Introduction
Tom Jones & Sam Moore – Hold On I’m Coming (Tom Jones: The Right Time – Episode 3, 1992)
“Hold On, I’m Comin’” is a classic soul song written by Isaac Hayes and David Porter and first recorded by Sam & Dave in 1966 for the Stax Records label. Produced by Jim Stewart, the song became one of the defining hits of Southern soul, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard R&B chart and establishing Sam & Dave as one of the most electrifying vocal duos of the era. Its driving rhythm, call-and-response structure, and message of reassurance made it an enduring anthem of encouragement and emotional strength.
Sam Moore, one half of Sam & Dave, became especially known for his powerful, gospel-influenced delivery and dynamic stage presence. Decades later, his voice remained closely associated with the raw intensity and authenticity of classic soul music.
In 1992, the song was revisited in a special performance by Tom Jones and Sam Moore on Tom Jones: The Right Time, a television series that showcased Jones collaborating with legendary rhythm-and-blues and soul artists. Episode 3 featured Moore as a guest, creating a natural pairing between two singers known for their vocal power and deep respect for soul traditions.
Tom Jones, whose career had long been influenced by American R&B, approached the song not as a reinvention but as a tribute. His robust baritone blended with Moore’s seasoned soul voice, honoring the original spirit of the recording while bringing the energy of a live performance. The arrangement stayed close to the classic Stax sound, emphasizing rhythm, horns, and vocal interplay.
This performance of “Hold On, I’m Comin’” stands as a meeting point between British pop-soul and American Southern soul. It highlights Tom Jones’s lifelong connection to R&B music and reaffirms the song’s lasting power—proof that its message and groove continue to resonate across generations and musical boundaries.