Sam Moore Didn't Know Imus Had Cancer (He's The One)

Sam Moore, formerly of the groundbreaking R&B sould duo "Sam & Dave," has said it before and he'll say it again: He did not, despite Imus's speculation, kill Dave.

"There's never been any indication," Imus admitted. "But didn't you two not get along before he died?"

Moore gently pointed out, "That doesn't mean I killed him!"

Moore is in New York to perform with Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame concerts tomorrow and Friday at Madison Square Garden.

"Bruce is my buddy," said Moore. "It's an enjoyable thing, it really is."

Sam & Dave are members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and are considered the most successful soul duo of all time. Their most recognizable song, Soul Man, was a number one pop hit. As such, Imus took Moore's pulse on a troublesome matter.

Imus has always appreciated that someone like Pat Boone had done his own version of songs written by African-American artists like Little Richard and Fats Domino. Unlike, say, The Rolling Stones, who did a note-for-note version of the song It's All Over Now, which was originally recorded by The Valentinos.

"I was always offended by that," said Imus, calling it also "unethical." He then played for Moore two versions of the song Down Home Girl, one recorded by Alvin Robertson and another done by The Rolling Stones. Moore preferred Robertson's rendering.

"I could tell by looking at you!" Imus proclaimed. "Just your body language — you weren't doing anything to The Stones record, and you did everything to Alvin Robertson's record."

Imus wanted more outrage from his guest, who only wanted to laugh. On learning Imus had interviewed Van Morrison just a few days ago, Moore wondered which Van had walked through the door that morning.

"He's a genius, but he was cranky," said Imus.

Moore didn't perform today because he said he'd rather chat with the I-Man, who has an uncanny ability to make Moore giggle. But Moore's wife Joyce promised Imus that Sam would come through on a future venture: the Imus Ranch Record, Volume Two.

"He should be on it, and he will be on it," said Joyce, adding, "This is the third time you've discussed this with me."

Imus sighed. "I did a lot of cocaine and acid...I'm not proud of it."

-Julie Kanfer