Today, April 4, marks the 46th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Legendary soul man Sam Moore is celebrating the life of Dr. King in music by releasing a new tune, "They Killed a King."

Moore completely re-worked the song from it's original form feeling those lyrics wouldn't translate here in the U.S.

The song was adapted recently by Moore from a tune that was co-written shortly after King's death by well-known Belgian entertainer Bobbejaan Schoepen (pr: BOB-uh-john SHO-pen) and Trinidadian singer Mel Turner -- who died in 2010 and 2000, respectively.

Moore was quick to point out the reason he recorded the song at this time in his life and career.

Sam explains that his goal in recording the song was not to draw attention to himself, but rather to spread King's message of peaceful coexistence while pointing out how the current divisive climate in the U.S. is at odds with the late activist and humanitarian's beliefs.

"I didn't do it for a Sam Moore thing," says Moore.  "I'm just paraphrasing what he had in mind and what he actually died for.  And right now I'm pretty sure he didn't die for what's going on today."

Moore crossed paths with King a number of times during the 1960s, and he says he learned some valuable lessons by listening to what he had to say and observing his actions.

 

 

 

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