A special event at Florida International University’s Sam Moore: The Legendary Soul Man Theatre celebrated the soul singer’s 90th birthday.
Guests honored the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer’s legacy with animated videos and special performances. Moore was part of the 1960s duo Sam and Dave, which recorded hits like “Soul Man”, “I Thank You” and “Hold On I’m Comin’.”
Moore’s wife, Joyce, shared emotional memories, reflecting on life without her husband of 44 years and the deep impact of his music.
“We are celebrating it in the context of the fact that he should have been here to enjoy and celebrate his 90th bday today, which meant the world to him,” she said. “I miss my husband. I miss my best friend.”
Moore’s career began in Miami and continued through a lomng and illustrious career that was highlighted when he was inducted with Dave Prater in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992.
Throughout the festivities, attendees learned something new about Moore.
“He seems like a really great guy,” attendee Leandro Diaz-Reyes said. “He seems really nice. I wish I would have been able to meet him.”
Others expressed admiration for Moore, saying they are thankful they crossed paths with him.
“He’s being celebrated and that’s a great thing,” said attendee Nathaniel Reed.
Manny Garcia, the executive director at the Lee Caplin School of Journalism and Media, praised Moore’s lasting influence on the community, saying “the legacy he leaves for our students with the Sam Moore theater is lasting.”
