Album of the Day

Among the most successful R&B duos of all time, Sam Moore and Dave Prater were at the top of their game when they cut SOUL MEN in 1967. Recorded at the Stax studio in Memphis, the pair got strong support from ace instrumental outfit Booker T. & the MG's and producers Isaac Hayes and David Porter. The Hayes-Porter team also contributed material to the collection, most notably the Top 10 title track, which earned Sam & Dave a Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. It's the most famous of these 11 songs, but far from the sole highlight; “Hold It Baby,” “Broke Down Piece Of Man” and “I've Seen What Loneliness Can Do” all put the performers' gritty, gospel-infused style to excellent use. There's not a dull moment on SOUL MEN, making it an ideal tribute to Prater, who passed away 30 years ago today.