiration. In 2020, Moore was invited to serve as artist-in-residence at FIU’s Herbert and Nicole Wertheim School of Music & Performing Arts, where he and Joyce led master classes and educational sessions, sharing their deep knowledge of the music industry with the next generation.
“I wish he were here,” said Joyce. “And I hope that it’s really true, that he may be watching. He’d be over the moon.”
