Hi, everyone. Welcome to this week’s edition of Music Monday.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Sam Moore, the surviving half of the “Sam & Dave” musical duo, passed away on January 10, 2025 at the age of 89. The higher tenor voice to partner Dave Prater’s lower baritone one, the men were amongst the most successful R&B/soul performers at Stax Records in the 1960’s with hits like “Soul Man”, “Hold On I’m Coming” and “I Thank You”. Their live shows were legendary and inspired many including Al Green, Steve Winwood, Tom Petty and others.

The duo split up in 1970 but reunited the following year. Unfortunately they did not attain the success they previously had. A resurgence in the men’s popularity came in 1979 courtesy of The Blues Brothers cover of “Soul Man”. After Prater’s death from a car accident in 1988, Moore continued performing including at the 25th anniversary concert for The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 2009 with Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band. Moore & Prater were inducted in 1992.

Top: Sam Moore (L) and Dave Prater (R) circa 1967. Bottom: Moore circa 2015. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Last summer J.D. Souther & Karla Bonoff announced a joint tour together. They had been friends since their Laurel Canyon, California days in the 1970’s where both had found success- first as songwriters for The Eagles and Linda Ronstadt, respectively-before prospering in solo careers.

Sadly the tour never took place due to Souther’s death on September 17, 2024 at age 78. I adored him forever, going back to his Top Ten solo hit in 1979 (which I featured on Day 232 of the Lockdown Countdown) and his 1981 Top 20 duet with James Taylor, “Her Town Too”. I was thrilled when Souther branched out into to acting in movies like 1989’s “Always” and TV shows like “Thirtysomething” & “Nashville”.

The announcement of his tour with Bonoff put her back on my radar and reacquainted me with her beautiful voice. I first discovered her music through Linda Ronstadt who recorded three of Bonoff’s songs for the 1976 album, Hasten Down The Wind. But it was her stunning version of “The Water Is Wide”-featured in a 1997 episode of my favorite soap, “Another World”-that put me in Bonoff’s orbit for many years. I do not know why or how I let her fall from my view in the last decade or so but once I found her again last summer, I discovered her 2020 holiday album, Silent Night. It is wonderful, especially her version of “The First Noel” which was featured on Day 13 of my 2024 Christmas music countdown.

Bonoff, who turned 73 last month, released her self titled debut album in 1977 which included the three songs on the Hasten album. I love them all but today’s pick is my favorite. I have included Ronstadt’s version as well not just for her incredibly stunning voice but to share the video also. It is a great look at her in the studio with her band so we actually watch the magic of the performance happen there. And moments like that need to be seen.

Top: A show announcement from J.D. Souther’s Facebook page for a performance by he & Bonoff in July 2024. Middle: A picture of the two singers circa 1979 that Bonoff posted on her Facebook page with a tribute to Souther after his death in September 2024. Bottom: Souther (R) on stage with his one time girlfriend, Linda Ronstadt (L). (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Sam & Dave: “When Something Is Wrong With My Baby” (1967, written by Isaac Hayes and David Porter).

Linda Ronstadt: “Lose Again” (1976, written by Karla Bonoff).

Karla Bonoff: “Lose Again” (1977, written by Karla Bonoff).

J.D. Souther: “You’re Only Lonely” (1979, written by JD Souther).

Stay safe & well.