Double Dynamite: Sam Moore & Bruce Springsteen on the Asbury Park Boardwalk

In December of 2003, Bruce Springsteen once again returned to fabulous Convention Hall in beautiful Asbury Park, NJ for what had become a semi-regular tradition of benefit Christmas shows in his adopted hometown. Joining him were the Max Weinberg 7, the Alliance Singers, Steve Van Zandt, Nils Lofgren, Southside Johnny, Jesse Malin, Garland Jeffreys, Jon Bon Jovi, Bobby Bandiera, Willie Nile, and the Victorious Gospel Choir, who served as the opening act.

But the main attraction was none other than Sam Moore. The great soul singer, half of Sam & Dave, the Stax duo known as "Double Dynamite." We knew Bruce and Sam were acquainted: there were reports of Bruce at Sam & Dave gigs at the Fast Lane, Sam had sung backing vocals on a few songs on 1992's Human Touch, made a guest appearance at a Reunion-era show in 1999. However, absolutely no one in the audience was prepared for there to be a full-on, old-school rhythm and blues revue at Convention Hall in 2003 thanks to Sam's arrival, and that's exactly what happened.

I am not exaggerating when I tell you these were some of the greatest concerts I have ever seen (I was there for the 7th & 8th), and that opinion has not changed in the ensuing decades.