Sam & Dave - Hold On I'm A Comin' / I Thank You

Year Released: 1966
Genre: Soul / Southern Soul

Description:
A defining moment in Stax Records history, “Hold On, I’m Comin’” was written by the powerhouse songwriting duo Isaac Hayes and David Porter, and performed by Sam & Dave backed by Booker T. & The MG’s and The Mar-Keys horn section. Everything about this record radiates classic Memphis soul — from the sharp horn intro and tight rhythm section to Sam Moore’s gospel-charged call and Dave Prater’s fiery response.

The song reached #1 on the Billboard R&B chart and became an anthem of strength, patience, and emotional support, wrapped in irresistible dancefloor energy. Its mix of church-inspired call-and-response and gritty Southern groove made it one of the most enduring soul singles of the 1960s.

“Hold On, I’m Comin’” gained a second life in pop culture through The Blues Brothers (1980), where it was featured on the soundtrack and performed regularly by The Blues Brothers Band in tribute to Sam & Dave’s influence. Its inclusion in the film helped introduce a new generation to the Stax sound and solidified the track’s place as a cornerstone of American rhythm and blues.

Half a century later, “Hold On, I’m Comin’” still feels like a burst of pure adrenaline — a timeless anthem of support and empowerment, delivered with the fire only Sam & Dave could bring.